More than 10,000 Barrovians are being supported by Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF) to step into volunteering roles.

This initiative has been made possible due to the Government's Know Your Neighbourhood Fund.

The Cumbria Community Foundation has allocated more than £1.1 million to cultivate volunteering opportunities that also provide comprehensive support to individuals at risk of, or currently enduring, loneliness in Barrow.

Furness for You is a fresh collaboration of community-led activities focussed on enhancing general wellbeing, promoting social connections, and combating loneliness.

This programme received £960,831 to provide an assorted array of activities, including creative ventures, group events, one-to-one assistance, and volunteering openings.

It is led by Groundwork NE & Cumbria, with partners including Age UK Barrow, Brathay Trust, Barrow Leisure Centre, Barrow & District Disability Association, Cumbria CVS, Furness Multicultural Forum, the Poverty Truth Commission, StitchAbility and Women's Community Matters.

Groundwork North East & Cumbria representative Craig Drummond, said: “We are delighted that the money has been released for this crucial programme.

"Loneliness and isolation are devastating and sadly impact many people in the community.

"As a partnership we will build confidence and be a first step for many people to access an umbrella of services under one name, Furness for You, to ensure people receive the right support at the right time for their mental and physical wellbeing.”

Another stipend of £210,502 was conferred to the Cumbria Wildlife Trust to implement a nature and wellbeing project.

The project aims to establish a connection between people and the outdoors.

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at CCF, said: “Barrow is a vibrant and growing town with lots of great volunteering networks and community activities on offer. The Know Your Neighbourhood Fund is a chance to build on that success, share learning, work in partnership, and really make a difference in people’s lives.

"The fund has given a wide range of organisations the opportunity to reach more people and boost volunteering, strengthen the great communities in the town and improve wellbeing for everyone."

Research has found that people living in the most deprived areas are more likely to report feeling lonely, and are less likely to volunteer.

Civil Society Minister, Stuart Andrew, said: “We know that volunteering can help people connect, as well as improving mental wellbeing and helping people develop new skills.

"This funding will mean those in some of the most disadvantaged areas across the country are able to volunteer in an area that interests them."