Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire is today celebrating after being awarded £370,987 from The National Lottery Community Fund to support work in reducing social isolation across the two counties.
Delivered in partnership with ignite cic, the new project ‘Our Community Can’ will empower individuals, groups and communities to establish physical activity initiatives in their local area.
The new funding from The National Lottery Community Fund – the largest funder of community activity in the UK – will contribute to Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s work to reduce social isolation, promote independence and positively impact mental wellbeing across the region.
Spanning four years, ‘Our Community Can’ will improve access to creative and active opportunities across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Working closely with community groups often in rural areas, the project will be based on community ideas and aspirations for doorstep activity, where local people can take ownership, develop and enhance their skills and play a vital role in bringing their community together.
Stephen Brewster, Chief Executive Officer of Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire said, “We know that 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.”
“We are thrilled to receive funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to support this new project over the next four years. ‘Our Community Can’ will play a vital role in tackling inactivity across Herefordshire and Worcestershire through the power of physical activity and sport.”
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.”