Exeter Wheelchair Dancing Group celebrates bringing communities together

People from across the country have come to Exeter to celebrate the difference local community group, ISCA Wheelchair Dancers, is making to people’s lives.

Five teams of walkers began their journey on Monday 29th May and have trekked across the UK to celebrate the great projects that bring people and communities together. The Great Big Walk is a new initiative made possible by National Lottery funding and run by Eden Communities. It has seen a dedicated group of walkers and their supporters visit a different local project every day. They are able to experience first-hand how National Lottery players are helping to create stronger communities across villages, towns and cities all over the UK.

Two of the walkers, Jane Knight and Judy Thorn, stopped in Exeter on Tuesday 13th June to meet some of the incredible people who go the extra mile to bring communities together. ISCA Wheelchair Dancers, a Big Lottery Fund supported project, offers people with disabilities the opportunity to dance and socialise, with members ranging from 18 to 78-years-old.

Jane Knight said: “They gave us the most fantastic welcome, lining up in their wheelchairs and high fiving us along the way. We joined in with their dancing which was great fun and they made us a beautiful cake. It’s clear to see that the National Lottery funding is so valuable to them, helping to get the dancers to their classes from across the county. We really appreciate what National Lottery funding is doing for us and them.”

Natasha Cole, Chair and Dance Instructor at ISCA Wheelchair Dancers, said: “It was so exciting welcoming The Great Big Walk. Our members really enjoyed showing the walking team their dancing and sharing stories and experiences with them.

“It’s fantastic to be part of such an inspiring initiative that connects people and celebrates community. That’s what ISCA Wheelchair Dancers is all about – getting together, socialising and enjoying dance activities regardless of ability.”

Natasha set up ISCA Wheelchair Dancers in 2009 with her two friends to provide dance and social opportunities for disabled people. The group regularly partake in competitions and last month performed at the Dawlish Arts Festival. Natasha said, “I’ve always needed help and had to ask for help from others, and through the Wheelchair Dancers group I’m able to give back to the community and people less fortunate than myself.”

Each team of walkers are travelling to five corners of the UK, finishing on Sunday 18 June to join celebrations for The Big Lunch - the UK's annual get together for neighbours to spend a few hours of fun and friendship. Following last year’s event, which saw 7 million people take part, this year promises to be even bigger. Memorable events, both big and small, will be held in local neighbourhoods to foster community connections.

“The Great Big Walk is celebrating and recognising how people have come together to make their communities stronger,” said Joe Ferns, Big Lottery Fund’s UK Knowledge & Portfolio Director. “Thanks to money generated by National Lottery players, we’re also building happier communities, which we’ve seen through the walkers’ journeys across the UK.”