Let's Move! Major Investment Announced For Barrow-in-Furness
April 1, 2026
Barrow‑in‑Furness is set to benefit from major investment to help more local people become active, as Sport England announces that Westmorland and Furness - with a specific focus on Barrow - has been selected for its nationwide Place Universal Offer.
The initiative is designed to support communities facing some of the greatest barriers to physical activity, and forms part of Sport England’s long‑term commitment to tackling inactivity and inequality. The funding aims to strengthen local systems so that everyone, regardless of background or postcode, has the opportunity to lead a more active life.
This investment will help accelerate efforts already underway to create long‑lasting change across Barrow‑in‑Furness. The Let’s Move! programme will work to embed physical activity into local systems, policies, and community infrastructure - making it easier for residents to be active every day.
Let’s Move! will focus on:
- Collaboration and Networking
- System Leadership
- Test and Learn Approaches
- System Change
- Evaluation and Learning
Through this approach, Active Cumbria aims to strengthen local leadership, align shared priorities, and build a joined‑up way of working that makes physical activity a normal part of everyday life across Westmorland and Furness.
The Barrow programme will build on the learning and foundations developed through Active Cumbria’s earlier Let’s Move! work in Maryport, Workington, and Whitehaven.
Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director, Partnerships and Place, Sport England said; “We want everyone, no matter where they live or who they are, to have the chance to be active and healthy. To do this, we’re focusing on places, towns, cities, and communities, where people face the biggest challenges.”
Cameron Wilson, Development Manager – Place, Active Cumbria said; “This investment is a fantastic boost for Barrow-in-Furness. It gives us the momentum to work even more closely with local organisations and communities to create the conditions where being active is easier, more accessible, and part of everyday life. The Let’s Move! programme is all about supporting long-term, meaningful change, and this funding allows us to build on the brilliant work already happening in Barrow. I’m excited about what can be achieved together to help more people lead healthier, active lives for years to come.”
You're invited!
Partners and organisations supporting Barrow communities are invited to attend the official launch of Let’s Move! In Barrow on Monday 20 April 2026 at Drop Zone Youth Project, Abbey Road. The event will introduce the next phase of work to support healthier, more active communities across Barrow‑in‑Furness. Organisations based in, or working with the people of, Barrow are encouraged to attend.
More Information.
More detail about the area in Barrow which will be the focus of Let’s Move! can be found here
Information on the Place Universal Offer can be found on Sport England’s website here
Contact Cameron Wilson - Development Manager - Place for an informal discussion.