WIREDGOV

More than 15,000 families could benefit from new funding spread across 22 projects around England.

Families living in refuge having suffered domestic abuse will be just some of the potential 15,000 families who will benefit from a £40 million investment from Sport England.

The National Lottery fund has been allocated by us to 22 projects around the country whose aim it is to bring families closer together through sport and physical activity.

Manchester’s The Pankhurst Trust provides an empowering and safe space for women and families who have been victims of domestic violence.

Some of the people they work with now live in refuges and they will be among the 700-plus families that will benefit from a grant of £441,929.

With four out of five primary school children not getting enough exercise and research showing that active parents can be positive role models, The Pankhurst Trust’s Elaine DeFries knows the money will make a real difference.

“Some of our families’ experiences have been negative – for many reasons,” said the director of operations. “Some around domestic violence and sometimes because of the mental health issues that ensue because of that abuse.

“So, this will be a positive thing for the whole family to be involved in. It will strengthen family bonds, it will strengthen parent-child bonds and between siblings.

“It is about doing something together, which is therapeutic and healing and good for your health generally.”

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