Redditch community hub tackles physical inequalities with £10,000 National Lottery Fund
The Sandycroft Centre provides supports for people from a range of backgrounds
A community hub in Redditch aims to tackle physical inequalities after receiving a £10,000 grant from the National Lottery Fund.
The Sandycroft Centre, formerly the the All-Women’s House, will provide training and sports sessions to those who are faced with barriers when engaging with exercise.
The centre provides a range of support including for mental health, domestic violence and providing educational and training opportunities.
The money will create projects which will look to offer a safe environment where everyone has access to high quality physical activities.
The programmes looks to engage and support individuals furthest from physical activity to recognise its role in supporting emotional and mental wellbeing.
Lee Mckenzie, Sandycroft Centre’s CEO said: “Sandycroft wanted to grow awareness of how physical activity can support good Mental Health.
"The training sessions will help so many people. For example with the women-only classes, not only are they for BME women but also those experiencing or escaping domestic abuse.
"It's not always so simple to say "go and get fit" it's making sure that person is emotionally safe and in a place where they can struggle and feel supported".
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.
They include people with long term health conditions, from diverse ethnic backgrounds and people from disability and lower socio-economic groups.
Lee McKenzie continued: "We want to make sure people feel comfortable in the environments they're engaging with.
"So it's making sure it doesn't become too intense because obviously what we are trying to do is build up confidence in exercise.
"So this is fundamentally for people who are furthest away and to get them to see the benefits and that even small steps can make a huge difference.