This support means that the local hub in the Warwick Estate in Knottingley and Recycle Your Bits shop can remain open as welcoming spaces for residents and continue delivering activities that bring the community together. The project will now be widening the health and wellbeing activities offered, helping residents to feel healthier and access help locally when they need it.

Why is this important? In relation to health and disability, this neighbourhood is more deprived than 97% of neighbourhoods in England (Index of Multiple Deprivation, 2025).

About the Project

Warwick Ahead started as a Big Local Project where residents got to decide how to use funding over 10 years to improve the community.

This was led by Warwick Ahead Community Board, made up of people and volunteers from the Warwick Estate who made decisions based on what they knew was needed and involved other residents at every stage.

Since then, the Hub’s impact has extended far beyond its physical walls. It has provided a consistent, visible presence on the estate which has made a big difference to residents and strengthened the community.

Nova Wakefield District have supported the partnership since 2016 as the Locally Trusted Organisation and worked with the Warwick Ahead Community Board to secure this new funding. We’re a charity that works with voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations across Wakefield District to help them develop, and Warwick Ahead is part of our work to strengthen community partnerships.

Looking Ahead

The new funding of over £250,000 will allow us to build on the work already happening in the estate over the next three years, making sure that residents of all ages can continue to take part in activities, access support and feel part of a thriving community.

Maddy Sutcliffe, Nova’s CEO, said “I’m incredibly proud of the partnership Nova has built with the Warwick Ahead Community Board and residents of the Warwick Estate. This funding from the National Lottery Community Fund shows just what can be achieved when communities lead the way and are supported to turn their vision into reality. We’ve worked closely together to secure this funding, it will enable the Warwick Ahead project to grow its impact even further, supporting health, wellbeing and connection across the Warwick Estate for years to come.”

We are incredibly grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund and to the players whose contributions make funding like this possible. Their support will help ensure the hub remains a safe, friendly and active space at the heart of the neighbourhood.

We would also like to thank the residents, volunteers and partners who make Warwick Ahead what it is.

Getting Involved

This new phase of the project will encourage residents to engage with a wider range of support, including from VCSE organisations, and to build trust in those partnerships.

More information about ways to get involved in this work will be shared soon.

*  Shared by Warwick Ahead Community Board & Nova Wakefield District  *