By KLTV Newsdesk –

£19,980 National Lottery grant to support grassroots disability-led change and community empowerment

A new local disability network, KiNETIC, is celebrating the launch of its latest initiative, Into Action!, following a major funding boost from the National Lottery Community Fund. The grant of £19,980 will support a dynamic programme led by and for disabled people in Kirklees, enabling them to take the lead in improving their own lives and their wider community.

Supporting Disabled People to Create Change

KiNETIC is an independent network founded and run by disabled people. With trustees and the majority of its members having lived experience of disability, the group champions inclusion, accessibility, and the empowerment of marginalised voices. Its mission is to bring together individuals and organisations to tackle barriers, challenge stereotypes, and increase independence for disabled people locally.

The new Into Action! project will support community-led change by giving disabled people the tools, support, and funding to address the issues that matter most to them.

Fiona Weir, Trustee of KiNETIC, said:

“KiNETIC applied for this funding so that disabled people can do more to improve life for ourselves and others. Disabled people have a very wide range of needs, skills and experiences.

So we are inviting disabled people, our allies and supporting organisations to join us, and work together on whatever feels most important right now. Disabled people will decide which ideas get supported. We can’t wait to see what people come up with. This is a very difficult time for many disabled people, and we want to take back a bit of power!”

Micro-Projects Led by Disabled People

Of the total funding, £6,000 will be allocated to micro-projects planned and delivered by disabled people themselves. These could include:

• Social or creative events to bring people together

• Information sharing or awareness campaigns

• Essential tools or equipment to unlock new opportunities

• Innovative new ideas from within the network

Crucially, the funding also includes support for access costs, ensuring all participants can take part. This might include BSL interpreters for d/Deaf individuals, payment for support workers, or other adjustments as needed.

A Welcoming and Inclusive Network

Marina Poppa, Co-Chair of KiNETIC, emphasised the importance of accessibility and belonging:

“Many disabled people experience being left out or having our needs overlooked, even by organisations which are set up to help. At KiNETIC, we do our best to make everyone feel welcome and to make our activities accessible.

We want KiNETIC to be a network that’s useful, relevant and enjoyable for all disabled people and our supporters. We won’t be able to change everything at once, but with this financial support from the National Lottery Community Fund, we could really make a difference. Thank you to the Lottery players who make it all possible!”

Get Involved

KiNETIC is open to individual disabled people, allies, and organisations who want to work together towards a more inclusive future. Whether you’re bringing lived experience, ideas, or support, the network is calling on the community to help shape what comes next.

To get involved or find out more, contact KiNETIC via email at kinetickirklees@gmail.com, visit their website, or follow them on Facebook.

With Into Action! now underway, Kirklees’ disabled community is taking bold steps to lead change — powered by creativity, collaboration, and community spirit.