An exciting new fund created by local people, for local people in Barrow to support community projects and help those in need is now open for applications.

Throughout July, local residents who volunteered to join a community panel have been taking part in workshops to decide how they would like £85,000 of grant funding to be spent.

The participatory element of the Barrow Social Impact Fund has been provided by Team Barrow and managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, and aims to strengthen communities, build the resilience of voluntary and community groups and make Barrow a better place to live, work, study, and visit.

The community panel has named the fund the People Helping People Fund, and decided that it will support projects in Barrow that do one of the following:
• Bring people together through social activities
• Improve local community spaces
• Create opportunities for young people (aged 14 to 18)
• Celebrate and promote positive stories in Barrow
• Provide early intervention or recovery support for those affected by alcohol or drug use

The volunteers have also helped design the application process, with an emphasis on making it as accessible as possible.

Application forms are in easy-read format, and there will be several ‘meet the fund’ sessions in Barrow and online for anyone thinking of applying.

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “It has been fantastic working with the community panel in Barrow, who have brought real-life experience and local insight to the table. Their involvement has ensured that funding decisions are shaped by the people who know the community best, helping to target support where it will have the greatest impact.

“Thank you so much to all of the volunteers who gave up their time to create the People Helping People Fund, and of course to Team Barrow’s Barrow Social Impact Fund for providing the funding.

“I encourage anyone thinking of applying to come along to one of the ‘meet the fund’ events where panel members – local residents who helped shaped the fund – will be available to answer questions and support with applications.”

Peter Anstiss, Chief Executive Officer of Team Barrow, said: “I very much value the opportunity for Team Barrow to contribute to this important programme of work. The ability to help those in need by allocating money from the Barrow Social Impact Fund to Cumbria Community Foundation fits with the core objectives of the 10-year Plan for Barrow and ensures local people are at the heart of distributing this funding to achieve maximum benefit for the community.”

Members of the community panel said how much they had enjoyed and valued the opportunity to help create the new fund and make decisions about where funding should go locally.

One said: “This has been the first time I have felt valued and listened to as a member of the community.”

Another said the workshops had given them “new connections, a buzz of ideas and energy, and a broader understanding of some of the different challenges faced by people… that there are so many people who share the same values and vision for Barrow.”

Their involvement has ensured that funding decisions are grounded in lived experience and reflect the priorities of local people, helping to direct support where it is needed most.

The ‘meet the fund’ events will take place on:
• Friday 8 August, 12-3pm at Barrow Library Café
• Wednesday 27 August, 7-8pm online
• Thursday 28 August, 2-4pm at The Bridge, Portland Walk
• Thursday 28 August, 5-8pm at Walney Community Centre, Central Drive

Attendance is optional but encouraged for those seeking help with their application.

The People Helping People Fund will prioritise projects supporting vulnerable people, such as those facing isolation; creating opportunities for children, teens, and older adults; promoting Barrow’s strengths; and encouraging peer support and shared spaces.

Individuals working with a charitable group can apply for up to £750. Charities and groups with an income of less than £200,000 can apply for up to £10,000.

More details and the application forms can be found online at: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/people-helping-people-fund/

The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Friday 19 September 2025.

The community panel will meet in October to decide which projects will be awarded funding. Grants will be expected to be spent by May 2026.