Eleven innovative community-led health and wellbeing projects have received funding support from West Lindsey District Council.
Projects include supporting animal assisted learning, a new tent for scouts, a befriending service and drama ‘drop-in sessions’ raising awareness of mental health and support available.
The Council supported the projects through its Community Grant Scheme.
Councillor Lesley Rollings, Chair of the Prosperous Communities Committee, said: “There are so many great innovative community-led projects being delivered that reach residents across the district, including those facing particular disadvantage or marginalisation.
“In order to improve and contribute to the positive health and wellbeing of all of our residents, we need to build on community knowledge and expertise and support community leadership.
“Community-led action on health and well-being is a priority within the Lincolnshire District Council’s Health and Well-Being Strategy. Our grants programme is crucial to help communities deliver projects that are needed in their local areas, and I wish them every success.”
The following are some of the grants West Lindsey District Council are currently supporting through the Community Grant Scheme:
- Stepping Stone Theatre for Mental Health – Drama drop-in and story-telling
- GoGro CIC – Food4Thought project Gainsborough
- Moments of Light Ltd (GLINT) – Provision of all-weather facilities
- Nettleham Scout Group – New tent
- LGBTQ+ Village CIC (Think 2 Speak) – Empower and protect West Lindsey’s LGBTQ+ Young People
- Happy Hooves – Happy Hooves on the Road
- The Network CIO – West Lindsey Youth Outreach
Cllr Matt Boles, ward member for Gainsborough East at West Lindsey District Council, said: “I visited the GoGro CIC Food4Thought project in Gainsborough recently to see for myself the excellent work and support this organisation provides across the district. Their work on projects surrounding health and affordable eating is really creative and is helping to improve the lives of people across the West Lindsey.”
Happy Hooves is one of the groups that have received support. They offer a unique learning experience that uses horses as active participants.
Louise Shepherdson from Happy Hooves said: “This grant from West Lindsey will make a huge difference to our organisation and our local community.
“It will allow us to work with disadvantaged groups such as those with dementia, mobility or health problems, adults and children with additional needs or mental health issues who would otherwise be unable to get to us.
“We hope to deliver the fun, warmth and enrichment that animals can bring to those who are isolated or lonely and to bring people together through their love of animals. We have had a huge response so far.”
Rob Hewis and Eamonn Hunt, from GoGro CIC, said: “We are very grateful to West Lindsey District Council for supporting our community, food-based initiatives in Gainsborough. Through engagement with the local community, we will endeavour to develop, strengthen and deliver sustainable food-based initiatives.”
The council is also supporting the following groups:
- Lincoln and Lindsey Blind Society – By My Side
- Wellness Network CIC – The Mind & Body Programme – New Parents
- Age UK Lindsey – Befriending project
The Community Grant Scheme is funded by the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund.
Image courtesy of West Lindsey District Council
