FIVE Isle of Wight organisations are set to receive a share of nearly £100,000 ­— to help with their plans to tackle loneliness.

The money ­— which comes from the National Lottery Community Fund ­— is intended to create stronger, more connected communities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Among those to benefit from the cash are:

• Isle of Wight Citizens Advice, to help meet the increase in demand for services.

• Isle of Wight Community Rail Partnership, to support a project providing lunches to older people and vulnerable families.

• Carers Isle of Wight, to deliver video calling support sessions to carers.

• John’s Club Isle of Wight, to provide support such as the delivery of groceries and prescriptions, and offer transport to and from medical appointments to vulnerable people who are self-isolating.

It also includes home visits from volunteers and a 24-hour helpline.

• Home-Start Isle of Wight, to cover a new coordinator post to support new volunteers and increase capacity to support families online.

It will also be used to cover a new fundraiser post and an increase in staffing costs.

Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely has welcomed the news, and said anyone looking to fund a local community project can find more details about the fund by visiting www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding

“There is some great work being done across the Island to help keep people connected and support those who may be feeling isolated," said Seely.

“I would like to thank everyone who is working hard to look after those Islanders most in need for their continued efforts.”