Community groups in Whitehaven have been awarded grants to help vulnerable individuals access the internet and technology.

The funding comes from Full Fibre broadband firm Fibrus, in conjunction with Cumbria Community Foundation, through its Fibrus Community Fund Cumbria, established in April last year.

One of the recipient groups is Time to Change West Cumbria, which combats homelessness and poverty in the area.

The funding will support their flagship initiative, Calderwood House Homeless Hostel, providing Wi-Fi dongles in social housing to help vulnerable people, particularly women and children escaping domestic abuse.

Founder and CEO Rachel Holliday said: "Those on low income fleeing domestic abuse need to be able to access the internet to access Universal Credit, Choice Based Lettings, Online Banking, and to apply for support services in their area.

"We believe that providing access to the internet in this way relieves a lot of stress and is the quickest, most effective way to support the person to be able to get moved on into permanent accommodation causing the least amount of disruption to the children and lives."

Fibrus’ donations over the last 12 months total at £60,000, with an emphasis on alleviating digital poverty, focusing on those aged 18 and under, and the over-60s.

Linda McMillan, chief people officer at Fibrus, said: "We know how beneficial fibrefast broadband can be to communities, but we’re acutely aware that digital poverty is a big issue, so this fund is all about enabling everyone to make the most of being connected."

Jenny Benson, director of programmes and partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, described the 'life changing' nature of the grants.

She said: "The grants provided by the Fibrus Community Fund can be life changing.

“They can pay for devices that help young people with schoolwork or to apply for their first job, for example, and enable older people to access online services and stay connected with family and friends through Skype or Zoom.”

In 2023, among the 31 organisations Fibrus supported were the Wigton Youth Station, 4th Workington Guides and Scouts, Age UK South Lakeland and the Brathay Trust.

To apply for the next round of funding, which closes on May 17, visit the Cumbria Community Foundation website.