A specially adapted powerboat project on the Yorkshire Coast has been awarded a share of a £1 million regional fund designed to help communities get active and improve wellbeing.
Disabled residents across the Yorkshire Coast will soon have the opportunity to experience the thrill of sea fishing, following a major cash injection from the mayor's movement, activity and sport fund.
Wetwheels Yorkshire, an organisation operating along the coastline, is among 49 regional projects celebrating a share of more than £1 million in investment. The funding will be used to make the open water fully accessible for disabled people across the region using a specially adapted powerboat, offering a unique chance to enjoy the outdoors.
Pete Richardson, representing Wetwheels Yorkshire, highlighted the profound personal impact the funding will have on participants and their families.
"Through enabling people with even the most profound disabilities to participate in sea fishing this project, delivered by Wetwheels Yorkshire, will improve mental health, independence, and community belonging. Families will see loved ones achieving what once seemed impossible, building pride, resilience, and joy."
The wider funding initiative, spearheaded by the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, aims to tackle inequalities, support early intervention, and improve overall wellbeing by encouraging people of all ages to move more.
"Sport changed my life and saved my life, I want more people to have the same opportunities to lead more active lives, improving their physical and mental health.
That’s why we’re investing over £1 million into 49 projects across the region. From Grassington to Scarborough, we’re ensuring that people of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to lead more active lives.
Movement, activity, and sport play a huge role in improving mental health and tackling social isolation. I can’t wait to get out and see the impact of these investments first-hand as we prepare for our next round of funding."
Working alongside North Yorkshire Sport, the allocated funds will directly benefit the Yorkshire Coast in multiple ways, including the development of new community sports facilities in Scarborough and dedicated support programmes for carers living on the coast.
Representatives from the North Yorkshire Sport Active Communities Team noted that the investment will see organisations working directly with communities to increase engagement in physical movement.
"We’re really excited to see the passion and commitment for improving access to movement, activity and sport across North Yorkshire.
This investment will see organisations work with communities to increase engagement in movement. From new and updated facilities to targeted rural projects in Settle, disability sports programmes in Selby, and supporting carers on the coast.
This fund is the start of a journey towards better access to opportunities, more confident communities and stronger relationships between organisations across the county."
While the initiative brings vital new resources to the Yorkshire Coast, the broader £1 million programme will also fund projects further inland, including accessible rebound therapy at Norton College in Ryedale and new archery equipment for the rural Hillside Scout Group, ensuring a countywide approach to community wellbeing.
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