Charity supporting Bradford’s disabled community lands share of £750,000 in National Lottery funding

Bradford Talking Magazines is among a group of charities to receive a share of more than £750,000 over the past three months from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

There are 33 organisations in Bradford that have received a share of the vital funding, offering activities that range from arts-based workshops for people experiencing loneliness and isolation, to multicultural tea sessions to build friendships in the community.

Bradford Talking Magazines is just one of the community-led groups to receive National Lottery funding, after being awarded over £220,000 to deliver its ‘Hear Our Voice’ project, which offers exciting opportunities for disabled people in the community to learn new skills in both photography and videography.

The charity works with people with learning disabilities, mental health issues, and those who are deaf, to develop and learn new skills, ranging from basic computer skills, through to more advanced digital editing software.

Hear Our Voice provides unique opportunities for people to experience real-life simulated projects such as developing a portfolio for a dress making business using digital software. They are responsible for their own projects from the initial planning phase all the way through to the final showcasing, with the aim of building confidence and increasing the possibility of paid employment in the future.

Anthony, 41, who has learning disabilities, has garnered a passion for media after documenting a community event while shadowing a staff member. After getting access to an iPad thanks to Hear Our Voice, Anthony’s love for photography and videography has grown, as he continues to film and edit content which he collects from other group members during their weekly sessions.

As well as taking great strides in both his video and interviewing skills, the iPad has helped Anthony to keep in contact with his friends while he has been at home, which was imperative in ensuring he was able to avoid feelings of isolation and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anthony said: “I love coming to Hear Our Voice to learn more new skills. It makes me feel confident. I work on computers and cameras. It gives me a voice, and I speak for myself and more others.”

In addition, members can use the workshops as an opportunity to spread important messages that pertain to them.

One of the group members, who finds being in a loud busy environment difficult, worked on a short film to inform people about ‘sensory overload’, and how it often affects people with autism. The aim of the film is to educate others about the difficulties that many people experience in a noisy environment, with the hope that the video will be used for future training purposes.

Sue Crowe, Chief Officer at Bradford Talking Magazines, said, “Without the support of National Lottery players and the funding we have been awarded, Bradford Talking Magazines would not be able to support and work with as many disabled people as we do. The difference this money makes is enormous.”

Bradford isn’t alone in benefiting from National Lottery funding. Today it was announced that almost £90 million* of National Lottery funding has been awarded to over 2,700 community groups across England.

Joe Dobson, Head of Funding for Yorkshire & Humber at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, this vital funding will have a huge impact on people’s lives across Bradford. Now two years on from the start of COVID-19 pandemic and what has been an incredibly challenging time for people across the UK, groups like Bradford Talking Magazines are continuing to step up to help their communities build back stronger.

“We’re proud to support people to come together and build community spirit during a momentous year that includes the UK’s hosting of the Commonwealth Games and commemorating Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.”

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players, who raise more than £30 million each week for good causes across the UK. In the last 12 months we have given out nearly £600 million to 12,500 organisations reaching every local authority and constituency in the UK.

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