THE pandemic has provided plenty of challenges for organisations up and down the country - but one Cumbrian arts charity has bucked the national trend and is now looking to expand.

The Love Local Jobs Tourism and Hospitality campaign is being backed by Newsquest/LOCALiQ Cumbria and Stagecoach.

It will mean Newsquest’s print and online recruitment platforms will be accessible free of charge to any business with vacancies in the sector.

Signal Film and Media is expanding its team of ambitious and talented staff to meet the demands of the growing organisation.

The arts charity based in Barrow-in-Furness has delivered innovative film and digital media projects since 2008. They provide access to opportunities & inspiration through film & digital media to disadvantaged & isolated communities, create award-winning works for exhibition and support the development of a vibrant film and arts culture in the area.

During the lockdowns of the past 18 months, the company has risen to the challenge of adapting practices to go online so that they could keep working with and supporting local people, artists, volunteers and young participants.

They now seek two experienced professionals to support both the Adult and the Young People's programmes; are expanding their pool of Freelance Creative Practitioners to support and work creatively with local people, and are offering two Kickstarter Opportunities to help under 25s get a foothold on a creative industries career path.

Kerry Kolbe, Co-Director, says “We've managed to keep funding coming in because we've been working with more people than ever before over lockdown.

"So we’re growing the team, looking for new, ideally local people so that we can continue to support adults and young people affected by the crisis who have been particularly hit by issues of isolation, loneliness and associated poor mental health”.

Signal Film and Media’s new team members will deliver projects that help others learn new skills, reconnect, be creative and express themselves during these difficult transitional times, with the ultimate aim of encouraging job creation and helping to improve wellbeing.

Signal Film and Media was founded by Kerry and her school friend Loren Slater, and can trace its roots back to 2004.

The charity now works with local and national funders, education and communityorganisations and leading artists to provide opportunities including training, networking, events, exhibitions and access to facilities.

Anyone wishing to apply for the jobs should visit the Signal Film and Media website https://signalfilmandmedia.com/about/work-with-us/