- Darren Campbell
A Warwickshire charity has received a major funding boost towards its work supporting adults with learning disabilities to keep physically active – with a little help from Think Active to set the wheels in motion.
Heart of England Mencap successfully secured more than £7,000 from Sport England’s Movement Fund to support their Cyc-Ability Club, which helps make cycling accessible for people of all abilities.
The weekly club, which has been running in Stratford-upon-Avon for four years, gives participants the opportunity to get together every Thursday to enjoy cycling with support from trained staff.
"This funding represents more than just new equipment – it’s an investment in inclusion, wellbeing, and opportunity"
Kate Buttrick, Heart of England Mencap
For participants with complex needs or multiple disabilities, the club has been using a specially adapted wheelchair trike, but with the sessions becoming more and more popular, more capacity was needed to meet demand for the equipment.
Through discussions with Think Active Partnership Manager Matt McCarthy, Heart of England Mencap were made aware of the Movement Fund, which provides funding for community projects that help people get more physically active.
And following support from Think Active to make their application, the Cyc-Ability club were able to secure funding for another wheelchair trike, along with two additional bicycles and further funds to cover the cost of maintaining their fleet.
Heart of England Mencap now have a second wheelchair trike as well as additional equipment
Kate Buttrick, Project Lead at Heart of England Mencap, said: “We would like to extend a huge thank you to Matt and the team at Think Active.
“This funding represents more than just new equipment – it’s an investment in inclusion, wellbeing, and opportunity. We can’t wait to see even more people enjoying the freedom and joy of cycling.”
Matt McCarthy, Partnership Manager at Think Active, said: “It was Think Active’s privilege to work alongside Heart of England Mencap. They were determined to offer those they support with equipment and facilities which allowed for engagement and prolonged access to physical activity.
“We are delighted they were successful and hope we can work with them and other similar organisations in the near future.”
Launched in 2024, the Sport England Movement Fund offers up to £15,000 of funding through grants and crowdfunding pledges for a wide variety of groups and organisations including sports clubs, charities and local authorities, particularly for those working with people who face barriers to being physically active.
Applications are strongly encouraged for projects that create inclusive, welcoming opportunities for people who typically haven’t had as many chances to be active, such as those on low incomes, from culturally diverse communities, or living with long-term health conditions.
Could the Movement Fund help you?
- Funding available between £300 to £15,000
- Applications accepted all year round
- Decisions are typically made within 6-8 weeks
- Projects can run for up to 12 months
The funding can be used to cover costs for many different elements such as coaches, equipment, facility hire and upgrades, or training for staff and volunteers.
Heart of England Mencap’s Cyc-Ability Club is one of many projects Think Active have supported recently to access the funding across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire, including a girls football academy in Nuneaton and a table tennis club in Rugby.
Do you have a project that helps people get more active in your community? You could be eligible for support from the Movement Fund – find out more here.
Think Active is a member of the Active Partnerships network, collaborating with local partners throughout Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire to promote the power of sport and physical activity for transforming lives and keeping people living well. Find out more about what we do.
