GRANTS have been handed out to help the community during the coronavirus pandemic.

The first £82,000 from the Cumbria COVID-19 Response Fund have been distributed this week.

The Birchall Trust received £2,168 to put staff and volunteers through an online training programme so they can continue to offer counselling to survivors of rape and sexual abuse.

Age UK West Cumbria received £10,000 to support its COVID-19 Community Helpdesk and Carer Support South Lakes received £3,000 for IT equipment.

Cumbria Community Foundation launched the fund with £100,000 of its own funds. Since then, almost £700,000 has been raised by local businesses and individuals.

Visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/covid19-response-fund for more information.