AN organisation which has helped people change their lives by exploring the peaks and dales of Yorkshire and getting involved in conservation work and crafts, is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

In that time The People and the DALES has helped thousands of disadvantaged people make life-changing discoveries.

Like Emily Wood, a volunteer, trustee and former service user at the nationwide City of Sanctuary movement, who told guests at a birthday celebration in the Victoria Hall in Bradford: "It changed my life."

"When I visited Malham, I knew I wanted to conquer that hill, and I did. It made me feel like I could do anything, overcome hardships I was going through, and succeed.

"The people I met are more than friends – they feel like family. The People and the DALES team are the unsung heroes in my life and in the community I come from.”

For Mohammed Sharif, it led to him being honoured with The Superman Award for his "super-human" efforts scaling hills and mountains across the UK and in Europe, following his introduction to Ingleborough through People and the DALES.

And for his dedicated work reaching out to a wide range of community groups in Bradford and sharing what he has learnt to motivate and inspire others, Kamran Yunis received a New Communities award.

Teacher Chris Calveley, who was also a guest speaker, received the People and the DALES ‘Youth Award’ in recognition of his great work with young people.

It was one of eight awards presented at the celebration event.

Mr Calveley, who teaches at Carlton Bolling College in Bradford, said: “Many of our students are not very academic and prefer to do something hands-on and practical.

"People and the DALES helps us deliver an ‘alternative curriculum’ which brings out the best in the kids. We’re providing happy moments and memories for the rest of their lives.

"I also want to thank People and the DALES for helping to train me as a Walking Group Leader - it has really made a big difference to me, and I’m now working with more youngsters as a Duke of Edinburgh Award leader.”

The People and the DALES project is run by the Clapham-based charity Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust and, since 2005, more than 7,600 people have enjoyed 587 events throughout the national park.

By taking part in activities such as nature discovery walks, farm visits, conservation work and crafts, the project provides life-changing opportunities for disadvantaged people to experience the health and well-being benefits of spending time outdoors in the countryside, often for the first time.

The anniversary celebration was attended by many of the inspirational people that had helped to make this life-changing project such a success, and some of the people whose lives had been influenced by its work.

Dave Tayler, YDMT deputy director, said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped us reach this fantastic milestone of ten amazing years of People and the DALES.

"At the celebration event we heard some emotional stories, shed a few tears and had a lot of laughs...it was an inspirational day spent with some great friends.

"We also looked ahead to the future and exciting plans to develop this work in new areas to help support many more disadvantaged people.”

Over the years People and the DALES has itself received several awards, the most recent being a Sanctuary in Mental Health award from the national City of Sanctuary movement, which aims to build a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for refugees seeking sanctuary from war and persecution.

People and the DALES has been made possible thanks to funding from Natural England and the Big Lottery Fund Access to Nature programme, Yorkshire Dales Society, David Brooke Charity, Sylvia Adams Charitable Trust, Sovereign Health Care Charitable Trust, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund, North Yorkshire County Council and players of People’s Postcode Lottery.