MORE than £140,000 was awarded to groups to help them deliver projects, activities and services to reduce isolation, improve health, and support mental wellbeing. The money was administered by Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Council for Voluntary Service (BPRCVS) on behalf of East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group. A total of £146,000 was shared between several groups in the boroughs including Lancashire Dementia Training and Consultancy and Rammy Men CIC. During the past year, the funding proved ever more crucial to small groups and organisations as many residents were struggling with poor physical health, isolation, and a range of mental health issues which have seen sharp increases since the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns.