Disabled people spring “Into Action” thanks to Lottery support!

30th May 2025

KiNETIC (the network for disabled people in Kirklees) is delighted to announce the launch of our new Lottery-funded project, “Into Action!”

At KiNETIC we are celebrating after winning a £19,980 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund. The money will fund our new project, “Into Action!”, supporting local disabled people to tackle problems and change things to improve life for themselves and others.

KiNETIC is an independent network run by and for disabled people in Kirklees. Our trustees and most of our members are disabled people – individuals and organisations are welcome to join. KiNETIC aims to bring everyone together to tackle barriers, challenge negative attitudes, improve access and increase independence for disabled people locally.

Trustee Fiona Weir says: “KiNETIC applied for this funding so that disabled people can do more to improve life for ourselves and others. Disabled people have a very wide range of needs, skills and experiences. So we are inviting disabled people, our allies and supporting organisations to join us, and work together on whatever feels most important right now. Disabled people will decide which ideas get supported. We can’t wait to see what people come up with. This is a very difficult time for many disabled people, and we want to take back a bit of power!”

£6000 will be spent directly on micro-projects” that are planned, chosen and run by disabled people. These could include fun activities to bring strangers or friends together, information, events, a vital piece of equipment that will help a group do something new, or a bright idea that some KiNETIC members want to try out.

Importantly, there is funding for access support, which some disabled people need – such as BSL interpreters for d/Deaf people who use sign-language or payment for an essential support worker.

Co-chair Marina Poppa said: “Many disabled people experience being left out or having our needs overlooked, even by organisations which are set up to help. At KiNETIC, we do our best to make everyone feel welcome and to make our activities accessible. We want KiNETIC to be a network that is useful, relevant and enjoyable for all disabled people and our supporters. We won’t be able to change everything at once, but with this financial support from the National Lottery Community Fund, we could really make a difference. Thank you to the Lottery players who make it all possible!”.

Contact KiNETIC by email at kinetickirklees@gmail.com, on our website or on Facebook.