UPDATE: Funding has now closed
West Cumbrian families in financial hardship can apply to a new fund for up to £1,000 towards their everyday living costs.
The Family Support Fund was set up thanks to funding from Sellafield Ltd as part of its Social impact multiplied (SiX) programme, administered by Cumbria Community Foundation.
The aim of the fund is to provide financial support to vulnerable families in most need with the cost of essentials.
The funding is available to families in need living in the former districts of Allerdale and Copeland, either raising a child under 16 or a young person up to the age of 25 with a long-term disability, disabling condition or life-limiting illness.
Families in need, distress or financial hardship who have exhausted all other sources of funding can apply for a grant to help with basic washing, cooking, sleeping and clothing needs, or towards accommodation costs and wider household essentials.
Tracey West, senior social impact manager at Sellafield, said: “One of our social impact priorities is to support families and to help alleviate hardship.
“Although we tend to work on projects that are designed for sustained impact over the longer term, sometimes we need to do things to address the current situation when people are struggling.”
Annalee Holliday, head of grants practice & programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “Week after week we hear stories of families across West Cumbria who are struggling to feed and clothe their children or pay their household bills.
“This funding will be a very welcome lifeline for many who are having a really hard time right now.”
