EMOTIONAL and practical support was offered to people in Carlisle who might be feeling the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A Space to Talk event was held in the city centre yesterday, giving people the chance to discuss with experienced listeners the difficult situations they've found themselves in, and be signposted to additional support if it is needed.

It was the second event organised by Carlisle City Council, NHS Primary Care Networks Carlisle Network, Carlisle Healthcare and Carlisle Vineyard Church.

Social prescribing lead Rachel Murdie said: “Many are feeling the impact of the pandemic and find themselves in situations they have never experienced before; this can be frightening, increase anxiety and escalate practical difficulties. We are here to listen and to help.

"We are looking forward to expanding the scope of the events working with the city community centres in the coming months."

Miriam Lowe, of Carlisle Vineyard Church, added: "These have been incredibly challenging months with so many difficult and uncertain experiences as we’ve face Covid-19 as a community. Each one of us will have our own stories and the impact of the pandemic and its effects on our lives. Each of these stories is important.

"These listening spaces are simply to create space to listen to one another, to connect, to be community, and to share our experiences and to know we are not alone in our day to day lives. This is so important for our wellbeing."