A CHARITY specialising in mental-health and wellbeing has secured £145,000 of funding to help it continue working in the community.

Organic farm-based charity Growing Well, which occupies six acres of land at Low Sizergh Farm, has been awarded enough money to keep it running for the next three years.

It currently offers one to one occupational therapy support for participants and supported catering activities to help people learn independent living skills.

General manager, Claire Louise Chapman said: "We are a mental health charity that offers a free service to anyone having a hard time with their mental health.

"As an organic farm, we offer lots of ways for people to become involved with our work, being active and feeling valued, as well as supported to move forwards from illness.

"People can get in touch with us directly, or ask their GP about us. "We rely upon charitable donations to enable us to do our work.

"A big part of my job is to look for money so we can make sure our service is free for anyone who needs it."

A sum of £70,000 came from grant-giving organisation, The Henry Smith Charity, £60,000 came from The Tudor Trust and Cumbria Community Foundation donated £15,000.

Ms Chapman added: "It’s great news to know we can staff our planned new field kitchen, which is a critical part of our therapeutic programme.

"Many people with poor mental health struggle to look after themselves, so a free hot, healthy lunch is really important."

Growing Well will be launching a crowd fundraising appeal in the new year with a target of £10,000 and are keen to hear from anyone who could help donate cooking equipment, storage or stainless steel.