Community organisations are celebrating a cash boost after a healthy living project awarded them all funding following a “fantastic” response from local residents who rallied behind the schemes.
People living in Heartsease were asked to vote for their favourite healthy living project with seven ideas put forward to help people get active, eat well and live better.
The project brought local organisations and businesses together to create projects that mattered and voting boxes were situated in community spaces such as Café 33, St Francis Church, Thorpe Wood Medical Practice and Vape Lounge. There was also an opportunity to vote online.
Organisers said the response to the vote which ran between December 15 and January 18 was fantastic, with over 200 residents taking part in the voting process.
Councillor Matthew Packer, Norwich City Council cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said:
“The response was fantastic. The community of Heartsease showed overwhelming support for each of the projects.
“As a result, funding has been awarded to all of the proposed projects so that they can get started in the coming months.
“The community has also put forward suggestions for other things they would like to see happen in Heartsease, such as more activities for families. This is particularly important feedback that we can look into further.”
Norwich Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) provided funding for the healthy living projects which was overseen and supported by Norfolk Community Foundation.
Tracy Williams, Queens Nurse and Chair of NHS Norwich CCG, said: “We are delighted with the response and support from the residents of Heartsease.
“Keeping active, eating well and reducing fat and sugar in your diet are some of the key factors leading to a more healthy lifestyle.
“Taking these positive actions can be really good for your physical health and mental health and wellbeing.
“Making some healthy lifestyle changes, particularly that are as a part of a community and involve social activities, as these healthy living projects are, can really make a difference.”
The projects which have been awarded funding are:
- Hot meals for the vulnerable and elderly at Cafe 33 – to provide hot meals, company and support for people who might benefit, on Mondays and Thursdays for 10 weeks. Award: £1,000
- Table tennis taster sessions at Frere Road Community Centre – a series of free sessions open to anyone interested in learning how to play or improving their skills. Award: £400
- Bushcraft sessions for children at Heartsease Primary Academy – a free after-school club which will provide sessions from Bushcraft instructors for 100 children, allowing them to develop skills, be active and improve wellbeing. Award: £1,000
- Fortnightly cycling group run by Mind and Pushing Ahead – free, fun and friendly cycle rides for beginners and more experienced cyclists, helping alleviate stress and boost physical fitness. Award: £1,000
- Free complementary therapy tasters and sessions from Mind – to feel pampered, tackle muscular pain or emotional difficulty with Mind’s experienced massage, reiki and reflexology therapists. This project would provide sessions for up to 60 people and is aimed at people who may not otherwise be able to afford to access these therapies. Award: £1,000
- Healthy Hive drop in session at St Francis Church – relaxed, regular drop in sessions over 10 months, where people can come together to support each other’s mental and physical health and wellbeing. Award: £990
- Family community meals at St Francis Church with Food Cycle – weekly community meals for families to eat a healthy evening meal together and explore a variety of new foods. Award: £1,000.
Author: Emily Arbon on behalf of Healthy Norwich partners: NHS Norwich Clinical Commissioning Group, Norwich City Council, Norfolk County Council (Public Health) and Broadland District Council.
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