NINE charities that form the Gateway partnership are holding a hustings event in Kendal next Thursday.

They will be working with their service users in advance to ensure the issues that are important to them are heard, and answered, by the local parliamentary candidates.

The charities say they are increasingly relied on to provide essential services and that this is the first time they have been able to use the strength of their partnership for greater local and national influence.

They expect to ask the five Westmorland and Lonsdsale candidates to comment on key issues affecting their service users around health and living in our community.

The charities involved in organising this event are Age UK South Lakeland, Sight Advice South Lakes, South Lakeland Mind, South Lakeland Carers, Alzheimers Society, Citizens Advice Bureau, The Oaklea Trust, Cancer Care and Cumbria CVS.

Four local Candidates have already confirmed their attendance and are looking forward to the opportunity to meet and talk with local people about issues that are important to them.

Claire Park, Chair of the Gateway partnership, said: “This is a key event for our service users and a great opportunity for people to bring their issues and concerns to the Candidates that have it in their power to make a difference.”

If you would like to raise any issues, be involved in this important event or just find out more then please contact Claire Park on 01539 742633 or the Gateway partnership administrator, Lisa Wilks, by email lwilks@ageuksouthlakeland.org.uk