Helping staff to come out of furlough and deliver out-of-school activity provision to vulnerable children and families in Barnsley, to supporting the re-opening of a Bradford boxing club located in one of the most deprived communities in the UK.
Yorkshire Sport Foundation (YSF) this week announced how it had distributed £140,000 of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Tackling Inequalities Fund to organisations in South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.
The funding aims to tackle inequalities in activity levels, by working with partner organisations to reach those most in need as a result of the impact of Covid-19.
EMPHASIS
The funding is allowing YSF to further support community groups across the two counties, particularly those operating in the charity’s 36 focus communities, where the funding can make the biggest difference. There has been a particular emphasis on distributing the money to those working with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups; those working with people who have long-term conditions; and those working with disabled people. In total, 32 projects have received funding.
Grants of up to £10,000 have been awarded to: ensure an organisation can continue to operate; or provide new activity based on demand of the communities they work in. Ideas include the distribution of activity packs, providing online activity, and small group activities such as walking or fitness.
Sport England’s work and contribution to tackling inequalities focuses on reducing the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on activity levels in under-represented groups, ensuring gaps between those who are active and those who are not, do not widen during this period.
Sport England has initially channelled £3.3million through the 43 Active Partnerships across England to support community groups in their areas as a result of the impact of Covid-19. YSF is the Active Partnership for South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.
CHALLENGING
Kathryn Mudge, who is part of the YSF Communities team, said: “This is a very challenging time for a number of organisations who play a crucial role in supporting people within their community. This funding allows us to support them to continue, develop or create opportunities that support people to be active.
“The Covid-19 lockdown has shone a light on the inequalities in our society - the dangers of living with multiple health conditions; the increased impact of the virus on Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic communities; and on people in our poorest communities living in overcrowded and/or multi-generational households.
“There is also increased concern about the toll on people’s mental wellbeing which again, is potentially worse for our poorest and most vulnerable people and communities. We worked to identify organisations embedded in our poorest and most vulnerable communities and offer support to enable them to continue to provide opportunities for their community to be active. These organisations have provided vital services during the pandemic and are often a lifeline for the community. This investment will allow groups to maintain their presence, provide opportunities to be active and continue to safely bring people together.”
Pic credit: Yorkshire Post.
