Lack of funding for transport, training and rent has meant that the Bradford Expedition Leaders Association, which helps around 200 young people a year from inner city Bradford experience the countryside, will no longer be able to run its services from April 26.
Among services that will end is an equipment lending scheme to ensure that young people from deprived areas can take part in outdoor activities. The organisation also specialises in promoting outdoor pursuits among hard to reach groups including those with disabilities and young Asian women.
The association's secretary Chris Johnson said that restrictions on funding for training and the axing of the Bradford Community Transport scheme had led the group to struggle to survive.
He said: "We have tried to get funding from a variety of places, but the process is taking too long. We've waited and waited for responses to applications, but it is now too late.
"One of the options we are considering is to focus on lobbying. The government has been very keen to open up access to the countryside and to encourage inclusion but this talk has not been matched by funding and support for groups like ours."
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
