A £400,000 grant scheme has been launched to help Barrow people get back into work.
Charitable organisations, including social enterprises, can apply to the scheme to help those who want to overcome health challenges which prevent them from working, or which limit how much work they are able to do.
The Barrow Rising: Work and Health Fund (Adult Support), led by Westmorland and Furness Council, is open to organisations that support people who are disabled or have long-term health conditions, those with caring responsibilities, or others experiencing disadvantage.
Voluntary and community organisations which are working on projects with local employers, committed to inclusive workplaces, are encouraged to apply.
The initiative aims to build strong community connections and create meaningful pathways into work, with priority given to projects that bring fresh, community-led ideas to life.
Clare Paling, public health project officer at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “We know that there are people out there in Barrow who want to get back into the workforce, but who face barriers and challenges which prevent them from being able to.
“This scheme will place money in the hands of local organisations who can help the people they support.
“Having access to work can help improve mental and physical health, and the idea is that this fund can be used to help make work more accessible for people.”
Projects should emphasise partnership working with other organisations, building referral pathways, and offering a model that can scale or be replicated.
Smaller pilot projects are also welcome, especially if they test new ideas and learn from them.
The funding can cover running costs, staff salaries, overheads, project-level evaluation, and even essential capital items needed to deliver or sustain services.
Cllr Patricia Bell, Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet member for adult care, said: “Team Barrow is a partnership between central Government, Westmorland and Furness Council and BAE Systems, whose two core outcomes are to help deliver submarines and diversify and strengthen the town’s economy.
“Helping local people to get back into work can help with both of those outcomes.
“We’re especially interested in initiatives where people with lived experience help shape the service — helping to deliver real, meaningful impact for groups facing health-related barriers such as mild to moderate mental health issues, chronic pain, substance misuse recovery, and women’s wellbeing.”
There are two funding levels for the scheme, which is being managed by the Cumbria Community Foundation, on behalf of Team Barrow.
- Up to £50,000 for single organisations
- Up to £100,000 for collaborative partnerships
All projects must run for 12 months from the date the grant is awarded and meet certain reporting and delivery standards set out in the Barrow Rising Work and Health Fund (Adult Support) Service Scope Document.
More information on the criteria can be found at https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/barrow-rising-work-and-health-fund-adult-support/
Key dates:
- Applications close: January 12 2026
- Shortlisted organisations will be invited to present to a panel from Team Barrow, week commencing March 2 2026
- Funding decisions announced by: March 31 2026
- Project start: from April 1 2026
- Impact review after 10 months, with potential for continuation funding
For more information before applying, contact Sarah Thompson at Cumbria Community Foundation via [email protected]
