The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced the extension of the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund until March 2026. This funding has been allocated to various projects, including the Furness For You partnership project, which aims to promote volunteering and foster social connections within the Barrow-in-Furness community.
Barrow-in-Furness, a town recognized by the government for its high levels of deprivation and need for support in terms of civil society and community infrastructure, has received a further £260,000 through the extended Know Your Neighbourhood Fund. This funding has been distributed by the Cumbria Community Foundation, which has already allocated over £1 million to various projects through the initial launch of the fund in January 2023. Additionally, the Cumbria Community Foundation was able to provide further funds through local match funding.
In April 2025, the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund was extended until March 2026, with an additional £4.5 million in government funding. Of this amount, £2.6 million has been awarded to UK Community Foundations (UKCF) by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
As a member of UKCF, the Cumbria Community Foundation will use their extended allocation of £260,000 to continue supporting existing projects and work with local voluntary networks to implement sustainable initiatives that will extend beyond March 2026.
The Furness For You project, led by charity Groundwork North East and Cumbria, is a partnership of local charities and voluntary organizations that offers various activities to address isolation and loneliness, build confidence, and promote volunteering. According to Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, an evaluation of the project has shown a significant impact on participants, with many reporting improved mental health, increased social connections, and personal growth. The funding of nearly £11,000 from the Pappagallino Fund will also contribute to the extension and development of the project.
To further support the Furness For You partnership’s mission, an online support hub has been launched, providing access to resources, services, and activities for individuals in the Furness area. The free website, furnessforyou.org.uk, brings together information from a variety of organizations and aims to tackle social isolation, promote volunteering, and strengthen community ties.