Westmorland and Furness Council is working with partners as part of the Furness for You Partnership to tackle loneliness and increase volunteering opportunities across Barrow-in-Furness.
Funded by the Government’s Know Your Neighbourhood Fund, the project aims to widen participation in volunteering, create support for people experiencing, or at risk of, loneliness in Barrow, as well as improve wellbeing and pride of place.
The Partnership has been allocated £960,831 to offer a varied programme including one-to-one support, group events, creative activities, as well as volunteering opportunities.
Alongside the council, the Partnership, managed by Groundwork North East and Cumbria, involves a range of delivery partners such as Age UK Barrow and District, Cumbria CVS, Brathay Trust, Women’s Community Matters, and more.
Last year, the Partnership came together for a festive themed celebration of the Barrow community showcasing what services are on offer. Residents from all walks of life got involved in a range of activities such as a the BSL choir, sharing gifts of kindness and singing festive songs, all while learning about the free local services on offer to them.
The project builds on the success and vision of the Community Prosperity Partnership (CPP) which is a third sector and statutory multi-agency partnership looking at the needs of communities and identifying ways and funding to support.
Councillor Virginia Taylor, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Communities and Localities, said:
“I am delighted that the council is supporting this project! My thanks go to everyone in our Thriving Communities team who helped make this exciting new partnership a reality.
“The funding will support people who have not previously had opportunities to volunteer, or who maybe want to make new friends - and help others at the same time. People will be able to access all sorts of activities that will help to improve their wellbeing, skills, confidence and social connections while they help other people too.
“Last year’s event was really successful. It brought different parts of the community together and forged new links and networks amongst the residents of Barrow-in-Furness. I am looking forward to seeing how this new collaborative effort will make Barrow an even happier place!”