A PROJECT which aims to improve the health of Bradford's visually impaired people has had its membership increase by 50 per cent since being awarded a £6,000 lottery grant.

The Holme Wood Visually Impaired Persons (VIP) group was awarded £6,000 by the Big Lottery Fund to run its Inspired Project, with group officials saying this saved the group from folding.

The cash injection saw the group carry out a recruitment drive last September including an extensive leaflet drop at GP surgeries in the area.

The weekly group looks to reduce social isolation in south Bradford and further afield and raise awareness of the disability within the community.

The group, which meets every Monday at Morrell Court, Hazelmere Close, Holme Wood, now has 19 full-time members.

A programme of new activities, including specialist cookery classes to help people improve their life skills, by enabling them to cook healthy meals with confidence instead of relying on ready meals.

Members have shared tips on how to adapt processes and household implements to meet their needs, or about specialist equipment that is available.

Craft classes, such as jewellery making, will also help to boost member's confidence and self-esteem and there are a range of speakers covering a range of topics tailored to the group's interests.

Chairman Paul Robinson said: "The group has been very successful over the last few months.

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"The group was on the verge of collapse before we got the lottery funding.

"Although the lottery funding was only for the year, it has given us extra time to build up a fund from our membership fees, for the first time.

"Next year we should be able to have as much fun as we had this year."

The group's previous activities have included holidays and trips to Llandudno, Bridlington and York and shopping days out in Skipton.

Treasurer Carole Topham added: "I feel we have bonded a lot more since we got the lottery funding, as there has been money there for us to do things and go on trip we couldn't normally afford.

"We got our leaflets out to doctors' surgeries and we already have 50 per cent more members.

"We have so many things to look forward to and we are really grateful to the lottery fund for giving us these opportunities."

For those living near the centre there is an access bus to get to the centre and people from around south Bradford can call the VIP group.

Potential new group members from across the Bradford district are welcome but anyone coming from further afield should arrange their own transport.

For more information on joining the group, call Mr Robinson on 01274 689335 or 07874 872897.