Kayaks for canal to bridge inequalities

Canoes, kayaks and bikes are being offered to local people to allow them to enjoy our canal and keep active during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Making use of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the Canal and River Trust is encouraging community groups to get active and is offering funding, via Sport England, for canoes, kayaks and bikes and other facilities to help enjoy the waterway.

The project is targeting lower socio-economic groups as well as black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities who are currently under represented on the canal. Local not-for-profit groups can apply for funding of between £500 - £10,000 to help them continue to engage and deliver canal-based activity during the coronavirus pandemic.

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A local charity, Inspire Motivate Overcome (IMO), has recently been awarded a grant of £10,000 through the funding stream. IMO is a community third sector organisation, based in Blackburn with Darwen, that helps local young people and their families to combat disadvantage.

A group enjoying the canal in BurnleyA group enjoying the canal in Burnley
A group enjoying the canal in Burnley

The funding will allow IMO to train six cycling and paddle sport instructors who will deliver regular cycling and paddle sport activities for young people and their families along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Vicki Birch, tackling inequalities fund leader at Canal and River Trust, said: “These very local charities do invaluable work, from helping tackle loneliness to supporting disadvantaged children and young people to improve their wellbeing especially during the current pandemic. They are providing local people with opportunities in life where, and when, it is needed the most.

“The Leeds and Liverpool Canal passes through many of these communities and is vital outdoor green and blue space on their doorstep. We would encourage anyone involved in a local charity or not-for-profit organisation to get in touch to see how we can work together to help tackle inequality and improve people’s lives."

Further information is available by contacting Vicki Birch [email protected] and Emma Fielding [email protected].

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