Grants awarded to make cultural activities more accessible to people with disabilities

Two Colne Valley cultural organisations have been awarded grants to help disabled people better access their facilities.

Marsden Community Trust has received £2,515.87 to install an automatic door opener and purchase three portable hearing loop systems for Marsden Mechanics, their community-run building.

Working ceramics studio The Clay Mill in Slaithwaite has been awarded £9,800 to purchase wheelchair accessible pottery wheels and equipment, as well as creating a quiet space with a silent wheel.

In total eight organisations in West Yorkshire have been awarded a share of £60,000. The scheme is part of the wider £2.3 million ‘You Can Make It Here’ programme, launched by the Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin.

 

 

Mayor Brabin said: “We’ve got a world-class cultural offer here in West Yorkshire, and I want everyone to have the chance to experience it.

“The investment will make a real difference for people with disabilities, as well as for our venues who will be able to welcome more artists and audiences.

“This is just the start of our ‘You Can Make It Here’ support scheme, which will help us to grow our creative sector and build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”

The need for this investment was clear, with the available fund over-subscribed by 790% – 63 creative and cultural venues across the region applied to make almost £474,000 worth of improvements.

Further ‘You Can Make It Here’ initiatives in the pipeline include opportunities for young people to boost their skills and progress into creative roles, while businesses and freelancers will benefit from investment, export advice and training to unleash their potential.

To find out more about the programme, visit: http://www.wybusiness-skills.com/business-support/you-can-make-it-here