Projects that support women across Cumbria have received more than £24,000 to boost their vital community work.

Women Out West in Whitehaven, Safety Net UK based in Carlisle, Project John in Barrow, the Be Me Project in Barrow, have all received a share of the cash boost from the Tampon Tax Community Fund.

The four groups help girls and women on a wide range of issues including emotional support, mental health, building healthy relationships, and improving their health.

Ellen Clements, senior grants and donor services officer, said: “This funding supports groups on the ground that are making a huge difference to the lives of women and girls in our local area.

“We know there is huge demand out there for these services and we are proud to support small organisations working in our community to access vital public funding, which otherwise they may miss out on.”

Safety Net UK hosts a peer support group for women in Cumbria who have experienced trauma through rape, exploitation, sexual and domestic abuse.

It has received £5,956 of the funding.

Women Out West has received £5,114 to run more sessions from the Haig Enterprise Park that will help to empower women.

This money will also help them to plan their first residential session.

Angie Dean, manager for the Whitehaven centre, said: “We are very excited to be planning our first residential session in Keswick thanks to this grant.

“The focus for the weekend is on wellbeing and improved fitness.

“Our lead planner knows first-hand the power of physical fitness on mental wellbeing as she has used fitness to improve her own mind set and personal circumstances.”

Down in the south of the county, the Be Me Project has received the largest share of the funding with £10,000.

The project will help 60 girls aged 12-15 who would benefit from greater support for their emotional and mental wellbeing.

Lisa Smith, course leader for the Be Me Project, said: “We inspire girls and women to find, celebrate and embrace their real identity and to be equipped to cope with the world’s pressures.”

Project John, also in Barrow, will receive £3,278 to run a nine-month-long project that will give women support in developing various aspects of their life.

Money from the Tampon Tax Community Fund, which is generated through the VAT on sanitary products, is dished out to projects that improve the lives of women.

This is the second time that the Cumbria Community Foundation has awarded money to projects like these.