Grants to help get community groups moving

Community groups across West Yorkshire can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to set up schemes to get people moving.

The funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority can be used for walking and cycling intiatives as well as activities for people who use wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

A series of workshops are being held throughout April to help groups put together a bid before the 5 May deadline.

Chris Maher, from Age UK Bradford District, used a grant to set up a walking group for the over-55s, which had given people the chance to "have a chat and a walk".

"From the first group everyone has mixed and chatted, they're a really friendly bunch," he said.

"It's been lovely to see that people are just there independently but get on and enjoy a chat while they're walking."

Mr Maher said the group met weekly for a one hour walk around Wrose in Bradford and the route had been picked to be as accessible as possible and was not a "strenuous hike".

"Some people have moved to the area recently so are looking to meet other people," he said.

"One person has lived in the area for 50 years and does a lot of walking and liked the idea of joining a group to have a bit of company.

"Hopefully more groups like this can be set up in the future, both in the Bradford district and hopefully across the country."

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: "This investment will enable community groups to help more people reap the benefits of walking, wheeling and cycling."

"I'd encourage all those eligible to apply for this funding as we look to build a greener, better-connected West Yorkshire."

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