Two community organisations in Morecambe have secured a share of new government funding aimed at bringing people together and strengthening local ties.
MoreMusic and The Well Communities are among 212 recipients of the Common Ground Award, a national programme distributing more than £2 million to grassroots organisations across England. The initiative supports projects that foster trust, build connections between people from different backgrounds, and create stronger, more resilient communities.
Lizzi Collinge, the Labour MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, has welcomed the funding, recognising the vital role both organisations play in the local area. The investment will enable them to expand activities, enhance facilities, and reach more residents, helping people across Morecambe to connect and participate more fully in community life.
Ms Collinge said: “I am delighted that MoreMusic and The Well has secured this funding. Their work plays a vital role in bringing people together across Morecambe, creating opportunities for connection and strengthening our community.
‘’This investment will help them reach even more people and continue making a real difference locally.”
At MoreMusic, the funding will support improvements to its venue, enhancing accessibility and comfort for participants and visiting groups.
Marriane Barraclough, Executive Director at More Music said “We are delighted to have received funding from the government's Common Ground Award. We’re a small charity and though our gigs and participation sessions are always amazing - our chairs are not!
“These vital funds will enable us to refresh and replace the chairs and tables in our venue, enabling the hundreds of people that make music with us each week, including older people and disabled people, to enjoy our spaces comfortably.
‘’We know that this investment will also be warmly received by the wide range of community groups who also use our spaces, and we’re thrilled to be able increase the quality of the experience they will have here."
The Well Communities will use the funding to expand its support for women overcoming addiction and trauma, helping them rebuild their lives.
David Blacklock, CEO of The Well Communities, added: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this funding. It will make a real and lasting difference, enabling us to support women to overcome addiction, heal from trauma, and rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
“I would like to sincerely thank Lizzi Collinge for her continued drive and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people in Morecambe. This funding shows what is possible when we work together, because we are always stronger through partnership”
The Common Ground Award is designed to support local organisations tackling division, social isolation, and wider pressures facing communities, including the rising cost of living. Funded projects range from community hubs and kitchens to sports, cycling, gardening, and cultural initiatives.
The programme forms part of the government’s broader commitment to empowering communities, alongside the Pride in Place programme, which is investing £5.8 billion in neighbourhoods across the UK. Both initiatives contribute to the government’s Protecting What Matters strategy, aimed at fostering a more cohesive and united society.
Pothole Patrol sisters call for action over "appalling and disgraceful" road near leisure centre
New book shop opens in Morecambe after move from market
Motorists warned of months of disruption on M6 near Carnforth due to roadworks
City council 'educational' bin wagon on tour in Lancaster and Morecambe
Police seize e-scooter with young child on board near Carnforth
New temporary library to open in Lancaster while main building remains shut for repairs
"Unanswered questions": Local leaders react to decision to pause major overhaul of councils
Appeal to help bring Carnforth man home after tragic holiday swimming pool accident
Morecambe super-sized family return with new series of TV show 22 Kids and Counting
Hundreds of Lancaster homes get own electricity supply after trial hailed as success
Nominate the county's most deserving in the Pride in Lancashire Awards
Two dogs treated by crews after house fire in Morecambe
LISTEN: Lineup announced for first ever Bay Drumfest in Morecambe
LISTEN: Lancaster mum and daughter to take on charity parachute jump
Champions of Morecambe hail "momentum" as town centre footfall rises
PHOTOS: Tattoo artist shaves beard of 13 years as Lancaster festival raises £6300 for mental health
Community groups invited to bid from £260K cash pot to boost West End of Morecambe
Lancashire County Council to step back from co-ordinating refugee resettlement schemes
Group fights on with veterans hub plan despite green light for Morecambe bus shelter demolition
Online applications open for Lancaster school places
