New Forest cycling charity gets £297,000 from lottery fund
Cash will help more people with additional needs enjoy cycling in the National Park
Last updated 20th May 2021
Inclusive cycling charity PEDALL, has been awarded £297,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund to continue helping people with additional needs to enjoy cycling in the National Park.
Supported by the New Forest National Park Authority, the charity provides opportunities for more people to improve their health and wellbeing by getting outside, becoming active and enjoying time in nature.
It aims to make cycling available to anyone, no matter what challenges they may face, using a range of specialist cycles including three and four-wheel bikes as well as tandem bikes.
Since 2017, when it received previous Lottery funding, PEDALL has provided over 7,500 rides to help people who wouldn't have ordinarily been able to get out and cycle.
Tackling social isolation as well as mental and physical health, the PEDALL team is expanding its offer to welcome older people with dementia, as well as young people with mental, physical, and behavioural challenges.
It's also offering 'confidence rides' to help support people in the post COVID-19 recovery.
The new National Lottery funding will enable the project to expand its operation, employ another ride leader and offer work experience and apprenticeships to young people with additional needs
Donna Neseyif, Project Manager at PEDALL, said:
'The new funding we have received from The National Lottery Community Fund is a lifeline for the project. We are a charity and have managed to raise some funds. However, without the new funding we wouldn't be able to deliver the number of rides or help the wide range of people we do with such varying needs. We are all about helping people improve their health and wellbeing and connect with nature. Cycling is the perfect way to do this.'
PEDALL operates from a base in Burley which has direct access onto the New Forest's designated cycle tracks with rides lead by qualified and experienced staff and volunteers/
It can also offer rides from other Forest locations and is hoping to establish another hub in the north of the Forest to provide easier access for riders from Portsmouth, Winchester and Southampton.
SUPPORT
To be able to support so many people, the project relies on volunteers who help on the rides as well as maintaining the unique bikes and manage the fundraising as Trustees of the charity.
PEDALL Project Board Chairman and National Park Authority member Patrick Heneghan said:
'It's more important than ever to support this project this year. COVID-19 has affected us all, some more than others, and it is vitally important we are here to cater for those in need of extra support."
'We still have a long way to go to hit the match-funding monies to fully support this project over the next three years. So, if you or any local businesses are looking to get involved to help your local community, we would love to hear from you."
DELIGHTED TO BACK PROJECT
The National Lottery Community Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and over the last year has awarded over half a billion pounds of life-changing funding to communities across the UK.
Helen Bushell, Senior Head of Regional Funding for London, South East & East said
'We are delighted to award this funding for the PEDALL project, which will provide more opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy cycling, to improve their physical wellbeing and confidence, all while enjoying their local green spaces. "
'Thanks to National Lottery players, projects such as this across the country are playing a vital role at the heart of their local communities and will continue to do so as we rebuild and reconnect with one another throughout this year.'
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
The PEDALL charity relies on community and business support to match the National Lottery funding and is looking for additional supporters to help deliver this popular community resource.
There is a range of ways people can help, including sponsoring a bike, supporting an additional needs apprentice, and volunteering.
If you would like to get out cycling and need a little support, or if you can help fund the project, find out more information at www.pedall.org.uk
You can also get in touch with the PEDALL team on info@pedall.org.uk or call 01590 646640.