A centre for disadvantaged women in West Cumbria has secured thousands of pounds of funding to buy IT equipment.

Women Out West, based in Kells, will use the money to buy reconditioned iPads/tablets for women that have been rehomed or are fleeing domestic abuse and violence.

The centre heard that it was successful in obtaining the funding yesterday.

They will have £10,000 available to spend on the IT equipment, which they managed to get from the Clothworkers Foundation and the Victoria Wood Foundation, both organisations from outside the Cumbrian area.

Julieanne Kelly, founder and director from Together We Can Fundraising said: "We are delighted that we have secured this funding for Women Out West and for women in our community.

"It is amazing to see that we are getting recognition from funders in other parts of the country as well as our amazing Cumbrian funders."

With the Women Out West centre currently closed due to the Covid-19 outbreak, providing IT equipment and WIFI is an essential communications link for the women, who will be able to access support online with the Women Out West team.

Julieanne added: "With the centre currently still not open, this way, our most vulnerable women will be able to have continued support."

Rachel Holliday, founder and director from Time To Change West Cumbria, who runs Women Out West, is very keen for the funding to be spent in the local area.

They are urging local businesses that could provide some or all of the reconditioned iPads/tablets for the women to contact them.

They would also like to hear from anyone that would like to fundraise for the centre, as they have lost thousands of pounds of fundraising potential through recently cancelled events.

Julieanne said that they had 20 runners that would have taken part in the Great North Run, and raised around £10,000 for the centre. however, the race has been cancelled this year.

She added: "If anyone would like to make a donation or fundraise for the centre, please get in touch.

"We have a fundraising pack and a team of volunteers to help with whatever challenge you would like to do!"

Any businesses that can help source the iPads/tablets or help the centre with fundraising can contact the team on 07722589859 or email them at admin@togetherwecanfundraising.co.uk