GloW grant scheme
To contribute to the work around the Five Ways to Wellbeing within the county and to combat poor mental health, including addressing social isolation and loneliness, the GloW grant scheme was developed to provide funds to grass roots organisations working within communities to support Gloucestershire residents and build resilience.
GloW’s purpose was to address the factors (often known as the “wider determinants”) that contribute to our wellbeing and can help improve our mental health and build our resilience. These include social connections, access to green space, physical security, employment, transport, and housing. The grant funding was awarded to projects which were required to increase the range of ‘social support’ available in the community with a focus on individuals or groups who may have less likely access traditional support services provided in mainstream health or clinical settings. For example, they could:
- Promote good mental health and wellbeing;
- Seek to positively address one or more of the determinants for poor mental health; or
- Support the prevention of suicide and self-harm in individuals and groups who might be at higher risk.
A range of fantastic and creative applications were received. These included groups such as men’s sheds (a space where men can get together in a social atmosphere and often do woodwork together), community cafes, memory cafes (groups which help older people socialise if they have a diagnosis of dementia in a comfortable atmosphere), accessible sports groups, mindfulness groups in schools and groups which allowed people to open up about their mental health through horse therapy.
With their grant, Gloucester FM created a series of adverts which acted to break down stigma and raise awareness of mental health support for those from black and ethnic minority groups.
In total the GloW Grant Scheme allocated approximately £210,000 to 29 community groups working alongside individuals and communities who are at highest risk of poor mental health and social isolation across the county.
Real names have been changed in this case study.
As a single mum of two teenage boys, Poppy found herself in a very dark place during the pandemic.
“I’m the sole carer for my youngest son who has learning difficulties and physical health challenges. Prior to the lockdowns we were accessing services but when everything had to stop and shut down, we became isolated from the community and my mental wellbeing spiralled to rock bottom”.
Fortunately, Poppy reached out for help from ‘Caring for Communities and People (CCP) a community charity and foodbank during a particularly tough time after her son underwent major surgery when they were completely housebound. The CCP Pantry arranged food parcels to be delivered and told Poppy about The Isbourne’s outreach services, which were funded by the GloW grants scheme.
Since Autumn 2021, Poppy has attended three Community Wellbeing four-week courses: Yoga for Mind and Body, From Positive Change to Mindset Transformation, and Balance and Calm with Qigong.
“The courses at The Isbourne have restored my sanity and enabled me to move forwards with a more positive mindset. They have taught me how to nurture and look after myself and create time just for me when I can get out of the house and connect with others in the community. I now have a reason to live and enjoy life."
Real names have been changed in this case study.
As a single mum of two teenage boys, Poppy found herself in a very dark place during the pandemic.
“I’m the sole carer for my youngest son who has learning difficulties and physical health challenges. Prior to the lockdowns we were accessing services but when everything had to stop and shut down, we became isolated from the community and my mental wellbeing spiralled to rock bottom”.
Fortunately, Poppy reached out for help from ‘Caring for Communities and People (CCP) a community charity and foodbank during a particularly tough time after her son underwent major surgery when they were completely housebound. The CCP Pantry arranged food parcels to be delivered and told Poppy about The Isbourne’s outreach services, which were funded by the GloW grants scheme.
Since Autumn 2021, Poppy has attended three Community Wellbeing four-week courses: Yoga for Mind and Body, From Positive Change to Mindset Transformation, and Balance and Calm with Qigong.
“The courses at The Isbourne have restored my sanity and enabled me to move forwards with a more positive mindset. They have taught me how to nurture and look after myself and create time just for me when I can get out of the house and connect with others in the community. I now have a reason to live and enjoy life."
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