FINANCIAL support is being offered to Cumbrian community groups and organisations.

Working in partnership with Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Community Foundation is offering funding to charitable organisations that support interventions to help people who are struggling financially.

The current cost-of-living crisis is forcing more into poverty. Many households who were 'just about managing' have been hard hit along with one in eight households whose income is less than £10,000 per year.

The Community Hardship Fund is providing grants up to £10,000 supporting activities helping people in financial hardship.

Funding can be used for practical skills such as budgeting and cooking courses, or schemes helping people to meet pressing needs, including essential household items.

Grants will help fund foodbanks, food pantries and hubs and additional staff costs to deliver increased activities or coordinate services.

The Rock Youth Project in Carlisle received a grant to support low-income families by offering regular cooking classes and bi-weekly coffee mornings. Funding contributed to purchasing a washing machine for use by the local community, and a larger oven.

To apply for funding, visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/community-hardship-fund.