Charity gets £70k to help more disabled people in the community

The Howlands Centre on School Street, Dewsbury, works with disabled adults and offers a range of arts and crafts sessions.

The charity, which was relaunched in July, was awarded two grants totalling £70,000 from Kirklees Council and the People’s Health Trust.

And it has used the cash to hire three new members of staff. The centre offers activities in the morning as well as in the afternoon and organises trips around the district.

Howlands manager Deborah Hall said: “The money has already made a huge difference and now that we have five members of staff, we can extend our services throughout the full day.

“We support people to be independent through arts and crafts sessions, which our members really enjoy.”

Around 50 people visit the centre on a weekly basis and take part in fine art classes or learn how to restore furniture.

Mrs Hall said: “It makes a real difference to people’s lives and helps give them the confidence to try new things.”

The charity has also teamed up with the Batley Bulldogs, who are doing sports activities with the centre’s members until Christmas.

Mrs Hall said: “We have had one of their coaches come down on a Friday to do curling sessions. It has been really popular and it has brought out the competitive side in a lot of our members.

“We have a great location in the middle of town and welcome all community groups.”

To contact the centre call 01924 463693 or email [email protected]