As applications open for the Fylde Community Wellbeing Fund, we look back at some of the fantastic projects enabled by Fylde Council-administered NHS Community Funding last year.
The NHS Community Funding allowed Fylde Council to take applications from volunteer, community, faith-based and social enterprise organisations for projects to support Fylde residents through the cost-of-living crisis, whether by helping with food and other essentials, empowering with new wellness skills, or providing a friendly environment to address social isolation in trying times.
Altogether, the scheme was able to support twelve projects in Fylde with up to £15,000 in funding, with excellent feedback both from the organising groups and the people who attended. If you are a member of a group considering a project for your community through the Fylde Community Wellbeing Fund, read on to be inspired by just a few of the success stories from last year.
AFC Fylde Community Foundation – Fylde Loneliness Prevention Project
The AFC Fylde Community Foundation were one of the beneficiaries of the grant, receiving funding for their Fylde Loneliness Prevention Project, working to deliver one-to-one outreach work and group mentoring activities for people over 65 who found themselves socially isolated by the increased constraints of the cost-of-living crisis. These sessions allowed project officers to produce personalised care and support plans, build relationships and confidence with the participants, and signpost to project partners for additional help where required.
A total of 24 group sessions and 83 one-to-one sessions were completed between 1 Jan 2023 and 31 March 2023, with 30 people able to leave their homes and connect with new friends and their communities in ways that would not have been possible without this support. The Fylde Loneliness Prevention Project was deemed a success in supporting a significant number of participants to reduce social isolation in Fylde, and was successful in securing National Lottery funding for a further three years. If you or someone you know may benefit from the free twelve-week programme, why not visit the AFC Fylde Community Foundation website?
Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit – Wesley’s Wellbeing Project
Fylde Residents may already be familiar with Wesley’s Community Cafe & Larder at Church Road Methodist Church in St Annes, and the fantastic work they do to provide a safe and welcoming place for people to come together, socialise and enjoy good food for free. In 2023, the Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit received funding for Wesley’s Wellbeing Project, a programme of groups and classes to help residents develop their mental wellbeing and practical skills. A ‘taster day’ introduced courses covering Digital Skills, Microwave Cooking, Gardening Classes (‘The Small Garden Group’), Music for Wellbeing, and an Art and Nature Group.
The courses were well attended by families and individuals, including older people who identified themselves as socially isolated. Participants reported greatly enjoying the activities and being inspired to continue gardening, singing or creating art after the courses ended, as well as developing the confidence to seek out other groups and engage in the wider community.
Just Good Friends – JGF Support Project
Just Good Friends are a community organisation based in Lytham St Annes who work to combat loneliness and social isolation by bringing people together in friendship. Together, they provide wellbeing support for vulnerable members, host weekly programmes of social activities and events, enable peer support, and provide guidance, advocacy and referral. Their JGF Support Project allowed them to spread the word and attract new members, as well provide free memberships, free activity sessions, Sunday dinners, curry nights, and warm spaces seven days a week.
Attendees explained how they would otherwise have been staying home alone, with no heating and little food, but instead were able to eat, socialise, and get advice on the different types of support available such as foodbank vouchers.
Cllr Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing, said: “We’re very fortunate in Fylde to be home to so many caring community groups, and I am proud be able to support them with grant funding for the wonderful projects to enhance where they live. I would encourage any groups looking to start or continue such programmes this year to investigate our Community Wellbeing Fund and see how we may be able to help with up to £5,000 in funding.”
Fylde Council’s new Community Wellbeing Fund is open for applications NOW, giving community groups the opportunity to apply for up to £5,000 in grant funding for innovative, sustainable projects that will enhance where they live. To read more and to apply, visit http://www.fylde.gov.uk/wellbeingfund
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