A community programme, which has received national acclaim for its inclusive approach to extra-curricular activities, celebrated the end of its recent ‘Cycling for All’ initiative and additional funding, with a ride down the old railway track from Richmond Station to Easby.

‘Activities for All’ is coordinated by YES@ Arete Learning Trust. The programme was recently awarded a further £8,888 from the National Lottery Community Fund to encourage more students to take part in activities that  improve motor skills and inspire them to progress into local sports clubs.

‘Cycling for All’ is  delivered in partnership with Stage One Cycles at Hawes who have run a number of highly successful programmes at Richmond School and Sixth Form College. This term saw the programme branching out to host after-school cycling activities at Northallerton School and Sixth Form College. In the Autumn, the programme will be held at Stokesley School and Sixth Form College which is the third of the schools within the Aretė Learning Trust.

Kath Lawson, Director of Inclusive Support for YES@ Arete Learning Trust, said: “We are delighted that our programmes continue to be popular and provide opportunities for all students to develop skills and benefit from exercise. When we started the ‘Cycling for All’ programme (May 2019), there were limited opportunities for some students to learn how to ride a bicycle. The work of Stage One Cycles through our programme and the work that they do through primary schools and from their base at Hawes is amazing. We are incredibly grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund for recognising the immense value of our programme and for their ongoing support.”

So far, 205 students have benefitted from the ‘Activities for All’ programme from a total of 18 sessions including ‘Swimming for All’, ‘Cycling for All’, ‘Dancing for All’, ‘Pilates for All’ and ‘Paddleboarding for All’ have been organised.

‘Activities for All’ offers a range of activities for children and young people of all ages and abilities. Further information is available at www.yesataretelearningtrust.net or by emailing yes@aretelearningtrust.org