Join hundreds of groups who have already benefitted from our funding
- Lee Valley
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
It’s been 10 years!
For over a decade we have been providing funding for community partners and schools across London, Hertfordshire and Essex to enjoy unforgettable experiences and learning opportunities in our world class sports venues and award-winning open spaces.
Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s Community Access Fund provides financial support for not-for-profit organisations, registered charities and voluntary/community groups who might not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy the fabulously diverse opportunities throughout the park.
Funding can cover the cost of coached activities (typically up to the value of £1,000) in our sports venues from kayaking, white water rafting and horse riding to track cycling, ice skating and much more!
Schools and educational establishments can benefit too, with transport bursaries available to schools participating in our educational programmes that have a pupil premium of 20% or more. There’s also funding available for educational packages for community groups.
To celebrate 10 years of this vitally important scheme and the life changing impact our programmes have had on over 27,000 people so far, we’re shining a light on a handful of recent case studies.
Why not take a look and see if your group qualify for funding
Caring for Horses for Mental Health
This eight-week funded programme at Lee Valley Riding Centre had a profound impact on participants. The weekly sessions were attended by eight adults from Core Arts a leading mental health creative education centre based in Hackney.
The participants, who were all living with serious mental illness, were taught the basics of horse care and found the experience transformative.
“After the sessions I find my mood is lifted. It brightens my week, gives me energy and motivation to carry on. It eases the pain of other stuff going on for me. This has come at a wonderful time for me, where I really needed a connection with nature to draw me out of a deep depression.” Peter, a participant.
Water activities for neurodiverse children
We were delighted to welcome back children from Potential Kids to our London 2012 Olympic legacy
venue Lee Valley White Water Centre for a four-week funded course of water activities on the lake.
The children, who came from across Hertfordshire and are living with a range of conditions including Autism and ADHD, loved the sensory experience of being on the water.
This marked the third consecutive summer that we’ve delivered this programme for Potential Kids, an award-winning charity based in Welwyn/Hatfield which provides learning, social and sports opportunities for neurodivergent children. For some it was their first time while others benefitted hugely from returning to building on their skills and confidence, such as Riley.
“He’s been each year and counts down the months until he can come again. The facilities here are fantastic and come rain or shine Riley wants to be out on the water. Parents are also able to take part, so it’s nice to have something the whole family can do together.” Vicky, Riley’s Mum
NHS partnership supporting children’s physical activity
We provided funding for an eight-week bespoke running and athletics programme at Lee Valley Athletics Centre for 10 children from Enfield living with a range of disabilities.
The children, who are being supported by NHS Enfield’s Children and Young People’s Occupational Therapy Team, received four weeks of athletics coaching and four weeks of running sessions, using the venue’s world class indoor facilities.
This is the second successful programme of activity for NHS Enfield’s Children and Young People’s Occupational Therapy Team that has been funded by the Authority. In addition to having a positive impact on participants’ physical health and motor and social skills, the initiative is a great example of the accessibility and inclusivity which sits at the heart of Lee Valley Athletics Centre and all of the Authority’s sports venues.
“Thanks to the funding support, it’s allowed some of our lower income families to access this group and these fantastic facilities. It’s very inspiring for children to be in this setting, exercising in the same space as the professional athletes.” Juliet Vine, Enfield Children and Young People’s OT Team
Getting young people back in the saddle following a cancer diagnosis
Twenty young people aged 13-24 enjoyed Teens Unite’s Bike and Unite launch, a six-week programme at Lee Valley VeloPark for teenagers and those in their early 20s living with, or in remission from cancer.
It was a team effort to support the young people from Teens Unite, a charity that helps teenagers and those in their early 20s following a cancer diagnosis. The Authority funded a day on Lee Valley VeloPark’s road circuit for the young people to try out their new bikes, which were gifted by o3e and ifs.ai, while British Cycling provided expert coaching.
“I was active before my diagnosis, but I lost so much bodyweight and muscle during treatment. When this popped up, I felt this was a day where I could really challenge myself. Not long ago I couldn’t even walk up the stairs. I’m a huge BMX fan so to even get a look at the track where the Olympics took place was so special. Normally I am at home doing nothing all day as I can’t go back to work yet, so this has been a day out, a change of scene. I’ve met new people. It’s been the highlight of my week.” Kai, a gas engineer from Newport in Wales who travelled more than four hours to take part
Want to see if your group is eligible and how to apply? Check out our website.
