Our Story – Community Connections Millom CIC (Formerly Millom And Around The Combe CIC)
About Us
We are a small but passionate community organisation, founded in June 2024 with one simple mission: to make a lasting difference to the lives of people in Millom and the surrounding areas.
We know that the cost-of-living crisis has affected everyone, but for many local individuals and families, the daily struggle to afford clothing, household essentials, and everyday necessities has become overwhelming. That's why we exist—to provide practical support, reduce hardship, and ensure that nobody in our community has to face difficult times alone.
Our journey began with our Community Shop and Hub, run entirely by dedicated volunteers—including our directors, who all give their time freely. By offering donated clothing, homewares, furniture, and everyday essentials at affordable prices, we help people access the items they need with dignity while also promoting sustainability by giving quality items a second life.
In January 2025, we expanded our support by opening a Community Food Shop, providing affordable food to local residents. Sadly, due to the ongoing economic challenges facing small community organisations, we made the difficult decision to close the Food Shop in February 2026. While this was disappointing, it allowed us to focus our limited resources where they could make the greatest and most sustainable impact—our Community Shop and Hub, which continues to be a vital source of support for local people.
Today, our Community Hub is much more than a shop. It is a welcoming, safe space where people can access affordable essentials, seek advice, be signposted to specialist services, or simply enjoy a friendly conversation over a cup of tea. We work closely with local charities, healthcare providers, government agencies, businesses, and community organisations through a two-way referral network, ensuring people receive the right support at the right time. Whether someone needs clothing, household items, practical guidance, or simply someone willing to listen, they are always met with kindness, compassion, and respect.
Everything we achieve is made possible through the generosity of volunteers, supporters, and donors. As a small community organisation, our financial resources are limited, and every donation helps us continue providing essential services to those who need them most.
Our vision is to build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community by reducing hardship, improving wellbeing, tackling social isolation, encouraging self-confidence, and creating opportunities for people to thrive. We believe that by working together, we can help people move beyond crisis and towards a more positive future.
Millom is the most geographically isolated town in Cumbria, situated around 25 miles from the nearest major supermarket and hospital. Alongside this isolation, our community experiences high levels of deprivation and mental health challenges, with rates significantly above the national average. Despite these difficulties, Millom is a town with incredible strength, compassion, and determination—and we are proud to stand alongside our community, helping people not just to cope, but to flourish.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps us keep our Community Shop and Hub open, supporting local people with dignity, compassion, and hope. Together, we can ensure that everyone in our community has access to the support, opportunities, and sense of belonging they deserve.
Donate now 
