Service to support Cumbrian mental health given funding boost

Middle aged woman reading her Apple iPhone smartphone in bed at night
Author: Cameron GreenPublished 1st Feb 2023

Cumbria county council's local commitee have agreed to award £10,000 to a new Talking Support Service for Eden.

It will be piloted in the district by Together We CIC. The service aims to support individuals with mental health needs, aged 16 years and over. The aim of Talking Support is to empower people and help them to better manage their mental and physical health and wellbeing. The service will be available to individuals across Eden and can be accessed in person, via telephone or online.

Members of Cumbria County Council's Local Committee for Eden met on Tuesday 31 January 2023 for their public meeting, which took place at The LEP Offices, Redhills, Penrith.

Cllr Phil Dew, Chair of Eden Local Committee, said:

“As a committee we feel it is important to use the funding we have available to support the wellbeing of local people. The “Talking Support Service” will offer a good addition to local support for those struggling with their mental health.

Councilliors also agreed to give a further £15,990 to bolster local support in the district. They say it is in response to the cost-of-living crisis and increased pressure on families struggling to make ends meet. This additional funding will be distributed via support agencies to help households experiencing hardship. A dedicated webpage has been developed offering a wide range of advice and support from energy saving and access to foodbanks, to mental health support and staying warm.

Cllr Dew said: “The additional funding for households struggling in the current crisis will boost the support local agencies are able to offer and help reduce pressure on families and individuals”.

Lastly, members also received an update on the work of Eden Local Committee’s Children and Young People’s Working Group. At their recent 0-19 grant panel meeting members approved an award of £3500 for the Platinum Park renovation project in Appleby.

Cllr Dew, added:“Eden Local Committee’ s 0-19 Fund aims to support projects that create benefit for young people in Eden. Applications are considered from constituted community groups. For more information on grants available from Eden Local Committee please contact the Eden Community Development team on 01768 812660”.

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