‘Better Days’ for Newcastle charity after £100,000 National Lottery cash boost

North East community groups receive over £11 million of National Lottery funding.

A Newcastle charity providing the only adapted bike scheme for adults with learning disabilities in the city centre has secured its future for the next three years with a £100,000 funding boost.

This vital funding, raised by National Lottery players, has been awarded by The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

Better Days provides a programme of energising activities for adults with conditions including autism, cerebral palsy, and Down’s syndrome. With the current easing of lockdown restrictions, and after experiencing severe isolation during the pandemic, many of its members are keen to get back in the saddle and attend the charity’s adapted bike classes.

Recent research* has shown individuals with disabilities have experienced limited or no access to activities and support services during the pandemic – to the detriment of their mental health and increasing rates of anxiety.

Thanks to Better Days’ specialist bike facilities on Newcastle’s Quayside, the charity’s members get the opportunity to tour the riverfront, helping them to develop confidence and self-esteem while keeping fit and healthy. Bikes featuring a hand crank for those who can’t peddle, recumbent bikes that lean back, and bikes with buggies attached are all available via the service.

Claire Sowerby, a support worker for Better Days member Ethan (pictured), who has been attending the weekly adapted bike sessions, said: “During Covid it has been difficult to access activities that are suitable for someone who has additional needs, like Ethan. He also does not like crowds or dogs, so to come down to the Quayside, where it is really peaceful, is great for him. He needs physical activity because it keeps him calm.

“Generally, there are not that many outdoor activities that are available to someone with additional needs. It’s great that Better Days have the bikes and to know, that because of National Lottery funding, they will be here for a lot longer.”

The charity also delivers a range of other activities for its members including musical therapy sessions with local creative arts community group, Creative Spaces; a gardening project in Exhibition Park; sports days, and comedy nights when Better Days members can take to the stage and perform.

Pam Richold, Trustee at Better Days, said: “The past 18 months have been difficult for everyone, particularly people with a learning disability and their families. We know from the personal experiences of the Better Days group that they have felt isolated in their own communities – unable to access the activities and friends that are so important in their lives.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, this funding will make a real difference to getting Better Days back on track by putting disabled people at the heart of local Covid recovery plans, which must aim to drive down inequalities in our local community.”

Charities and community groups across the North East and Cumbria have been awarded more than £11 million of National Lottery funding throughout 2021 so far.** The region isn’t alone in benefiting from National Lottery funding. Today it was announced that almost £200 million has been distributed to more than 4,500 community organisations across England so far this year** - all thanks to National Lottery players, who raise £36 million each week for good causes throughout the UK.***

Duncan Nicholson, Head of Funding for North East and Cumbria at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Better Days offers fulfilling activities for individuals with learning disabilities, helping them to thrive and access experiences some of us take for granted. We’re honoured to support the charity’s positive work and give it the longevity it needs.

“I am incredibly proud to see the amazing impact that money raised by National Lottery players is having in communities across the North East. This funding has given a much-needed boost to community spirit this year after what have been some extremely difficult times.”

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. Thanks to National Lottery players, last year we awarded over half a billion pounds (£588.2 million) of life-changing funding to communities across the UK. Over eight in ten (83%) of our grants are for under £10,000 – going to grassroots groups and charities across the UK that are bringing to life amazing ideas that matter to their communities.

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk