Hyndburn Council provides £5,000 grants to The Emily Davison Centre and Incredible Edible Accrington
Hyndburn Council provides £5,000 grants to The Emily Davison Centre and Incredible Edible Accrington
Hyndburn Borough Council has this month awarded a £5,000 grant to The Emily Davidson Centre, the first Ending Violence Against Women and Girls HUB in the U.K. The facility, in Accrington is currently home to five specialist charities. The concept is simple, when a woman or girl experiences violence, abuse and/or exploitation, many areas of their lives can be negatively impacted. It makes sense to have all services under one roof, where individuals can access support when they need it, reducing the risk of escalation and serious harm.
Council funding will be used to create a dedicated women‑only gym at The Emily Davison Centre, providing a safe, supportive space for women and girls accessing services within the centre. Open 9am–5pm on weekdays, the new facility will help victims of domestic abuse build confidence, improve physical and mental wellbeing, and regain a sense of control in a private, judgement‑free environment. The gym will also offer tailored programmes designed to support emotional healing and create a strong sense of community among users, helping individuals connect with others who share similar experiences while rebuilding strength, resilience and self‑esteem.
Image: The Emily Davison Centre Team alongside Cllr Kimberley Whitehead
Amanda Elwen, Chair of The Emily Davison Centre said:
“Thanks to this funding, we can create a space where women feel safe, supported and strong. The new gym will help survivors of domestic abuse reconnect with their confidence, their resilience and their sense of self. It’s more than a fitness facility—it’s a place for healing and empowerment.”
Councillor Kimberley Whitead, Deputy Leader of the Council said:
“We are so proud to support projects like this through the Cabinet Action Fund. Providing a safe, dedicated space for women and girls to rebuild confidence and wellbeing is exactly the kind of community‑focused initiative we want to champion. This investment will make a meaningful difference to those who rely on The Emily Davidson Centre, and we’re pleased to help make it happen.”
In addition, Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum received a £5,000 grant towards their Incredible Edibles Accrington project.
Image: Cllr Kimberley Whitehead and Cath Holmes, Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum
Founded in 2011, Incredible Edible Accrington is a volunteer-led group inspired by the national Incredible Edible movement. Their mission is to grow and share local food, strengthen community connections, and transform public spaces into vibrant, edible landscapes. From planting herbs and fruit trees across Hyndburn to donating surplus harvests to foodbanks, the group has spent more than a decade enriching neighbourhoods and supporting local wellbeing.
Funding will be used to develop a new space in Gatty Park, complete with a glasshouse and polytunnel which require urgent repairs.
Cath Homes of Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum and Incredible Edible Accrington said:
“The Council grant has supported essential weatherproofing and restoration of an already well used polytunnel, enabling Incredible Edible Accrington to relocate, continue growing fresh produce, and safeguard a much‑loved community asset that contributes to greener spaces, local food resilience and improved wellbeing.”
The Cabinet Action Fund, announced earlier this year, is a budget dedicated to addressing community needs and supporting local service providers. This fund is part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to help local organisations who provide support for Hyndburn residents.
Local organisations can apply at https://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/cabinet-action-fund-application-form/