Over 17,000 people to benefit from local funding in Fenland
Thanks to the Government's Know Your Neighbourhood Fund, over ￡1.3 million of funding has been allocated by Cambridgeshire Community Foundation to projects that create volunteering opportunities and support people experiencing, or at risk of, loneliness in Fenland. This will support over 17,000 people with access to opportunities such as social gatherings, fitness sessions and creative activities.
Recent research has found that those living in the most deprived areas are more likely to report feeling lonely, as well as being less likely to volunteer. Research has also shown that loneliness is closely linked with mental health and wellbeing, and that certain types of volunteering opportunities can help to connect communities and help people develop skills and grow their networks.
Some of the organisations benefitting from the ￡1.3 million funding offered by Cambridgeshire Community Foundation include:?
A total of over ￡237,000 has been awarded to expand Cambridge Community Arts ’ Creative Fenland project, which engages socially isolated people through arts and crafts activities designed for mental wellbeing. The project is also developing a volunteer network to support this work.
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Little Miracles Charity Fenland has received over ￡74,000 to host sessions for Fenland families that have children with additional needs, disabilities, and life-limiting conditions. This allows young people to develop friendships in a safe and controlled way. The parents are also able to meet others in similar situations and provide support for each other. The provision of sessions is supported by volunteers who receive in-depth training and work alongside trained, experienced staff. In the long-term, this will increase what Little Miracles can offer to families living in Fenland, with more trained volunteers available to support sessions.
Michael O’Toole, CEO at Cambridgeshire Community Foundation commented:
“The Know Your Neighbourhood Fund is supporting local community projects that build skills, wellbeing, and community networks. It will increase the number of people in Fenland who volunteer, which we hope will contribute to reducing chronic loneliness and building social connections in the community.”