Since funding, we have added three more weekly classes to our schedule with another two at least to be added in the next couple of months. Over the remainder of the calendar year that will equate to around 200 extra sessions.

We now offer a much more wider range of activities too due to being able to get specialist equipment and replace old equipment. A wider range of activities meant a wider client base and the ability to help with a wider range of physical issues.

We also now offer free fruit and water to our attendees as many are diabetic so we are trying to promote that healthy lifestyle during our wellness/chat sessions.

Additionally, we have invested in recording/video equipment so we can put some classes online for those who may not be able to make it in person. This equipment has also given us the ability to do short instructional videos that people can watch whenever they want that teach them how to ease and prevent aches and pain in specific areas.

One of the reasons why funding was important to us was so we could get the word out to as many people as possible. It has enabled us to do a leaflet drop to around 8000 households in the Ribble Valley which we are now seeing the results from.

The stampede of young people heading towards the Club each Friday evening has brought a new lease of life and vigour to the club, following the pandemic.

The club has rediscovered its true family atmosphere, with many parents, as well as the participants, taking an active role in the training sessions in a variety of ways, such as helping out the coaches.

The young people now see us as their club and along with their parents attend and support the senior teams who play at the weekend. There are many impromptu net sessions whilst the games are being played with parents supervising the sessions.

The programme has enabled many people to meet new friends and there have been occasions where parents have supported other parents who have needed advice or who have faced difficulties. A healthy social network has been established.

Above all, those who participate in the sessions are developing a love of cricket.

One young person stayed with us long enough to build her confidence enough to gain and remain in employment. She left education at 16 after having a car accident and being seriously injured and had been mentally unwell since then, she has now been employed for more than 2 months.

On the whole we have had significant successes, with young people having an improved relationship with physical activity and learning how it benefits mental health. They have had better attendance records and school, got healthier (physically and mentally) and have been able to remain at the gym as supported members (arranged as part of ‘graduation’).

A day trip to Blackpool may sound like quite a simple pleasure, but to some it would not be possible due to the complexities of their medical needs, so to be able to go on an organised trip with likeminded people is a real treat.

With the grant from Eric Wright be were able to heavily subsidise the cost of the trip which meant that everyone from our group was able to join in.

Thank you once again for the grant, it was very much appreciated.