THE Lighthouse, Kendal's new drop-in mental health hub, is among beneficiaries sharing more than £89,000 awarded by Cumbria Community Foundation.

The charity at Stricklandgate House, Kendal, can now give a year of mental health support thanks to £3,500 from the Brian and Ann Clark Fund and the Johnson Fund - two of the many funds administered by the foundation.

Madeleine Iddon, Lighthouse's chair of trustees said: "We provide a safe space for those in South Lakeland who may be struggling with their mental health or emotional wellbeing to drop in, have a brew and a chat with trained peer support volunteers. This grant enables us to have stability in the lease of our hub, which acts as a home from home for many of our members."

Meanwhile, Kendal Gymnastics Club was given £5,500 to help relocate and expand into new premises. The popular club wishes to set up a leadership academy for teenagers and adults to train to become a coach or judge. The club has more gymnasts wishing to join than space available. The grants were given by the Castle Green Grassroots Fund, Cumbria Young People's Grassroots Fund and the Fryer Grassroots Fund.

Beneficiaries also included Cumbria Westmorland Federation of WIs; Girlguiding Cumbria North; Growing Well at Low Sizergh; Kendal Windows on Art; Kirkby-in-Furness Community Centre; Meals on Wheels (Cumbria);and Penrith Cricket Sports and Social Club, with £1,500 to increase its number of coaches and help deliver more sessions in both winter and summer, and to introduce female and disability sessions.

Ellen Clements, senior grants and donor services officer at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “Thanks to the generosity of our fundholders we are able to support many worthy community organisations around the county. These organisations are vital for tackling issues affecting our communities.”

The closing date for the foundation’s next main grants panel is September 27, 2019. For more, visit www.cumbriafoundation.org or call the grants team on 01900-825760.

Cumbria Community Foundation is a charity dedicated to meeting community need by grant-aiding community and voluntary organisations in the county. It was launched in 1999 and has given out more than £44 million.