A West Cumbrian credit union has been given a £20,000 boost so it can help people in need.
People experiencing hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic will be offered one-off access grants from Whitehaven, Egremont and District Credit Union.
It will include a complete financial health check including access to budgeting, savings accounts and low cost lending.
Staff can also arrange for partner organisations to carry out a benefits check or give debt advice.
Copeland council has extended its funding for the credit union by £20,000 to enable it to offer the grants.
Amanda Starr, Copeland’s strategic lead for social inclusion, said: “COVID has affected people in lots of ways, and the financial impact can negatively affect wellbeing.
“Working with the credit union, we can help alleviate some of this pressure.
“People in dire financial straits find this funding a lifeline.
“But it is not just about the immediate grant – it’s about helping people get control of their finances again, and supporting them towards financial sustainability to improve their wellbeing.
“The credit union can help people maximise their income, save for the future and just manage their money better generally.
“It is part of a wider network of organisations that can help with other things, like access to low cost healthy food, social prescribing and many other areas of support.”
The fund has already helped around 150 people meet their essential needs during lockdown.
To find out more about the credit union’s services, visit https://wedcu.co.uk/
