£30 Million Fund to Fight Loneliness and Boost Volunteering in UK Towns
Youth clubs, mental health charities, and social enterprises are set to gain from a massive £30 million boost. The cash will create fresh volunteering opportunities and tackle loneliness across 27 struggling areas, from Wakefield to Wolverhampton.
New ‘Know Your Neighbourhood Fund’ to Reignite Community Spirit
- The Know Your Neighbourhood Fund will bankroll local projects that connect communities and support wellbeing.
- It’s a government-backed scheme teamed up with The National Lottery Community Fund, Arts Council England, Historic England, and more.
- Projects include helping parent carers volunteer and training young people to become accredited sports coaches.
Locations benefiting range from Barnsley and Middlesbrough to South Tyneside. Funded activities will include arts and crafts, sports sessions, coffee meet-ups, and community events—all aimed at reducing isolation.
Loneliness Hits Harder in Deprived Areas, Research Shows
Recent government research reveals that adults in deprived areas report feeling lonelier. Areas with high unemployment see even worse numbers. Volunteering is key—not just for connection but also for skill-building and boosting public services.
Spotlight on Funded Projects Making a Real Difference
- Groundwork in Blackpool gets £25,000 to create volunteer roles in gardening, café, and library work, offering training and one-on-one support.
- Motive8 Youth C.I.C in Wolverhampton receives £20,000 to train 20 young people as sports coaches and engage them in social action.
- A Stitch Different CIC in Barrow-in-Furness uses nearly £4,000 to help parent carers of autistic children volunteer while supporting older adults with mental health issues.
- Age UK Hull was awarded nearly £27,000 to expand its Home Befriending Service, supporting over 170 isolated elderly residents with regular visits.
Voices from the Frontline
Civil Society Minister Stuart Andrew said: “During the Covid-19 pandemic, volunteers and charity workers stepped up to support communities—from checking on neighbours to delivering prescriptions. We’re determined to keep that spirit alive. The Know Your Neighbourhood Fund will create more opportunities to volunteer, learn skills, and connect nationwide.”
Rosemary Macdonald, CEO of UK Community Foundations, added: “Loneliness affects anyone, anywhere. Voluntary groups have been crucial in tackling isolation since the pandemic. This fund supports impactful volunteering in vulnerable areas and will help us understand social inclusion better over the next three years.”
Funding also Fuels Arts, Culture, and Social Projects
A £5 million pot supports museums, community choirs, music and drama clubs, and high street projects through Arts Council England and partners. Meanwhile, up to £10 million from The National Lottery Community Fund backs projects like:
- Rochdale Connections Trust will use social prescribing to combat isolation through tailored community activities.
- Jack Drum Arts in County Durham runs inter-generational arts sessions and a community carnival, with volunteers helping organise it all.
- Centre81 in Great Yarmouth supports people with disabilities by offering crafts, cooking, and woodwork sessions in a welcoming social space.
Government’s Loneliness Fight Continues Strong
This funding builds on nearly £50 million invested in tackling loneliness since 2018, including over £34 million during the pandemic. It adds to the £4.6 million Volunteering Futures Fund launched last year, which will support 7,800 new volunteer opportunities across 160 community organisations.
