Groups supporting vulnerable children and families are being encouraged to apply for vital funding.

As part of Transforming West Cumbria, Family Wellbeing is set to hand out grants of up to £50,000 for the next three years, to projects that improve the health and wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the area.

Through helping parents actively support their children's development, encouraging emotional resilience in youngsters, and early-years-interventions (for babies to five-year-olds), the scheme aims to help West Cumbrian families thrive.

And as part of the £2.2 million investment of Sellafield Ltd and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), hopes are high for the project.

Gary McKeating, Sellafield Ltd’s head of community and development, said: “I am delighted that we are able to make quick progress on delivering Transforming West Cumbria.

"The fact that we are in a position to award grants so quickly is a testament to Cumbria Community Foundation’s commitment to the programme."

He continued: “There are many amazing charities that are doing vital work with some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

"I’d encourage them all to look at how the [scheme] might be able to help them support even more people, or make their work more sustainable, and get their grant applications in as quickly as possible.”

Annalee Holliday, grants and donor services officer at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We recognise that to really transform children’s life chances, they need sustained interventions that meet the diversity of their needs and that participation and co-production must be a key component of any service.

“Children and families in West Cumbria are supported by many charities to improve their lives so that they reach their full potential. These groups are part of the community, trusted by families and can make a real difference, providing help and hope.

“Family Wellbeing will address a need for more support to work with parents and families to establish stability in the lives of children and achieve lasting positive outcomes.”

For more details, or to apply for funding, visit the Cumbria Community Foundation website at www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/transforming-west-cumbria-family-wellbeing, or call 01900 825760.

Applications are set to close on September 4.