Wheels for Wellbeing, a cycling charity for disabled people, is delighted to have won a 3 year grant from the Big Lottery Fund for its work in Lambeth and Croydon. The £330k award will secure its three weekly sessions for disabled people and their families and supporters on bicycles and cycles such as tricycles, side by side tandems and recumbents.

Anne Wright, who comes regularly to Wheels for Wellbeing sessions in Brixton’s Brockwell Park said: “I am so pleased about this funding, as I know that I will be able to continue cycling with the club. Cycling gets me out and exercising. It has made me determined and has given me much more confidence. I’m now planning to buy a tricycle to ride on the road, with training from Wheels for Wellbeing. That will make me much more independent.”

Isabelle Clement, Chair of the charity, says; “We are very grateful to the funders and other supporters who believed in us from the start 3 years ago - they made it possible for us to be awarded a Big Lottery Fund grant now. This funding comes at a difficult time for many in the voluntary sector so it is particularly welcome. On behalf of all the trustees, staff and our participants, I would like to say a big thank you to the Big Lottery Fund in appreciating the value of what we do. ”

Janet Paske, the Manager, says “Funding cycling for disabled people is funding much more than access to leisure, transport and sport. It can mean increased mobility and personal safety, getting around without having to deal with the prejudices of others. Thanks to the Big Lottery Fund, we know that we can look forward to supporting more disabled people to cycle over the next 3 years.”

As a result of the funding, Wheels for Wellbeing is now recruiting to 2 3 day a week posts, a Session Coordinator and an Administrator. Closing dates for both jobs are on Friday 4th June. For more information visit the Jobs page on our website (see link).