Nearly £17,000 has been invested into grassroots community projects.

The Whitehaven and Coastal Community Panel allocated the funds to initiatives aimed at improving health and wellbeing.

Among the beneficiaries was Bee Unique, which received £2,330 to purchase inflatable play equipment for events, with the income supporting their work with people with autism.

Cumbria Health Ltd was granted £6,525 to run a 12-month pilot project delivering health and wellbeing sessions at The Senhouse Centre in Whitehaven.

Each session will feature a healthcare assistant and either a GP, mental health nurse, or advanced nurse practitioner.

Together We secured £5,874 for their 'Together We Carry' project in Whitehaven, which provides one-to-one support for new mothers and families facing mental health challenges.

The Cumberland Football Association was awarded £1,950 for the 'Clear Your Head Kickabout' football group in Whitehaven.

This weekly, informal, inclusive group, attended by around 30 people, offers both exercise and social interaction.

Cumberland Council’s director of public health and communities, Colin Cox, said: "Our community clearly set out that one of their priorities was health and wellbeing.

"These investments reflect that, covering everything from autism to parenthood.

"It's wonderful that the Whitehaven panel has been able to fund these important schemes and we all look forward to seeing how they benefit the community in the future."

The Whitehaven and Coastal Community Panel is one of eight Cumberland Council panels of councillors, each considering funding applications for local projects.

The Whitehaven and Coastal Community Panel covers the wards of Bransty, Egremont North and St Bees, Hillcrest and Hensingham, Howgate, Kells and Sandwith, and Mirehouse.

The deadline for the next round of investments is November 4.

The next meeting of the panel is on December 12 at 6pm at Rosehill Theatre in Whitehaven.

Residents are welcome to join councillors from 5.30pm for an informal chat or to answer questions.