Children in Need Appeal for 2009

The campaign helps thousands of children each year

Hundreds of organisations are using grant money from Children in Need to help improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people.

Despite the economic conditions, the 2008 Appeal raised a record breaking £37.8m which has helped more than 700 projects across the UK.

In Cumbria more than £196,000 has been awarded to seven projects in the form of local grants.

This year's event on Friday, 20 November marks the 30th appeal.

For more information on how to be a part of Children In Need 2009 visit the official website.

Money in Cumbria

Some of the projects awarded grants include:

Cumbria Deaf Association were awarded £81,471 in July 2009 from Children in Need, to provide residential breaks, trips, activities and courses which would improve opportunities and achievements for deaf children in Cumbria.

The Junior Youth Club at Wigton Youth Station were awarded £18,407 in July 2009, to help empower and improve social skills and self-esteem for young people with learning disabilities by providing arts and healthy lifestyle activities at a Friday evening club, a newsletter and a young people's steering group.

The Woodhouse Family Advice Centre at Whitehaven was awarded £26,903 towards a project that will improve confidence and social skills for children living in deprivation by providing educational and leisure activities two evenings a week and during school holidays.