National Coal Mining Museum strikes gold with £20k funding to boost educational and family resources
The rich stream of funding, from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, is set to fuel exciting new opportunities for visitors and volunteers, with a special focus on creating inclusive and engaging outdoor experiences.
Key parts of the project, which was funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, include the piloting of new outdoor events designed for visitors with special educational needs (SEN) and dementia.
These events will feature nature-themed arts and crafts, seasonal wellbeing walks, and interactive opportunities to engage with the local habitat.
The museum will also introduce volunteering and work experience opportunities tailored for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), helping them build confidence and gain valuable skills.In addition, the funding will support improvements to the museum’s popular nature trail, offering visitors enhanced ways to explore, engage with, and learn about nature.
These developments will provide opportunities for both children and adults to increase their understanding of environmental issues, including the impact of climate change.
The museum will also work closely with schools and the local community, creating enriching experiences which will combat social isolation a while fostering a greater connection with nature and the environment.
Lynn Dunning, CEO, National Coal Mining Museum for England said: “We are thrilled to receive this funding, which will allow us to expand and enhance our outdoor experiences, making them more accessible for all.
“It will allow us to engage with our communities, offer enriching and inclusive activities and support people in developing new skills.
“Our outdoor spaces are beautiful and great places to explore, the natural environment has such a positive impact on wellbeing and we are sure these experiences will help people in many ways."
Coun Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “The National Coal Mining Museum is a fantastic place to visit in our district, and enjoyed by so many people every year.
“We’re delighted that it’s received this funding to further expand its educational and family resources, offering exciting new features for visitors and volunteering opportunities for the local community.”
With increased volunteer opportunities and a focus on community engagement, National Coal Mining Museum for England is committed to fostering a welcoming environment for everyone.
“The museum looks forward to the positive impact these programs will have on individuals, families, and the wider community.”
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025.
The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.For more information visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund Prospectus andWest Yorkshire Business Skills
The museum is urging the local business community and others to support its Gift A Child a Festive Experience campaign to make a difference for needy children in Wakefield.
For just a £50 donation it will give a child from a struggling family the chance to experience an unforgettable meeting with Santa in his underground grotto.
Without a helping hand, they will never have the chance to meet Santa, to share in the joy of the season, or to escape the harshness of life even for a day.
* A new interactive 3D tour of a major exhibition commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike – 84/85 – The Longest Year– has been made available for free online by the National Coal Mining Museum for England.
VIEW THE TOUR: Take a look around the free 3D virtual tour on the museum’s website at www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/84-85 - CLICK HERE.
The almost year-long exhibition dates coincide with the anniversary, opening on March 6, 2024 and set to close 40 years after miners returned to work, on March 3, 2025.
A series of events are lined up for the remainder of the exhibition including an exciting panel discussion with lawyers about their experiences during the Strike in September, the launch of a poetry anthology in November, and a Toy Swap in the spirit of communities pulling together at Christmas.
Full details can be found at ncm.org.uk/84-85.
The Museum, the former Caphouse Colliery, is on New Road, Overton, the main road between Wakefield and Huddersfield.
National Coal Mining Museum’s attractions include underground tours, exhibitions, pony discovery centre, nature trail, adventure playground, café and more. There are many more events tunning throughoout the summer holidays - for more, click here.
It is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm (winter hours until March 24) and 10am-5pm (summer hours from March27).
Entry to the the museum is free but, as an independent charity, donations are appreciated.
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Yorkshire £1m Postcode Lottery win brings sunshine to pit ponies Eric and Ernie. The National Coal Mining Museum announce new CEO is Lynn Dunning.
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