Funding boost opens up a new world for disabled yoga enthusiasts

The charity Yorkshire Yoga has secured more than £150,000 of grant funding for a building extension, installation of a new lift, refurbishment of the existing first floor, specialist equipment for people with disabilities and a new 16-seater minibus that can transport six wheelchair users.

The building was re-opened last week by Harrogate Mayor Bill Hoult and Knaresborough Mayor Richard Halland, along with yoga member Heather Davison.

Heather, who started in Yorkshire Yoga’s wheelchair class in 2005, said: “The new lift is fantastic. Now I can easily get up to the first floor. I can’t wait to use the specialist equipment in the new fitness and treatment room. What a wonderful addition this will be.”

The building fund-raising campaign kicked off in October last year and although the fund was well supported, a lot more money was needed as partnership funding before the building improvements project could start.

Surprise match funding came through in February from the Social Enterprise Investment Fund (SEIF), but there was a catch – the extension had to be finished by March 21 or else the funding could not be granted.

Harrogate contractor Kevin Hollowed and Knaresborough architect Stephen Wood accepted the challenge to get the shell of the extension built and the lift installed by the deadline.

“The whole community, the funders, and all of our students and volunteers have collaborated to make this project a success,” said Yorkshire Yoga chairman Laura Bissell.

“With the new bus and the expanded facilities, Yorkshire Yoga can further develop its services to the Harrogate District and beyond.

“Plans are to expand the Fit 4 Health exercise referral scheme with the local GP practices providing transport from the surgeries to the centre, to offer a wider range of exercise classes for people with specific health needs and disabilities and to increase the community facilities available for hire by individuals and local groups.”

www.yorkshireyoga.co.uk or call 01423 864343 for more information.