Last updated at 16:58, Tuesday, 05 February 2013

COMMUNITY groups have scored almost £300,000 in lottery money.

CASH Receiving a cheque for nearly £300,000 are Mason Minnitt, Charlotte Chorlton, Steve Robson, Robin Battersby, Graham Bassett and Caroline Vernon submitted

The substantial grant will fund a project called “Inspiring Barrow”, which aims to encourage people to live healthy, happy and productive lives.

The three-year programme will attempt to raise people’s aspirations through personal development courses, training opportunities and promoting healthy lifestyles. Cumbria CVS, Central and Hindpool Neighbourhood Management Team, Cumbria County Council’s children’s services, Inspira, Lancaster University, NHS Cumbria Public Health Improvement Team and the Primary Schools Collaborative will all be involved in driving the initiative.

Inspiring Barrow was borne out of a year-long pilot project held in 2010-11, which has achieved many successes and attracted government interest.

Robin Battersby, the Cumbria CVS business development officer for Barrow and South Lakeland, said the new funding meant the scheme could continue to build on those gains.

“It is a fantastic shot in the arm for the town, especially when financial cutbacks and reductions in services are really starting to bite,” he said.

First published at 16:26, Tuesday, 05 February 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk