Mayor of York and North Yorkshire David Skaith allocated £600,000 from his investment fund to 21 village halls and community buildings across North Yorkshire.
WHISH is one of the spaces supported by the fund, enabling them to make their building more accessible. They provide support, information, activities and friendship to families and children with a diverse range of disabilities and impairments. By making their building more accessible, they have been able to expand on these services, ensuring all families in the area can benefit.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire said, “We need more places where everyone in our communities, especially those who are more vulnerable, can feel safe, connected and empowered.
“I have seen firsthand the difference that WHISH makes with its judgement-free space and support for children with disabilities and their families.
“Organisations like WHISH are a lifeline for so many. They are already supporting over 100 families in the area but they’re ready to meet rising challenges and support even more.
“That is why I am proud to invest directly in WHISH to fund essential upgrades like lift access and wider doors, so they can be accessible to those who need them most.
“It is a powerful example of how I want to use devolution to benefit communities across York and North Yorkshire.”
Project Manager of WHISH, Yvonne Harrison said, “The funds from Mayor David Skaith have meant we can add a lift to our building and open our doors to so many more members.
“Not only will children in wheelchairs now be able to benefit from our services, but we can now also welcome adults with mobility needs and have made it easier for parents with pushchairs.”
Activities Coordinator, Ellie Marshall said, “Now we have the lift it’s made handovers to parents with prams so much easier. Before we were doing them over the phone or outside!”
The two described how the charity is going from strength to strength as they gear up for a busy summer holiday.
Yvonne Harrison said, “It is a sad fact some children haven’t been to the Abbey or the beach till one of our trips. That’s why we make sure we offer a range of experiences.
“We take them on days out, have fun activities and games, but we also look at practical life skills such as online safety, cooking, and CV writing.
“Being able to expand who we offer these services to by making our space more accessible, can only be a good thing for our area.”
Ellie Marshall added, “With this increase in demand and membership, we are seeing some lovely things happen.
“One of our original members has just turned 18 and is in the process of becoming an official member of the volunteering team. We are also seeing some of the other young people take an interest in helping, asking us how they can get involved and be like their elder peers.
“By giving them that extra bit of responsibility, in a safe and supportive space, we are really seeing our young people thrive and grow.”