Five projects that aim to boost the health and wellbeing of people in Wiltshire have been awarded a grant from Healthwatch Wiltshire's Community Cash Fund.
The scheme, which was launched in early March 2019, 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.
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.
SPARK Festival of Wellbeing
Pound Arts Centre and Rewired Counselling hosted SPARK, a two-day health and wellbeing event in Corsham on 12 and 13 July 2019.
The first day was aimed at Year 9 students and focuses on sleep, stress, body, food and confidence, while the second day was open to all and included a variety of speakers and a marketplace of groups and services.
Happy Hearts Dance Project
Wiltshire People 1st, ran their group for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism from June to September 2019. The sessions were designed to promote a healthy lifestyle through conversation, cooking and dance activities.
Wellbeing at the Orchard
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's Wellbeing at the Orchard project, which ran from July to November 2019 was aimed at people experiencing mental health issues. The project, based at Roundway Orchard in Devizes, featured eight weeks of outdoor activities including conservation, wild-cooking and nature-based craft.
Singing for Lung Health Choir
Singing regularly is thought to have a positive effect on the quality of life of someone with a lung condition. With that in mind, Rowden Surgery in Chippenham launched a six-week singing course to boost the health and wellbeing of patients with respiratory conditions such as COPD - and their carers.
Any Body Can Cook
Any Body Can Cook are running healthy eating courses for families on a low income at 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.