February 2025
The Trustees of the Hargreaves Foundation are proud to announce funding has been awarded to ROKT Foundation. This will fund an innovative programme using climbing and urban adventure as a catalyst for supporting the mental and physical wellbeing of children and young people across West Yorkshire. The grant will enable ROKT to deliver taster sessions, development programmes, and outdoor experiences aimed at boosting confidence, self-esteem and resilience among young people identified as struggling with mental health.
ROKT Foundation, based in Brighouse, has supported over 4,000 individuals since 2021. Their initiatives target a range of needs, from child poverty and special educational needs to support for asylum seekers and refugee children, using climbing to promote physical activity, mental wellbeing and social inclusion. Working closely with schools, NHS teams, and local agencies, ROKT delivers co-created programmes that combine sport, group therapy, and wellbeing education on topics such as nutrition, sleep and hygiene.
Funding from the Hargreaves Foundation will allow ROKT to continue to expand its work, offering structured support to children aged 8-17, referred by school, mental health agencies, and police early intervention teams. Through activities like the National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme, outdoor adventures, and targeted wellbeing sessions, the projects will help children build resilience and learn life skills in a supportive community environment. The programme also includes training for staff, equipment replacing, and monitoring to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.