THE Sandycroft Centre in Redditch has been awarded £10,000 in National Lottery funding to support residents following the devastating impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Sandycroft Centre, situated in Smallwood, offers a wide range of services to support the Redditch community.

Programmes, courses, and activities are designed as first step learning in a range of subjects including confidence building, creative crafts and IT skills. The projects aim to empower and enable individuals to further their education and raise their aspirations.

Forming part of the £210 million support package for the sector, the ‘Tackling Inequalities Fund’ is provided by the National Lottery and Sport England and distributed by Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The grant will be used across multiple projects at the Sandycroft Centre, following the lifting of restrictions this week.

The projects will look to offer a safe environment where all individuals will have access to high quality physical activity provision and guidance. The programmes will seek to engage and support individuals furthest from physical activity to recognise its role in supporting holistic wellbeing.

Sport England’s continued efforts regarding tackling inequalities aims to provide continued support to the most vulnerable members of society and those most affected by the pandemic, including individuals with long term health conditions, black, Asian and minority ethnic groups, disability and lower socio-economic groups. Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire is looking to connect the funding opportunity with these community groups.

Stephen Brewster, Chief Executive Officer at Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire said: “We are delighted to distribute £10,000 of National Lottery funding to the Sandycroft Centre. It is vital that we work with local partners and organisations to support our communities during these challenging times.”

“Beyond the well-documented physical benefits, individuals can gain so much from an active lifestyle, from improved confidence and self-esteem to building social connections. The Tackling Inequalities Funding will play a significant role in supporting service users at the Sandycroft Centre and within the Smallwood community.”

Lee Mckenzie, Sandycroft Centre’s CEO said: “Sandycroft wanted to grow awareness of how physical activity can support good Mental Health. Working together with the Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire Team we can promote how being physically active and socially engaged can positively affect our Wellbeing. After Initial discussions with Bronwyn Clifford, Active HW Project Manager; it became apparent that working together in Partnership bringing both of our areas of expertise would benefit those furthest away from accessing physical activity. Sandycroft is really looking forward to working together to benefit our local diverse communities especially after such a stressful year.”