A new fund to support voluntary, community and charity organisations and groups organise projects and activities that provide health and wellbeing benefits to adults has opened for applications.
The aim of the Healthier, Happier, Stronger Fund is to support activities or projects that encourage people to lead happier and healthier lifestyles in a preventative way, which can also help to avoid or reduce the need for the involvement of formal services.
It is being co-ordinated by ourselves in partnership with Borders Community Action, NHS Borders, Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber and other local community organisations to ensure funding is allocated equitably throughout the region.
Organisations across the five localities of Berwickshire, Cheviot, Eildon, Teviot & Liddesdale and Tweeddale can apply for up to £5,000 towards the cost of creating or running an activity or project that provides nutritional, social, physical, emotional and/or mental wellbeing support to adults. Examples of the types of groups that could be suitable include those providing some type of:
- sport, exercise or physical activities
- volunteering or befriending opportunities
- gardening or arts activities
- group learning
- cookery or healthy eating advice
Councillor David Parker, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing
“I’m delighted that we’re able to launch this new fund and inspire communities across the Borders to think about what their own local residents might need and gain most benefit from in terms of supporting their health and wellbeing.
“What we’re looking for is activities that will help people to feel their health has improved or that they’re making healthier choices. They might also feel that their mood is better or they’re feeling more positive about the future. Another benefit could be greater confidence in tackling day to day problems or having a more optimistic outlook. Anyone taking part in these activities could also experience the benefit from getting out more and feeling like they are part of their community.
“This is an exciting initiative to be part of with scope for a wide range of ideas to be put forward. We will be keen to support as many as we can and would encourage local communities to get their suggestions in for consideration.”
More information
More information about the eligibility criteria for the fund and how to apply is available on the Healthier, Happier, Stronger pages of our website. Queries can also be made to Borders Community Action at: info@borderscommunityaction.org.uk
The Healthier, Happier, Stronger Fund has been funded by the Scottish Government to support the improvement of capacity within social care. It is to be dispersed in the financial year 2023/24 supported by a regular rolling programme of decision panels.