Locala Health & Wellbeing awards almost £80,000 to grassroots community projects across the region

Locala has awarded £79,751 to voluntary, community and charitable organisations through its Community Fund, supporting local projects that improve health, wellbeing and connection across five areas.

The funding will support dozens of grassroots initiatives working directly with local people — including children with additional needs, older residents experiencing loneliness, people facing homelessness, those living with long‑term health conditions and communities under financial pressure.

This year’s Community Fund awards are distributed as follows:

Kirklees: £39,640
Calderdale: £10,355
Bradford: £5,500
Wigan & Leigh: £5,000
Stockport & Tameside: £19,256
Successful organisations range from small volunteer‑led groups to established community charities, delivering practical, preventative and early‑intervention support rooted in local need.

Community Fund project spotlights

To reflect the diversity of work supported this year, Locala is highlighting one funded organisation from each area.

Kirklees – Sensory World CIC
Sensory World CIC in Dewsbury provides inclusive, sensory‑rich support for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Funding will support 26 weeks of structured therapeutic sessions, helping children develop emotional regulation, confidence and resilience, while offering families vital support and connection.

Calderdale – Tuesday 2 O’Clock Club
The Tuesday 2 O’Clock Club works to tackle loneliness among older residents in Calderdale. Locala funding will help deliver two subsidised day trips, giving members the opportunity to socialise, build friendships and enjoy shared experiences that promote wellbeing and independence.

Bradford – Core Skills Coaching CIC
Core Skills Coaching CIC supports adults living with chronic pain and mobility challenges through its “Dip Your Toe” water‑based therapy programme. Funding will help cover pool hire and specialist coaching, enabling participants to improve movement, manage pain and rebuild confidence in a supportive environment.

Wigan & Leigh – Empathy North West CIC
Empathy North West CIC provides accessible counselling and emotional wellbeing support for children and young people. Locala’s Community Fund will help fund free or subsidised counselling sessions for at least 40 young people, supporting early intervention at a critical time.

Stockport & Tameside – Stockport Loaves and Fishes
Stockport Loaves and Fishes supports people experiencing homelessness through meals, clothing, advocacy and outreach. This funding will help expand food and essential supplies, supporting around 100 people with dignity and practical help during times of crisis.

A full list of successful Community Fund recipients can be found on Locala’s website at https://www.locala.org.uk/get-involved/community-fund.

Supporting what matters locally

The Locala Community Fund focuses on small grants with big impact, backing organisations that are trusted, rooted in their communities and often led by volunteers with lived experience of the challenges they address.

A representative from Sensory World CIC said:

“We are so grateful to have received the funds from Locala. It helps with our work supporting Children and families through the different activities. We have free activities on a Saturday morning, our lovely volunteers support the Children while Mums/ Dads/Carers have a cuppa and some much needed respite, talk to other parents or get help with form filling. Thank you so much for your generosity.”

Locala would like to thank all groups who applied and congratulate every successful organisation for the vital work they do every day to improve health and wellbeing in their communities.