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The funding is part of a larger programme of support from the council and BNSSG ICB to enhance delivery of North Somerset’s joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021-2024. A range of schemes that address health and wellbeing priorities are being supported.
This latest funding announcement sees funding awarded to projects which aim to help North Somerset residents experience a better quality of life and reduce feelings of isolation, loneliness, anxiety and depression.
The projects which are being funded are:
- Reclaim Counselling: £59,800 will provide additional counselling support for people who have experienced domestic abuse, including children and young people. Peer support and family activity days will be organised which all aims to reduce trauma and build self-esteem
- £25,000 will develop and build on existing provision to enhance befriending services across North Somerset. The Alliance will develop resources, guidelines and support to help organisations in North Somerset develop and expand their capacity to deliver befriending services. This will help meet the local mental health need, reduce social isolation and loneliness
- Mental health community grants programme: £50,000 will support grant funding for community-based programmes and social prescribing destinations that aim to improve mental health and wellbeing and reduce social isolation and loneliness. Details about the grants programme will be announced later this year
- Osprey Outdoors outdoor activities and skills development: £35,100 will offer a series of activity days and short courses to encourage individuals/households of vulnerable adults to access the outdoors. Activities will include bushcraft, conservation, cycling, horticulture, nature connections, yoga, walking etc, with the aim of restoring self-esteem and management of anxiety and depression
- Springboard Opportunity Group - holiday playschemes for children with disabilities aged 0-5 years: £17,000 will provide holiday playschemes for children with disabilities and additional needs including ‘stay and play’ sessions. This will help families maintain routine, provide opportunities to socialise and have fun and also provide respite for parents and siblings
“Having been through a global pandemic and now cost of living pressures, we’re living through some incredibly difficult times which are impacting on people’s mental wellbeing” explains Cllr Mike Bell, Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council and executive member for health.
“We also know that around one in four people experience a mental health problem of some kind each year. That's equivalent to about 36,000 people in North Somerset so it’s absolutely vital we fund these local projects which will provide support to some of the most vulnerable people and communities across North Somerset.
“We’re a council that cares and we want North Somerset to be a healthy place to live for everyone. We’re working with our partners and communities so more people can have more years enjoying good physical and mental health. These funded projects will help people experience a better quality of life and reduced feelings of isolation, loneliness, anxiety, and depression.”
Today’s announcement follows news that projects encouraging healthy eating, knowledge of and access to affordable, nutritious food, and projects to improve the health and wellbeing of communities and families are also being funded.
Information about mental health support available in North Somerset can be found on the Better Health North Somerset website at https://www.betterhealthns.co.uk/mental-wellbeing.