Pioneers of the community that help to bring opportunities and support to children and young people are set to benefit from further funding for their projects.

Vital cash injections into community projects in the area were agreed by members of the Cumbria County Council's  local committee for Barrow at the Nan Tait Centre on Monday.

'From strength to strength'

Part of Monday's meeting was to provide an update for members on the work of the Barrow Children and Young People's Working Group, which Councillors say has grown exponentially.

Councillor Anne Burns, for Hindpool, said: "The working group is going from strength to strength. All of us should be aware that devolving money to a local area means we can start supporting local groups.

"It is about supporting those that can be the most vulnerable in our community."

Thousands of pounds approved

Members approved recommendations to give thousands of pounds to community trusts from their Universal Provision Budget.

Ormsgill Youth & Community Association was given £7,862; Furness Carers £6,000, Walney Community Trust £5,900 and Dropzone £5,280.

Walney Community Trust and Furness Carers are also set to benefit from funding from the 0-19 Services Grant Budget along with Barrow Sports Council and Leonard Cheshire.

Vital services

Chairman of the Ormsgill Youth & Community Association, Bill McEwan, said: "Up here this (the association) is absolutely fantastic. 

"If we don't get funding like this, places like this could fold up and kids would have nothing. It is all volunteers that do the work here and it is really important."

CEO of Furness Carers, Craig Backhouse, said how important their services were within the community in helping young carers get some respite and leisure time.

He said: "They (these services) are unbelievably valuable. For some of the young carers it is the only place they get to enjoy everyday leisure and fun time away for their caring responsibilities."

Furness Carers project co-ordinator, Sue Jones, said: "It gives them an experience that their parents may not be able to give to them.

"It is imperative we keep it going. It (Furness Carers) gives us a link with them every week to talk to staff and give them that break from caring."