Thousands of properties were affected during the floods

Communities Reunited has set up a stress support network for those who lost property or were made homeless.

Three people died in the floods, while thousands had to leaves their houses.

Rachel Lee, who is still unable to return to her Warwick Road home, said the meeting was a chance for people to talk about the effects of the floods.

The group will meet in the Old Town Hall in Carlisle every Wednesday from 1930 BST until 2100 BST for the next four weeks.

Severe impact

The new support group has been created following issues raised by residents, who have highlighted stress as a major problem.

Many say they are not able to manage day to day tasks easily.

Ms Lee said: "My house was under 5ft of water. Everything downstairs was ruined and my car was ruined and it's in a very similar state nine months on, although it is dry.

"It's only now people are starting to talk about how the floods have affected them.

"For those of us still out of our houses, it is a daily battle with builders and loss adjusters.

"People don't realise the impact it has had. There is an assumption that everything is OK and everyone is back in their houses, which is far from the truth."

Communities Reunited is a partnership between Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council and Carlisle Churches Flood Response Team.