Nine charities in the North East of England are sharing more than £23,000 in small grants handed out by broadband provider GoFibre.

Through its GoFurther Fund the provider has handed the money to community groups and charities involved in benefiting the environmental, supporting community wellbeing, boosting education and skills, promoting internet safety and tackling digital exclusion.

“We know that charities continue to play a valuable role within communities, bringing people together and supporting vulnerable individuals. This is why we set up the GoFurther Fund,” said GoFibre chief executive Neil Conaghan.

Good causes across Teesdale to be handed grants of £3,000 include Trade4Case Project CIC and Teesdale Community Resources, at Barnard Castle.

Teesdale Day Clubs. Teesdale Rural Watch and Mickleton Village Hall have also received grants of between £1,080 and £3,000.

“Clubs which bring people together, truly are the beating heart of our communities,” said Amanda Raine, general manager at Teesdale Day Clubs.

“We’ve seen this for over three decades and with this GoFibre funding we can continue to roll out our lunch clubs to even more adults who are lonely or at risk of social isolation.”

Meanwhile, four charities in North Northumberland have also been handed grants of between £3,000 and £2,000.

These are Hospice Care North Northumberland, Border Links, Inky Fingers Art Club and Berwick Rangers Juniors Youth Development Trust.

“This funding is a game-changer, allowing us to continue to support those who need it most,” said Hospice Care North Northumberland head of income generation Lucy Bell.

“Our mission focuses on providing practical care and for adults with terminal illnesses and those requiring palliative care.

“We are incredibly grateful to GoFibre for rewarding our efforts to enhance the lives of individuals in our community.”

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