HANDFORTH-based Time Out Group (TOG) has been awarded £212,000 to cover a three-year period from the National Lottery Community Fund.

TOG is an independent charity operating in the north west, based at The Paddock, which offers meaningful activities to those with a learning disability.

Joanne Adams, TOG manager said: “This year we have been successful in securing funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to work on a new project called Get Up, Get Out.

“This project involves encouraging our members to integrate within their own communities, looking at employment opportunities, additional sporting activities and supporting members with clear mental health pathways, which in turn offers more choice and control over their own lives and encourages independence.

“TOG offers drop-in sessions and sporting activities, and this funding means we can extend our activities and offer something different such as pop up discos and links with community partners.

“We are so pleased for this major win for the members and their families.

“This funding will secure the charity into the future and offer opportunities within the local community.

“The team worked so hard in pulling the bid together and I am extremely proud of the outcome.

“We encourage independence to our members and support to their families, we also offer volunteering and employment opportunities.

Clive Scollon, chairman of the members committee said: “This means the world to us all and we can now get excited for the future and all fun we can have.

“We love TOG and are happy with this result; we will plan all the activities and help make the charity a success.