Community Cash Fund winners announced
The scheme, which was launched in early March, attracted 41 applications to apply for funds of up to £2,000 from the county's consumer champion for health and social care services.
As well as encouraging healthier lifestyles, the five successful projects will also provide a way for Healthwatch Wiltshire to get more feedback on local services from people it might not otherwise hear from.
Healthwatch Wiltshire manager Stacey Plumb said:
"Thank you to everyone who applied to the Community Cash Fund. We were delighted to receive such a high number of applications and it was a really tough job deciding who should receive funding.
"We're really excited to be supporting these incredibly worthwhile projects and are looking forward to following their progress in the months ahead."
And the winners are...
Anybody Can Cook, who want to run healthy eating courses for families on a low income at children’s centres in Chippenham and Corsham. Their vision is to promote health equality across communities, with the ultimate aim being less visits to the GP and dentist, maintaining a healthy weight, better mental health and increased confidence.
Pound Arts Centre and Rewired Counselling, who are hosting SPARK, a two-day health and wellbeing event in Corsham on 12 and 13 July. The first day is aimed at Year 9 students and focuses on sleep, stress, body, food and confidence, while the second day is open to all and includes a variety of speakers and a marketplace of groups and services.
Rowden Hill Surgery, who are looking to start a choir for patients with respiratory conditions who attend the Rowden, Lodge and Hathaway surgeries in Chippenham. Singing regularly is thought to have a positive effect on the quality of life of someone with a lung condition, and sessions would be open to both patients and their carers.
Wiltshire People 1st, who are launching their Happy Hearts Dance Group for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. The sessions will promote a healthy lifestyle through conversation, cooking and dance activities.
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, for their Wellbeing at the Orchard project, which is aimed at people who are experiencing mental health issues. The project, based at Roundway Orchard in Devizes, features eight weeks of outdoor activities including conservation, wild-cooking and nature-based craft. Designed to help improve mental wellbeing, the project also provides skills and knowledge on managing an orchard.
More information
Keep up-to-date with the projects on our Community Cash Fund page.
