“Empowering Youth: Going Above and Beyond to Foster Growth and Success”

On Thursday 10 April, 2025, a groundbreaking new report was launched, providing insight into the state of extra-curricular and enrichment activities for young people in Furness.

The independent report, titled “Strategic Approaches to the Delivery of Extra-Curricular & Enrichment Activities in Furness,” was commissioned by Cumbria Community Foundation, BAE Systems, and Cumbria Chamber of Commerce. It offers a comprehensive analysis of current provision, identifies key barriers to participation, and outlines strategic recommendations for future improvements.

The report was unveiled at a special event, which brought together youth organizations, educators, employers, and business leaders to discuss collaborative efforts in enhancing opportunities for young people and supporting their development.

To gather information for the report, researchers spoke to young people, parents, carers, schools, colleges, funders, businesses, and other organizations involved in delivering extra-curricular and enrichment activities. They also examined best practices in other regions and made recommendations for improving and better coordinating these activities in Furness with further investment to provide greater impact for young people.

David Beeby, Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation and of Furness Education & Skills Research Steering Group, emphasized the importance of extra-curricular and enrichment activities in preparing young people for the workforce and shaping their future. He also acknowledged the good work being done by schools, providers, and employers in nurturing future talent and realizing potential. However, Beeby noted that there is room for improvement in the effectiveness and impact of these activities in Furness. He believes that developing a new strategic approach to their delivery can drive a significant change in provision, increase participation and impact, and equip all children and young people with the necessary skills and attributes to raise their aspirations, build their confidence, and develop their essential skills.

The report highlights the numerous benefits of extra-curricular and enrichment activities, including improvements in emotional and physical well-being, social benefits such as building friendships and connections with peers, and improvements in academic performance, long-term achievement, and career prospects.

Researchers also identified several barriers to participation, including affordability, lack of transportation, confidence levels, and fear of discrimination among marginalized groups. A lack of long-term funding was also identified as a barrier to provision, resulting in long waiting lists for certain types of activities.

The report was launched at an event at The Bridge, Portland Walk, Barrow, on Thursday 10 April, where Lauren Newby of GC Insights, the author of the report, and Professor Julie Mennell, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cumbria, gave presentations.

Professor Mennell highlighted the abundance of talents possessed by the young people of Barrow, but also acknowledged that not all have access to the opportunities and environment needed to reach their full potential. She emphasized the need for positive outcomes, both for young people and for the future workforce, and the significant opportunity to achieve this through improving and shaping extra-curricular and enrichment activities. Mennell believes that the report offers a strong foundation of evidence to guide policy decisions, direct funding, and support future initiatives.

To find out more about supporting the development of extra-curricular and enrichment activities, interested parties can contact Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, via phone at 01900 820827 or email at annalee@cumbriafoundation.org.

The full report can be accessed online here.