A dance charity based in Accrington, Lancashire, is celebrating after receiving a six-figure sum from the National Lottery Community Fund.

DanceSyndrome will use their funding to empower and bring about positive change for people with learning disabilities.

They will offer weekly dance sessions, accredited dance leadership training and inspirational performances that demonstrate the power of inclusion.

In a statement, the charity said: “People who participate will gain independence, confidence, better communication and social skills, and see improvements in their health and wellbeing.

“Through a shared love of dance, people will feel connected to their communities and become less isolated.

The funding from the National Lottery will allow DanceSyndrome to increase its current offer – cut during confinement.

In addition to reaching more weekly participants, this will allow them to train more dance professionals in inclusive practices, giving them the specific skills needed to make dance sessions accessible to everyone.

It will also allow them to work with students and businesses outside of the dance sector to demonstrate the value of inclusion in practice in all aspects of life, not just dance.

Chief Executive Julie Nicholson said: “This grant means we can reach even more people and show them not only that dance is a powerful tool for building confidence, life skills and happiness, but also that everyone can be a leader in all activities. in our society, whether or not they have a disability.

“We hope to lay the foundations for a more inclusive society in the future, so this funding will make a big difference in people’s lives.”

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