TENS of thousands of pounds has been given towards tackling loneliness in Furness after pensioners 'struggled' through the pandemic.

More than £100,000 has been awarded to a range of good causes in the Furness area, including combating loneliness, helping people recover from debt, and providing activities for young people.

Cumbria Community Foundation awarded just under £104,000 at its recent Furness Grants Committee to 12 community organisations, with two people receiving a share of £3,500 to increase sporting and artistic achievement.

Helping to relieve loneliness in the community, Age UK Barrow and District received £10,000 from the Pappagallino Fund to relaunch its community-based social groups and activities, which were forced to stop during the pandemic.

The charity offers a range of services for the elderly including sessions for those who have very limited interaction with family and friends in rural areas.

Vickie Martin, Head of Age UK Barrow & District, said: "Lockdown has affected older people significantly and many people have struggled with their mental and physical health throughout the pandemic. By relaunching social groups and gentle exercise sessions, it will help people to improve their physical health and mobility and start to reconnect with friends in a social setting."

Age UK Barrow and District also received a further £20,000 to continue running its befriending service.

Youthability Youth Services & Walney Community Centre has also been awarded £5,000 to provide a wide range of activities and support children and young people with special educational needs.

Leslie McLeese, Senior Youth worker & Centre Manager, said: “The grant will enable us to carry on supporting young people with special educational needs on their social and emotional journey to adulthood. Spring Mount Christian Fellowship also received £27,000 to help people struggling to control their finances over the next three years. Its CAP Barrow project offers a life skills course and money courses and debt help.