The Bowes Museum Receives Connected Communities Funding
- gracebell7
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
The Bowes Museum is thrilled to announce it is a recipient of a grant from the Association of Independent Museums’ Connected Communities fund, which is funded by the UK Government’s Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England.
The grant will enable the museum to continue its successful volunteering programme in co-production partnership with Teesdale School and Sixth Form, engaging young people aged 14–18 in meaningful and relevant volunteering opportunities that build skills and confidence.
Volunteering roles at the museum are diverse and engaging, including helping to conserve the
collection, gardening in the 22-acre parkland and assisting as public guides. The Young Volunteers
programme provides hands-on learning, as teams across the museum share expertise and inspire
young people.
The programme, supported by the Connected Communities fund, provides opportunities to create
new connections for young people and, at its core, aims to establish a strong and supportive
volunteer community. Feedback from young volunteers highlights how volunteering can boost
self-confidence, improve wellbeing and reduce feelings of isolation. The museum has worked
with 138 young people through the programme since 2024.
Jess White, Co-Production Volunteer Manager, said: “Receiving the Connected Community
fund is incredibly meaningful to us. Volunteering is transformational. I have seen first hand the
power it holds, especially for young people. From watching their confidence grow to seeing them
secure their first paid roles in the museum sector, it’s truly inspiring. This funding will allow us to
continue empowering young people through meaningful volunteering opportunities.”
Abbie Nicholls, Lead for the Young Volunteers, commented: “I first discovered volunteering
while I was still at school and completed the Young Volunteers programme at the museum, it was
a fantastic introduction. Since then, I’ve developed new skills and met so many incredible people
along the way. I’m now proud to be the Lead for the Young Volunteers, volunteering has opened so
many doors for me, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.”
