9th April 2020
A fund established to help communities respond to the COVID-19 pandemic has received a welcome boost.
The North East and North Cumbria Mental Health Integrated Care Systems (ICS) will provide additional funding to the Cumbria COVID-19 Response Fund, which will support people struggling with their mental health and wellbeing.
The NE&NC Suicide Prevention Network has allocated the funding to support organisations and community groups who are looking after those who are isolated and vulnerable within our communities.
Katherine McGleenan, suicide prevention lead across north east and north Cumbria, said: “As a mental health nurse, I’m aware of the impact struggling with mental health and wellbeing can have for people and how getting the right support can make a real difference. We want to do everything possible to get support and information to help people manage their mental health and wellbeing during this incredibly difficult and stressful time. This is especially important for people in our communities who are more vulnerable and already are struggling. People who are social isolating are perhaps feeling at the moment there is less support available so I hope this funding will make a real difference.”
Cumbria Community Foundation launched the Cumbria COVID-19 Response Fund with £100,000 of its own funds. That total now stands at over £800,000 thanks to generous donations from local companies and charitable trusts.
Andy Beeforth, CEO at Cumbria Community Foundation said: “Our communities will be hit hard by the impact of Coronavirus and they will need significant support over the next few months. Thanks to this additional donation, voluntary organisations will be able to increase their support to local people who will need help for many months to come.”
For more information about the Fund and how to donate, visit www.cumbriafoundation.org