AN AMBITIOUS bid to tackle isolation by inspiring people to take part in exercise has been handed a £370,000 funding boost from the National Lottery.
Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire chiefs are celebrating after scooping £370,987 for their ‘Our Community Can’ scheme.
The project aims to give individuals, groups and communities the chance to set up groups offering physical activity in their area.
Partnership bosses hope the six figure sum from the largest funder of community activity in the UK will help them reduce social isolation, promote independence and tackle mental well-being across the areas.
Our Community Can will be run over four years and see Sports Partnership staff team up with local community groups, many in rural areas.
It’s hoped local people will contribute ideas and aspirations for activities they would like to see in the area which they would then run and develop themselves.
Stephen Brewster, chief executive officer of Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire said:
“We know individuals living in rural areas can experience greater social isolation and loneliness which can have a significant impact on their physical and mental health.”
“For those who may feel socially isolated, access to suitable physical and creative activities can be difficult.
“Our Community Can’ is our way of bringing active opportunities to their doorstep, helping to overcome barriers to physical activity.”
Sports Partnership is a not for profit organisation which works with the eight local authorities across the two counties, the two public health teams, Sport England, the University of Worcester, National Governing Bodies of Sports (NGBs) and other key organisations.
Nicola Thurbon, senior Head of Regional Funding for the Midlands at the National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire to tackle social isolation and loneliness.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, people will have the opportunity to bring their community together to socialise and build friendships, improving mental health and wellbeing.”
