Community Transport South Lakeland provides a volunteer driver scheme, which offers transport to people who might need help to get about throughout South Lakeland. Formed in 1994, it was one of the first voluntary organisations to make its home in Stricklandgate House.

"We have 115 volunteers who use their own cars to take people out, shopping for example, for a 35 pence per mile charge. We also have a wheelchair accessible minibus," said manager Mary Gough.

The charity also operates a service whereby it appropriates vehicles from other organisations, such as scout groups, while they are not being used and puts them to use in the community.

The services provided are funded by the Community Fund and Cumbria County Council and, because it is a non-profit-making organisation, they are available to anyone.

"We have a wide diversity of clients. It used to just be people with transport problems but the minibus is used by a wide range of groups," she said.

Mrs Gough also believes that they are filling a need in the community.

"We only started in January last year and I have been amazed by the way it has taken off," she said.

She is also under no doubt as to the importance of being in such close proximity with other like-minded organisations.

"The most important thing about being in Stricklandgate House is the sense of community in the building. We all have a similar outlook and cross paths quite a lot," she said.

"Everybody knows it is a centre providing many different types of help. They may come to Stricklandgate House for help in one area and get assistance in another."