WAVE Adventure scoops nearly £200,000!

The Community Fund money will be spread over five years and help underpin the work of the Bolton charity with groups of local disadvantaged children aged from 10 to 16 and their families as well as working with adults.

WAVE founder Graham Wood said the organisation was “absolutely overjoyed” to receive the long-term funding “which will make it possible for us to continue to work closely with local people to improve their health and wellbeing.”

WAVE, based in Bury Road, stands for Water Activities and Various Experiences. It creates confidence-building healthy, adventure activities including rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking and gorge walking at very little or no cost to those taking part.

It works with organisations like Bolton Lads and Girls Club, local young people living with diabetes and Young Mentors aged 10 to 17 who are training to be outdoor leaders. Its own project the Peak Connections, supporting adults to improve mental health, will also now be able to continue thanks to the new funding

Graham, a keen outdoors exponent whose background is in social work and youth work, began WAVE 20 years ago. The organisation has just been made Club of the Year in the town’s own sports’ awards.

Added Graham: “As well as current projects, which are vital for the continued wellbeing of those who take part, our charity will now be able to develop and offer more opportunities to the people of Bolton.”