CHARITIES and community groups across Cumbria could benefit from up to £5,000 as a new recovery fund has been launched.

Cumbria's Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall has set up the Covid-19 Community Recovery Fund to help local groups deal with the financial impact of the pandemic.

The £250,000 fund will provide a short term funding boost for groups that are struggling to retain their offer of support to victims and communities, or who are looking at different ways of working to continue to achieve their aims.

Mr McCall said: “Local charities, voluntary and community groups have been carrying out a significant amount of valuable work in our communities during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure that those people who need help are being supported. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those that have worked selflessly to support our communities.

"As lockdown measures progressively start to ease and we enter the recovery phase of Covid-19, it is predicted that there will be a surge in demand for these types of services, but many groups are struggling financially as they are unable to carry out their normal fundraising activities.

"The new fund will provide a financial boost to charities and community groups that support objectives from the Police and Crime Plan, in order that they may continue helping communities at this difficult time. I would urge applications to come forward as soon as possible."

Applications are being considered on the last day of the month from June to September. Visit cumbria-pcc.gov.uk/what-we-do/funding to apply.