Plymouth Catches Wave Of Lottery Funding

21.07.2008 18:08:00

A Plymouth-based group supporting children with learning disabilities will receive a £8,296 Awards for All grant to teach them to surf. The group is one of three in Plymouth and 69 in the South West celebrating grants totalling £459,386 in the latest round of awards.

Lifeworks will stage a free family fun day called ‘Breaking the Barrier’ on Saturday 13 September at Bigbury On Sea. Specially trained instructors will help give children with autism and learning disabilities the chance to surf and enjoy a fun-filled day with their families. The event will also feature a barbecue, music and a sand castle competition for all to enjoy. Lifeworks put on a similar event in 2007 and have been inundated with calls to host another from all over the United Kingdom.

Liz Leader, Business Planning Team Member, said: “We’ve called the day ‘Breaking the Barrier’ because this day gives kids the chance to overcome so many things – such as social exclusion and physical and emotional difficulties. It’s a chance for children with learning disabilities to try something they wouldn’t normally be able to, and there seems to be a tangible benefit too. Last year so many parents contacted us after the surf day to say their children were showing marked improvement and were emotionally more accessible.

“Our instructors use special techniques and large surfboards that can carry the weight of two people and allow them to ride with the children. We’ll use part of the funding to get hold of more surfboards so that we can get more kids involved. We haven’t started to advertise the day yet and already there are 123 children and their families who have asked to come along. It’s wonderful to be able to stage this event because so often families of special needs children are pushed to the limit both financially and emotionally.”

Another Plymouth project making a funding splash is Coxside Staff Sailing Club, receiving £10,000 to buy new dinghies for less experienced sailors. The club is based in Plymouth University and lists staff and students among its members while also offering its services to families and friends.
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Rocio Martinez-Alvarez, Coordinator, said: “We are a laid back, friendly club with sailors of all levels and we try to make sailing financially accessible to everyone. One of the great things about sailing here is getting the chance to see Plymouth from the sea because it is very beautiful from that perspective. The three new dinghies will be suitable for novices and inexperienced sailors and help us to deal with increased demand.”

Also celebrating this month is Plymouth Marjon Netball Club, who receives £6,395 to develop its junior and senior sides.

Awards for All is the small grants scheme administered by the Big Lottery Fund on behalf of Lottery good cause funders, Arts Council England, Big Lottery Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund and Sport England. The scheme makes awards of between £300 and £10,000 to grass-roots community groups and voluntary organisations.

Mark Cotton, Big Lottery Fund Head of the South West region, said on behalf of Awards for All: “‘Breaking the Barrier’ is a fantastic opportunity for children with learning disabilities to enjoy a truly special day. It’s a chance for children and their families to have fun, as well as to learn unique skills and broaden horizons. I’m delighted it’s one of 69 projects awarded close to half a million pounds this month.”

For a full list of award recipients visit: http://www.awardsforall.org.uk/england/news.html

Client name: The Big Lottery Fund

Web link: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk