A Whitehaven group set up to support young LGBT people and their families has received a community grant.

Always Another Way Ltd was created a last year by the parents of a transgender daughter to address a lack of local support, with the closest provision being in Carlisle.

And with the help of a £2,625 grant from the Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF), the group has been able to launch its Colour Coated project, based in Whitehaven's Harbour Youth Project, to offer a supportive environment for LGBT people and their families to meet.

Held in two-hour sessions, the youth club-style gatherings include guest speakers on a range of topics including bullying and hate crime.

Jo Haigh, director of Always Another Way Cumbria Ltd, said: "The teenage years, puberty and development can be difficult enough for many young people and families.

"The concerns, questions and emotions surrounding sexual orientation and gender can be very confusing, not to mention adding in the factors relating to lack of acceptance and hate crimes.

"Social isolation is common among young LGBT people in Cumbria and there is limited understanding of the issues these individuals face.

"We aim to empower young LGBT people and their families and hope the project will promote resilience, provide new friendships and improve life chances."

Also receiving money in the latest round of CCF grants is the Friends of Kie Park, which has been donated £500 towards the running costs of the skatepark in Hensingham, Whitehaven, built in memory of teenager Kieran Goulding.

A reduction is anti-social behaviour has been recorded since the park opened last may.

Stephen McDowell, chairman of the Friends of Kie Park, said: "Kie Park provides additional youth facilities within Copeland that involves more young people in leisure, particularly those from disadvantaged areas.

"Young people have access to a free, innovative, local facility that will create sporting habits for life. The grant will ensure the park remains fit for purpose and continues to be an asset to the community."

And a £3,800 grant has been given to Lowca Social Club towards a refurbishment of the venue.

Annalee Holliday, grants and donor services officer at CCF, said: “We are grateful for our fundholders’ generosity to enable us to support the many and varied community projects in our area."

Applications for the next round of funding need to be submitted by Friday, February 24. For more information or to apply visit www.cumbriafoundation.org or contact the grants team on 01900 825760.