CUMBRIA County Council's local committee for Eden agreed to support The NCH COPE Parenting Project to the tune of £2,000. COPE (Course tO helP parEnts) has been operating in other parts of the county for a number of years and now wants to expand into the Eden area. Seven courses will be held in Eden this year. "These courses are for anyone who is responsible for bringing up a child and provide help and support on all aspects of parenting," said local committee chairman, Coun Gary Strong.

A TOTAL of 154 people in Cumbria benefited from grants from Macmillan Cancer Relief totalling £58,140 during 2004. A Macmillan grant can be used for practical needs like fuel bills, and travel, or to improve the quality of life of people living with cancer. Macmillan has launched a campaign to highlight the financial problems that can affect people with cancer. For further information about the help that is available, and a free booklet, call the Better Deal campaign free on 0800-500-800.

IF YOU are good on two wheels, fast at climbing hills and feel at home in water, then you could be just the sort of person needed to take part in Race the Sun. Action Medical Research is looking for teams to take part in the fund-raising event, which incorporates a triathlon- style challenge, including cycling, climbing and canoeing. The Race the Sun takes place on September 10. To enter, contact Gay Rose on 01462-634646.

THE British Heart Foundation hopes people in Cumbria will declare their love in a more unusual way this Valentine's Day to help the charity to raise £1 million. For a suggested donation of £1, people can write a romantic message on a love note' and stick it in their local BHF shop window for all to see.

VOLUNTEERS from the Kendal division of St John Ambulance worked a total of 2,988 hours and in the process gave first aid treatment to 130 patients last year. The division's ambulances covered 3,784 miles. The organisation is always open to new members. The adult section meets every Monday evening at the headquarters on Sandes Avenue, Kendal, while the thriving youth section meets on Fridays.

ULVERSTON Gardeners Society opened its January meeting by presenting a £100 cheque to the Furness Oncology Appeal. The money was raised by sales on the charity table' at the society's monthly meetings. The Oncology Unit at Furness General Hospital treats patients suffering from tumours and has been raising money for extra equipment.

THE Glenn Miller Orchestra, with The Moonlight Serenaders and The Uptown Hall Gang, will be appearing at the Coronation Hall in Ulverston, on Saturday, February 12, at 7.30pm. The event is being promoted by Barrow and Districts Society for the Blind.

STREET collections held in Kendal raised £338.16 for the British Red Cross. The money will be used to support people in times of crisis.

ANYONE with an interest in mental health and learning disability services in North Cumbria is invited to a meeting on Wednesday, February 2, from 10.30am to 12.30pm in The Methodist Church at Penrith. The Patient and Public Involvement in Health Forum for that area would like to hear from anyone with a view about services.