Grants aim to help people 'overcome work barriers'
Getty ImagesGrants totalling £400,000 are being made available to charitable groups helping people with health challenges or caring responsibilities to get back into work.
Payments will be given to organisations in Barrow, Cumbria, supporting people who are disabled, have long-term conditions or face a range of other issues.
Awards of up to £50,000 are on offer for single organisations, with up to £100,000 for partnerships.
Westmorland and Furness Council, which is leading the scheme, said it would "place money in the hands of local organisations who can help the people they support".
Funding has come through Team Barrow - a partnership between the government, the local authority and BAE Systems, the nuclear submarine builder which has a large site in the town.
The council added it was encouraging voluntary, community and social enterprise sector organisations that are working on projects with local employers to apply.
Clare Paling, its public health project officer, 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.
"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."
All projects must run for 12 months from the date the grant is awarded and more information about the criteria can be found online.
Team Barrow is also currently working on a £200m 10-year plan to regenerate the town.
Described as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity", it aims to build houses, improve transport links and develop education and skills training.
