Major lottery

Almost £70,000 of lottery money has secured the future for Breathing Space, a group which provides social trips out for adults with learning disabilities.

Thanks to the Community Fund hand-out, people who suffer from a range of disabilities will be able enjoy their independence with visits to the theatre and swimming pool.

Breathing Space manager Gina Tye is delighted with the grant, marking it as a turning point for the group who faced financial difficulties last year.

"We rely on grants and donations and it has been difficult to keep up with the costs," she said. "We had to put the activities on hold last summer and there were fears that Breathing Space would fold.

"This grant, along with a £25,000 award from Lloyds TSB, has really given us hope - we can look ahead now with more encouragement."

Breathing Space was launched in 1994 and now has more than 150 keen members across the Hambleton district.

Her son's disability led Mrs Tye to put her heart and soul behind the group.

"It is an absolute lifeline for these people who otherwise would have nowhere to go and meet people," she said.

"I really believe in this scheme - it is the first step on the ladder for greater independence, confidence and self esteem.

"Our aim is to make our members feel as independent as possible and make them realise they can do anything with a bit of help."

The scheme also operates to offer a respite for carers, a job that Mrs Tye said can be very lonely.

"It allows them to have their own social life, while the members are looked after by the group's own carers and volunteers," she said.

"Our volunteers do a remarkable amount of work to help run the activities, they are very valuable people. They should be the ones that are thanked because they are proof that there is still a lot of goodwill out there."

Anyone interested in becoming a Breathing Space volunteer should contact Gina Tye on (01609) 779420.