Barrow is hoping to fight loneliness in the region through a scheme costing over £960,000.

The Furness for You Partnership has been allocated the budget 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, and Women’s Community Matters.

Councillor Virginia Taylor, Westmorland and Furness Council 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."

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 BSL choir, sharing gifts of kindness and singing festive songs, whilst also getting the chance to learn about the free services available to them.

"Last year’s event was really successful," Councillor Taylor explained.

"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."

Funded by the Government’s Know Your Neighbourhood Fund, 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.