20% of UK people live in poverty. That's 8m working age adults, 4m children and 2m pensioners. In Leeds alone there's a 10 year difference in life expectancy between richer and poorer parts of the city and people from poorer areas are more likely to be socially isolated, have poorer health and wellbeing and lack social networks and life opportunities.

With over 20 years experience in this field, Zest aim to improve life chances for communities where inequalities and needs are greatest. They have a vision to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities regardless of background.

They do this through projects that improve physical, mental, social, emotional and economic wellbeing. So this might be projects that help people learn and develop new skills that help them into work. Projects that help people be more physically active in ways that are appropriate and accessible to individuals. Projects that teach important life skills, such as healthy cooking. And projects that help people be more involved in and proud of their local communities. They also provide opportunities for people to volunteer and contribute to their community.

It's really important that Zest is able to more sustainably fund projects like these because it's these grass roots, community based projects that help people be more self reliant, independent and empowered to help themselves.

We're fundraising for Zest to help them do even more good work to tackle inequality:

£650 would run a group for socially isolated men for approximately 26 weeks offering them the chance to improve their mental health through making friendships and giving them the chance to get involved in activities in their community.

£1300 would support local community members to run school holiday physical activities and provide nutritious meals for families living in poverty.

£2000 would run an employability skills course for a year for people starting their journey into employment.

Please sponsor what you can, every penny helps and helps us on the way to walk 26 miles up and down three very large hills/ mountains!