Nine youth organisations across Cumbria have been awarded almost half a million pounds to encourage more people into the work sector and improve access to services for young people across the county.

The Better Tomorrows programme has invested in a youth work training scheme and universal youth work services, focusing on deprived and isolated areas.

Better Tomorrows three-year programme is managed by Cumbria Community Foundation and provides training as well as funding for local people.

Spearheaded by David Beeby, High Sheriff of Cumbria 2021-22 and Cumbria Community Foundation Chairman, Better Tomorrows has now raised more than £1 million and works in partnership with many local funders and supporters, including Francis C Scott Charitable Trust, the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for Cumbria and the Four Acre Trust.

Cumbria Youth Alliance aims to increase the number of qualified youth workers across the county, ensuring more young people become confident, resilient and optimistic for the future.

Becky Wolstenholme, CEO of Cumbria Youth Alliance, said they are “absolutely delighted” to partner the Better Tomorrows programme because its “important” to provide young people with skills and training.

Women’s Community Matters in Barrow received just under £44,000 to employ a full-time youth worker over three years. Rebecca Robson, Senior Officer, said thay are “over the moon” and their new youth worker is a “fabulous addition to the team.”

Longtown Memorial Hall and Community Centre Youth Club received £21,828 ,Nigel Williamson, Manager, said: “The great advantage of our sessions is that it allows young people to come together in a familiar setting in their own community, which is not the same as going to school. The training provides a great opportunity to learn and invest in our young people.”

Shackles Off Youth Project, based in Millom, received £27,028. Rachel Thomson, Youth Work manager, said it will help deliver high quality work and mean access to more young people.

Aspatria Dreamscheme, CandoFM Community Radio, Keswick Youth Centre Services and Multicultural Cumbria will also receive funding.

David Beeby said seeing the programme take off is “just fantastic” but it couldn’t be done without the generosity of many organisations and individuals. He thanked everyone who has donated and supported “this exciting and much needed investment”.

For more information or to donate, visit: www.cumbriafoundation.org/better-tomorrows or email David on hscumbria21@btinternet.com

To apply to the Better Tomorrows Fund, contact Annalee Holliday at Cumbria Community Foundation on 01900 820827 or annalee@cumbriafoundation.org