An initiative has been set up for holiday and second homeowners in Cumbria to give back to local causes at the heart of the community. 

The Cumbria Home from Home Fund, set up by Cumbria Community Foundation, after growing interest from regular holidaymakers in the area to support communities and the most vulnerable who live there. 

The initiative looks to encourage holiday homeowners to give the equivalent of a week’s rental income back to the local communities in which they holiday in. 

Jacqui Currie, head of development at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: "The beauty of the Lake District often disguises the fact that too many of our residents are experiencing hardship.

"The charities and community groups active throughout the area serve both visitors and locals alike. With 2021 having seen unprecedented demand for holiday cottage accommodation, and bookings for 2022 already buoyant, it feels like the right time to launch this fund, which connects holiday and second home owners with local communities," she said. 

The funding will initially award grants of up to £10,000 to community projects, with hopes to alleviate pressures facing local communities, such as help people access the outdoors more; improve mental health and wellbeing; helping young people access skills and jobs and help support older people suffering from dementia, hardship, or loneliness. 

Grants will also be considered for community run intiatives such as pubs, shops and village halls. 

Claire Logan Stephens, who has donated to the fund, said: "I, like many holiday homeowners, have a deep affection for Cumbria and I really want to help the local communities to thrive. I feel fortunate to own a holiday home in Troutbeck and giving a week’s rent back to help local causes feels like the right thing to do, especially after such a busy year with bookings. 

"This fund provides an easy and transparent way to make a difference and will further enhance the county’s reputation for promoting responsible and ethical tourism. Cumbria Community Foundation also has an excellent reputation for getting much needed support to the most vulnerable. This initiative is good news," she said.