A Cumbria charity is expanding after winning new contracts to deliver skills and employability programmes.

Inspira, which is known for achieving positive outcomes when working with young people and adults, is also recognised for the way it develops its own team.

Two of the Inspira team have taken on expanded roles thanks to the contract wins.

Chris Gibson, who is originally from Maryport and is now based in Carlisle, joined Inspira as Deputy Area Operations Manager for West Cumbria.

Chris has been so successful with managing Inspira’s delivery of employability programmes in Cumbria that he has also been given responsibility for Lancashire.

Chris, Inspira’s Contracts Manager for Cumbria and Lancashire, said: “It’s great news that we can continue to develop our offerings out to the wider North West area.

“We’ve seen the successes possible with the work we’ve carried out in Cumbria supporting those who are unemployed and inactive into training and work, and we look forward to more of that in Lancashire.”

Rachael Slater, Inspira’s Area Operations Manager for Lancashire, has also accepted an expanded role due to the new contract wins in the region.

Rachael said, “I have a passionate, energetic and talented team and I know that people need us now more than ever as a support system.”

More than 21,000 people from Cumbria and Lancashire access Inspira’s services each year.

Inspira also works with employers, local economic partnerships, councils and a range of organisations to deliver comprehensive programmes, solve local skills shortages, invest in young people and help reduce unemployment numbers in targeted areas.

For further information about how Inspira can support your organisation visit https://www.inspira.org.uk