Barrow receives £2.8m fund to strengthen community sector
This financial support is part of Team Barrow's £5 million Social Impact Fund aimed at delivering Barrow's 10-year plan.
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Barrow's voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sector has been awarded £2.8 million from the newly renamed Sue Johnson Impact Fund.
Previously known as the Strategic Priorities Fund, this financial support is part of Team Barrow's £5 million Social Impact Fund aimed at delivering Barrow's 10-year plan.
The fund was renamed to honour Sue Johnson, who made significant contributions to the community through Dropzone Youth Projects.
Over the next four years, the £2.8 million will be distributed annually to 12 local organisations, including Women’s Community Matters and Carers Support Furness, among others.
Peter Anstiss, Chief Executive of Team Barrow, said, "The Sue Johnson Impact Fund is a vital component in the delivery of our 10‑year plan. Renaming the fund in Sue’s honour reflects the extraordinary legacy she left across Barrow’s communities."
The Sue Johnson Impact Fund was co-designed through 2025 workshops with local VCFSE groups, residents, and community partners, ensuring the investment responds directly to local needs.
Cath Corkill from Dropzone Youth Projects expressed her appreciation for the fund's renaming, highlighting Sue Johnson's impactful legacy.
In addition to this allocation, Team Barrow has provided an additional £400,000 to the People Helping People Fund, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, supporting community-strengthening projects.
Annalee Holliday from Cumbria Community Foundation highlighted the success of previous initiatives supported by local insight and collaboration.
Moreover, a one-off £100,000 grant was given to Barrow Resolve CIC, an organisation focusing on dismantling poverty and social exclusion barriers.
Hayley Stevens, Director at Barrow Resolve CIC, stated her gratitude towards Team Barrow and partners for enabling positive change within Barrow.
The £5 million Social Impact Fund aims to bolster Barrow's VCFSE sector's resilience and sustainability, supporting activities from health and wellbeing to community cohesion.
Team Barrow is a partnership involving the central Government, Westmorland and Furness Council, and BAE Systems, focused on supporting economic diversification and submarine programme delivery in Barrow.