Tag: awarded

The one thing the team want you to know

Last year 5,052 Plymothians sought advice from our service on over 27,000 issues. 61% of them were advised on issues relating to cost of living, 1,039 debt and 1,348 requested foodbank or charitable support help.

Money worries often have a negative impact on their mental health and ability to face their problems. Therefore, by educating and providing skills to disadvantaged groups, we can help them to avoid similar problems in the future. We believe individuals should be able to get help in the way that works for them and meets their needs. Easy-read materials and easy-to-understand sessions will address this.

Project description

Our evidence reveals that more and more people are struggling with their finances, fuel poverty, and as a result, their mental health suffering. Currently, there are no financial capability projects being delivered in Plymouth. Therefore, residents may not have the tools to improve their financial knowledge, skills, attitudes, and confidence. Moreover, existing information is not available in an easy-to-understand format. This can exacerbate people’s ability to cope with increasing living costs, and some may struggle to make key decisions about important areas of their life or money. By creating accessible materials, we can eliminate some barriers neurodivergent people and those having English as a second language may face in these unprecedented times.

Our overall aim is to prevent people from getting into debt, alleviate the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and help improve their mental health.

We are experts in debt advice and have successfully delivered projects to support clients struggling with their finances (e.g. WOW project). We also have experience of designing easy-read materials, e.g. loan sharks. We have also received positive feedback from professionals working with neurodivergent people and the general public.

This funding will help develop free easy-read resources, available in a printed and online version that everyone can use. Resources will focus on basic financial capability skills (budgeting, priority and non-priority debts, money borrowing, buy now-pay later skills), tips on tackling cost-of-living problems and fuel poverty. Funds will be used for the design and printing of these materials. All resources will use simple images that can be widely understood by everyone, regardless of the language someone speaks or whether they can read or write. Moreover, we will publish these resources on the website so the wider audience can access them as well.

We will deliver free workshops for 6 organisations working with disadvantaged groups. These workshops will include sessions targeting neurodivergent people or those who aren’t proficient in English. Sessions will cover information about Citizens Advice services and other local services that can help with the cost-of-living problems, financial capability skills and energy efficiency. Participation in training sessions will help reduce isolation and encourage people to seek advice about their problems.

Moreover, if we identify that beneficiaries need immediate advice, we will be able to refer them to our services for further advice and support.

Funding needed £4900

What group or groups of people will the project be working with and why?

We want to work with Plymouth residents who are neurodivergent and have English as an additional language.

In Plymouth, it is estimated that in 2020, 3,973 people aged 18 to 64 and 1,026 people (65+) had a learning disability an. According to the Census 2021, nearly 2,400 Plymouth residents were born outside of the UK. Having English as an additional language may present a barrier in understanding financial terminology and speaking to professionals. Moreover, there may be additional barriers in accessing existing debt advice services due to cultural differences in money borrowing.

People with learning disabilities are more likely (than other groups of the population) to need help with managing their finances. Without the right support, some neurodivergent people may make poor financial decisions because they are unclear of the implications. Education and early intervention can help prevent people getting into debt.

We understand that people living in isolation may be more reluctant to seek advice, and therefore, familiarisation with local service will break these barriers.

What areas will the project be working in?2-3 neighbourhoods

City Centre & the Waterfront
Devonport
Greenbank and University

These areas are where our partners are based but they create an opportunity to engage with people from other areas as well.

What is the group or organisations track record? Track record:
Been delivering for many years

How new is the idea? Experimentation:
New, adapting something similar

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Budget

Salaries & peoples time 30%

Project costs 50%

Event/hire/rent 0%

IT spend 5%

Core costs 10%

Capital 5%

Organisations involved

Arts University Plymouth, Jobcentre Plus Old Tree Court and Devonport, Moments Cafe, Plymouth Foyer

These are organisations we have spoken to and are awaiting confirmation from other support organisations.

The one thing the team want you to know

We are an established Youth Work Project with a passion to transform the lives of young people in our City. We run several youth residential trips every year giving young people experiences to go and create memories with lasting friendships. These are hugely rewarding trips some of the locations including Watergate Bay, Heatree Activity centre and Woodlands Theme Park. However, we want these to be accessible for all families without concern or limitations due to the cost.

Project description

Our Youth Work Project is dedicated to transforming the lives of young people in our city by providing engaging and empowering activities that promote their personal and social development. One of the ways we do this is by running several youth residential trips every year. These trips give young people the opportunity to experience new things, make lasting friendships, and create unforgettable memories. However, we recognize that the cost of these trips can be a barrier for many families, particularly those from neighbourhoods with high levels of deprivation.

To ensure that these trips are accessible to all young people in our community, we are seeking funding to subsidize the cost of attendance for families who may not be able to afford it. By doing so, we hope to promote fairness and equity by ensuring that every young person, regardless of their financial circumstances, has the opportunity to benefit from these enriching experiences. Our residential trips provide a unique opportunity for them to break away from their daily routines, experience new things, and build important life skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

Furthermore, our project targets action to enhance the wellbeing of local young people, particularly those from neighbourhoods with high levels of deprivation. We recognize that these young people face multiple barriers, including limited access to resources and opportunities, social isolation, and poor mental health. Our project aims to address these issues by providing a fun, safe, and warm environment where they can connect with peers, build supportive relationships with youth workers, and engage in activities that promote their wellbeing.

To ensure that our project is community-led, we network with other youth groups and organisations in the local area. Consulting with them to understand the specific needs and challenges facing young people in these areas and incorporate their feedback into our program design. By doing so, we are able to deliver activities that are responsive to the needs and interests of the young people we serve.

We will ensure that that the funds are spent on supporting families that have a need, due to the cost of living crisis this year we are aware of so many more that have financial limitations therefore our sums are worked to support the entire cost of unto 15 young people for all of our trips until the end of the year. The funds will be split equatively depending on the individual need.

Funding needed £2475

What group or groups of people will the project be working with and why?

Our project works with young people aged 11-18. This is a key age in social and emotional development, we want young people to have the chance to develop positively in these areas so our aim is to give them an environment to do so. We aim to provide young people with opportunities to develop their social and emotional skills, build their self-confidence, and experience new things. Through these trips, we hope to create lasting memories and friendships that will support them in their future endeavours. We also aim to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where young people can be themselves and feel accepted for who they are.

What areas will the project be working in?City wide

We are City Centre based, however, are aware that many of our young people attend our groups from the PL1 – PL4 localities. We are conscious that the city centre is not typically seen as to have a community feel. However, we are encouraged by the fact that the City Centre is the heart of Plymouth and all are welcome here. We have a passion to support the community of young people that are drawn into the city centre. Giving opportunities and support to those that need it most.

What is the group or organisations track record? Track record:
Been delivering for many years

How new is the idea? Experimentation:
Been delivering for years

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Budget

Salaries & peoples time 0%

Project costs 35%

Event/hire/rent 65%

IT spend 0%

Core costs 0%

Capital 0%

Organisations involved

PMCH Youth New4You

The one thing the team want you to know

We want people to come together to help us to Grow the Village Hub. The best conversations happen when you are focused on another activity. At the Art Workshops our facilitated session will push barriers with conversation. We want to grow and bring change within our community but we can only do that by listening to those around us. Researcher’s will help us find out what people really want within their community and we will work with them to make this happen. We want The Village Hub to be sustainable and we can only do that by growing and listening

Project description

Our plan is to organise a number of Art Workshop making items which will then be sold at The Stoke Fun Day on 16th July. Research has proven that art helps reduce anxiety and improve mental health as well as boosting confidence and feeling more engaged and resilient. The Art Workshops will also be a safe space for the community to relax and chat about how they would like the Village Hub to grow and what skills and learning is needed to feel part of their community.
Each Art Workshop will teach people a new skill and will be led by a specialist in their field. Topics will include spoon carving, printing, soapmaking etc and at each session we will be joined by a Researcher who will hold a reflective chat: asking questions to find out what it feels like to belong to a community and tease out what people really want and what skills, support and learning is required to live a fulfilling life.
Through building up relationships we have seen there is a need to help complete forms, find out where funding comes from and to use our larder – but what else? How can we develop The Village Hub so we are sustainable? It is often hard for people to come through the door that have never visited The Hub before – we need a carrot to draw people in and running Art Workshops is the perfect way to do this. We want to really unpick what it means to be part of a community – what is the good, the bad and the ugly. Using this information we can learn to grow The Village Hub and build a community that is resilient and proud of where they live.
There is a clear rationale for the project and an identified need. We want to grow The Village Hub but we can only do this by listening to our community.
The project targets action to enhance the wellbeing of local residents. By running Art Workshops, this has proven to help support wellbeing. Also being involved in decisions makes our community feel proud of where they live.
Activity has clear aims and objectives – The aim of the project is to grow The Village Hub via holding facilitated Art Workshops with a Community Researcher.
Total claimed should not exceed total amount allocated No, see budget below.
Project is not

Funding needed £4050

What group or groups of people will the project be working with and why?

We will be working with the community in Stoke and Morice Town, especially those that have not heard or been to The Village Hub.

What areas will the project be working in?2-3 neighbourhoods

Stoke
Morice Town

What is the group or organisations track record? Track record:
Been going for a few years

How new is the idea? Experimentation:
New, but we’ve done something similar

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Budget

Salaries & peoples time 53%

Project costs 43%

Event/hire/rent 4%

IT spend 0%

Core costs 0%

Capital 0%

Organisations involved

Art organisations – 10 in total

The one thing the team want you to know

It takes a village to educate a child. Language must not be a barrier to anyone having a normal life. This project will in it uniqueness bring the host community and new arrivals together to share and learn through language.

Project description

Our plan is to provide a duration solution to the cost of living crisis by implementing a workable support and delivery model that been proven very efficient in tackling and addressing issues faced by vulnerable populations, mainly asylum seekers and refugees.
1- Early Identification
2- Prevention
3- Intervention
Asylum seekers and refugees like many other vulnerable individuals, are facing more difficulties and challenges than the support being made available to them and resources (financial & materials) available to different stakeholders to address those difficulties. Our plan is to act on already crisis points and prevent further crisis. Some of the problem identified are:
– Not having enough English language to seek access to entitlements and their rights with dignity places asylum seekers & refugees at the lower end of any crisis.
– Access to Centres and offices with duties to address gaps they face and where barriers must be tackled is restricted and subject to strict control that set precedence for isolation and loneliness.
– It is estimated that 4 in 5 asylum seekers are unable to independently seek support due to their lack of fluency in English. This is a huge barrier that unable every individual with such status to not only support themselves, but rather suffer from multiple challenges.
Among recommendations made by Expert By Experience (Asylum seekers in the asylum system), they have talked about an established support system that is a barrier in itself due to the long term dependency it creates. They are practically unable to support themselves, seek the right support and mostly cannot speak on their own behalf.

Our idea is to provide a centre accessible 7 days per week for and run by Expert by Experience individuals where they can invite the host community and native speakers to support their language through practical language exchange programmes. They say, give us the language and let us seek equity.
Language exchange sessions are primarily for all participants to benefit from the experience of learning a new language. Their experience is then transpired into a passion to support those in dear need to be fluent in English.
As we open centres to hold sessions, we will ultimately provide a warm space, hot meals and a platform where other stakeholders providing other support can connect with them.

Funding needed £5000

What group or groups of people will the project be working with and why?

This project has been initiated by Expert by Experience called EBE. Mainly a group of asylum seekers who come together on a regular basis as a support mechanism to each other.
They have explicitly expressed interest in finding durable solutions to any crisis they face by making language their main integration tool

What areas will the project be working in?2-3 neighbourhoods

Stonehouse
St Judes & Lipson
Greenbank & Mutley

What is the group or organisations track record? Track record:
Been delivering for many years

How new is the idea? Experimentation:
New, we haven’t tried it yet

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Budget

Salaries & peoples time 0%

Project costs 30%

Event/hire/rent 50%

IT spend 5%

Core costs 10%

Capital 5%

Organisations involved

The one thing the team want you to know

Being displaced from a motherland or your root of origins creates a huge disorientation in the personality, confidence and sometimes the willingness of moving forward for the individual. Using our lived experience of being displaced and re rooted in Plymouth , we are sharing the knowledge and techniques used to effectively integrate and share our values , it being the food , the story or the planting a seed that reminds you your motherland into the homeland. By planting and growing edible seeds from motherland into the homeland soil. Healing and resilience will grow in the community.

Project description

The project is for a co-design process across generations and cultures working together to drive and create growing spaces for the wellbeing of communities. In particular asylum seekers and refugees have been welcomed to British soil and need to find a sense of belonging and purpose. Meaningful role models and pathways are important for the future livelihoods of present and younger generations. Older generations have cultural wisdom and skills to share. Envisioning future pathways on shared common ground (‘soil’) is a powerful way of shaping the shared future of diverse people and communities. Children need opportunities such as this to validate their creativity, and their ability to contribute to society. Both young and old can find a sense of purpose and belonging together through growing and sharing food, caring for and connecting with the soil and natural environment. But what about the environment and land itself as a collaborative partner? There are important potential growing sites within the Stonehouse area, These plots are bordered by areas housing many asylum seekers and refugees, as well as a primary school with 70% BAME children. Millfield Trust is offering small pockets of land which could house greenhouses, garden spaces next to social housing areas are being offered as potential spaces for growing food. The motherland seed project will assist the Stonehouse residents in skills and knowledge of plants and crops which can be grown in an urban and British environment, to include culturally relevant foods for diverse cultural cuisines and tastes. The project is at its essence aligned with the regenerative processes already taking place within the Stonehouse neighborhood and communities, bringing together people in direct connection with the land and soil, for wellbeing, a sense of belonging and livelihoods.

Funding needed £7300

What group or groups of people will the project be working with and why?

The Bame communities and particularly of those of refugee backgrounds that have settled in Plymouth

What areas will the project be working in?1 neighbourhood

Stonehouse

What is the group or organisations track record? Track record:
Been delivering for many years

How new is the idea? Experimentation:
Established for a year

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Budget

Salaries & peoples time 22%

Project costs 28%

Event/hire/rent 25%

IT spend 0%

Core costs 25%

Capital 0%

Organisations involved

DBI, Apricot Farm, Pfan

The one thing the team want you to know

We need to keep the Scrapstore running for the benefit of all, whilst we continue to apply for grants, and do amazing trading through the till, workshops and as part of the local circular economy, there are financial gaps that need filling, so that we don’t pass those costs onto those who can least afford it but need our service most. We want to continue to provide an affordable, accessible, welcoming, thriving and creative resource centre and workshop space -a connecting place – for and with our communities, underpinned with kindness and a non-judgemental approach.

Project description

Our plan as always is to use our experience and local knowledge to ensure that those that need us most have access to what we can offer, ( if you haven’t been please come and visit us or check us out www.plymouthplay.org) to continue to raise funds through bid writing and trading opportunities in order to develop new resources. We will continue to support what we see as the crisis worsens: that our footfall is increasing, not just in number but in variety. To share with others what we have to offer and to make sure that financial ability does not restrict accessibility. We will continue to collaborate with others across the city helping to make our space and resources available to all, linking individuals that we meet into other opportunities, helping to reduce loneliness and social isolation, by not only being that “Kind Shop” at our resource base, but also through meeting people in the parks and green spaces on their doorstep, always demonstrating that kindness, trust and safety are paramount. Local residents and the wider community will always know what to expect when they see us at events and will know that as they build a relationship with us, that they understand how we can help & support them during these difficult times and where we can bring a bit of ‘normality’ and happiness. Today as we write we have two examples of teenagers reporting that “crafting has saved my life”, especially where there are additional needs and neurodivserse/sensory processing issues. Such challenges are amplified at times such as the cost of living crisis. What this means in real terms .. ..we want to keep doing what we do .. keep the Scrapstore open 4 days per week and the first Saturday of each month. In essence we want to be around to make sure that play and creativity aren’t seen as something just for those who can afford it. We will have a presence in the geographical community as well as with our many communities of interest. In our delivery model we are supported by and support volunteers from many different backgrounds. We want to be around to offer support to our visitors and members, to be HERE, NOW – to be that ‘Kind Shop’.

Funding needed £4959

What group or groups of people will the project be working with and why?

Our focus will be to support those who need us most, those in need of our offer whether it be play & creativity resources for local families, arts and crafts for organisations that support local people, carpet and home furnishings for those coming out of a care environment, or currently homeless or community groups running a warm space. We provide volunteering opportunities for local people (and those often excluded from other opportunities – people with learning difficulties and long term health conditions) and those who may not fit the standard image of a volunteer ie only available for a couple of hours, not really sure what they want to do or why, and those that ‘don’t fit in’ other places.

What areas will the project be working in?1 neighbourhood

Stonehouse as we are based here, but we will continue to have a city wide reach.

What is the group or organisations track record? Track record:
Been delivering for many years

How new is the idea? Experimentation:
Been delivering for years

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Budget

Salaries & peoples time 80%

Project costs 10%

Event/hire/rent 0%

IT spend 0%

Core costs 10%

Capital 0%

Organisations involved

We will continue to work with a wide and varied selection of organisations including: Timebank SW, Gladrags, Arts groups, Routeways, Plymouth University of Arts, Barnardos, Childcare providers, Bogey Nights, commercial suppliers reducing their landfill/incinerator tonnage, Borrow Don’t Buy, Precious Plastics, Clean Our Patch, Art and Energy, Trevi House and the team of community builders and well being hubs.

The one thing the team want you to know

The cost of living crisis is hitting not only the unwaged or very low waged, it also presents serious challenge for those who are in work and not on benefits. These families are left without support and have to make hard choices between heating homes and taking part in wellbeing activities. We are used to working with those most in need, but have seen dramatic increase in some group members having to chose to stay away rather than ask for additional help. We look at all ways to address this, even if its only access to hot drinks and snacks.

Project description

We have a current programme, working with the disability community, to enable them to access water based activities on Plymouth Sound. This programme started last year and was very popular in the summer post lock down, but has shown a reduced attendance over the winter as the financial crisis has started to hit.
The overall programme is free to participants at point of delivery, funded by other charities or our club funds. We do however often meet in a local cafe either before or after sessions to offer both social or emotional support to participants. The cost of refreshments has to be met by individuals, as it was not included in any previous grant applications.
We have recently noticed that a number of group members have started arriving later or leaving early, or even just standing outside, rather than becoming involved in the ‘cafe’ session. After some careful discussion, it became clear that a key issue that the affordability of even a cup of coffee could be the difference between someone feeling able to participate or staying away.
The support of the social and emotional needs of the group are key to elements of our work and we have found yet another finance barrier to participation. This is a barrier we need to remove asap in order to maintain the involvement of those most isolated or at risk. In the future, we will look at including this cost within any larger grant applications, but it was not seen as so critical when we made application for this activity back in 2020.
Now there is clearly identified need for a short term ‘fix’ that enables an inclusive offer to me made to all participants, rather than some sort of means tested provision that will only stigmatize and further isolate members of this already disadvantaged community.
The success criteria will be quite basic. If we can offer free hot drinks and shacks to all of the group, which numbers about 25 people, and we get a significant return to participation, particularly from those who have become distant, we will have addressed the need and have the ability to engage people in conversation about their situation and how we can provide support. It would also be appropriate to include our volunteers into the process, as some of them are also finding that volunteering is now becoming a cost in more than time.

Funding needed £3600

What group or groups of people will the project be working with and why?

We work with a community of specific need. This is a group of disabled people, with both obvious physical but also emotional trauma, who come from across the city. One of their greatest needs is to associate with others who have similar conditions, whilst taking part in activities that are seen as quite challenging to even the able bodied. Whilst this may not be a small geographic community, it is specifically targeted at a vulnerable minority within the city. Members of the group are already becoming ambassadors and reaching out to other isolated individuals who dont actually feel part of any community.

What areas will the project be working in?1 neighbourhood

As indicated above, the community of ‘interest/need’ may come from across the city, but we will work from one point, our delivery base at Mount Batten, where we can access cafe facilities.

What is the group or organisations track record? Track record:
Been going for a few years

How new is the idea? Experimentation:
New, adapting something similar

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Budget

Salaries & peoples time 0%

Project costs 100%

Event/hire/rent 0%

IT spend 0%

Core costs 0%

Capital 0%

Organisations involved

We are currently working with:
Improving Lives Plymouth
Veterans support services
Help for Hero’s
Royal Yachting Association Sailability Charity
Marjon University Students

The one thing the team want you to know

Many myths have been rooted relating to men and mental health regarding accessing support; bravado- men’s persona and self image has been a barrier and has made it hard for young men particularly in Honicknowle, to engage. A history of a gang culture and on occasions, limited collaborative work with both males and females has left a gap and young males now want to ‘represent’ and have a voice for their ideas and contributions into the community that can reduce stigma and be able to express themselves differently.

Project description

Our aim is to facilitate a safe space where young people known in the local area, particularly young males can meet once weekly to develop a network where they make safer, informed decisions on how they live their lives. The development of this work will target and support those who have been effected by social isolation, lack specific life skills where emotions and poor mental health have been a barrier.
Sessions will focus on coping strategies, exploring ways to manage situations rationally and safely alongside development for the future: Life skills- CV writing, educative options, preparing for transitions into independence. It is also a space where they can be creative and cook together regularly/ sit and have a meal and socialise.
This group is open to all, not just young males.. It is important that other people can access support to recognise difference and how one’s behaviour can impact another. Share different ways of thinking, expectations and breakdown stigma’s that weigh heavily on people’s mental health.

Current evidence is referrals and ‘need’ we are seeing through our project work. ASB is high, many young males have struggled within secondary education and many are struggling with family disruptions. We have seen an increase in exploitation among young men and the need to define this as future preventative work especially. Many young males are making harmful decision’s that will have a long term impact on their lives.

Our overall aim is to enable young people to create a safe network free from judgement, become resilient and feel they have a purpose. Within the local area there is a large sense of ‘existence’ and repetitive days where many now feel they want a chance to do something about it hence ‘We Count Too’ would provide that platform to enable this to happen. The success of this work be be supported by those who use it- delivery will be relevant as our project work is shaped and developed by beneficiaries.
It is important for us to think about sustainability therefore ‘platform’ feels relevant to be able to enhance this work and develop further.

Funding needed £5000

What group or groups of people will the project be working with and why?

We will be working with young people, particularly young males as currently there is a gap for this project work and we are presented with a need to support it. We have seen an increase in ASB, drug related crime and low school attendance among groups we work with. We have been linked to family support work where disruption within households have left young people feeling isolated and emotionally struggling that sadly, they have made some unsafe friendships and had Police involvement. We welcome working with both males/ females as there is also an idea among several young people that there is not always a link to share how each other is feeling therefore, there is a low level of understanding of expectations and behaviour.

What areas will the project be working in?1 neighbourhood

We work predominantly within the Honicknowle and West Park area but also have established relationships with Whitleigh for different focus work.

What is the group or organisations track record? Track record:
Been delivering for many years

How new is the idea? Experimentation:
New, but we’ve done something similar

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Budget

Salaries and people’s time: 50%

Project costs: 35%

Core Costs: 10%

Capital: 5%

Organisations involved

Local Secondary School
Social Services
PCSO’s where relevant

The one thing the team want you to know

Our cost of living workshops will equip the community with life long skills, tools and knowledge to be able to manage financial and life unknowns throughout their life. By providing community members with tools and resources to better manage their emotions around their finances we can help reduce stress and improve their overall wellbeing.

Project description

We plan to deliver two, six-week, Cost of Living workshop series within the St Budeaux and Barne Barton area, one within the St Budeaux and Barne Barton Wellbeing hub and one within The Barne. Within the cost of living workshops we will cover the following topics, eating healthy on a budget, managing stress and emotions around finances, making healthy financial choices, goal setting, money mindset and financial resilience. The workshops will embed practical skills to help make your money go further, include stress and emotion management techniques which can be applied by all in every day life and embed simple and accessible tips that all can use. We will also provide food vouchers to those who attend all workshops as an incentive and guide the community to the other community resources to help them to manage their financial wellbeing further and add longevity.

The aim of the Cost of Living workshops are: to improve the community’s subjective wellbeing and create a more positive outlook on life, equip the community with the tools to be able manage their wellbeing whilst dealing with the cost of living crisis and improve their ability to be able to manage stress and the unknown which arise throughout their life. It’s also worth noting that the benefits of these workshops can extend beyond just financial management. Learning to manage stress and uncertainty can have a positive impact on mental health, which can in turn improve overall quality of life and outlook on life.

To measure the impact of the workshops we will collect quantitative and qualitative feedback throughout the workshop series. Our main aim is to improve the community’s subjective wellbeing through this time so we will use the WEMWBS questionnaire, we will also use open ended questions to measure the communities perception of the tools they have developed throughout the workshop series and whether they feel their ability to manage stressors in the future has improved. The data we collect will be used to inform our work and further community needs.

Funding needed £5000

What group or groups of people will the project be working with and why?

We will be working with the St Budeaux and Barne Barton community. The St Budeaux and Barne Barton areas have a high level of loneliness and isolation, as indicated by quantitative and qualitative data collected nationally and by the St Budeaux and Barne Barton Wellbeing Hub and highlighted by our previous work within the area. These two areas also have a high level of home fuel poverty, low life expectancy, low income, high levels of child poverty, and poor health. The Barne Barton area has the highest level of home fuel poverty within Plymouth and is high on the indices of deprivation and St Budeaux is a medium risk of home fuel poverty. We also have experience of working with this community group before, they trust us and know they can rely on Wellbeing Workshops.

What areas will the project be working in?2-3 neighbourhoods

Barne Barton and St Budeaux

What is the group or organisations track record? Track record:
Been going for a few years

How new is the idea? Experimentation:
Established for a few months

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Budget

Salaries & peoples time 75%

Project costs 15%

Event/hire/rent 5%

IT spend 0%

Core costs 5%

Capital 5%

Organisations involved

St Budeaux and Barne Barton Wellbeing Hub/The Barne

The one thing the team want you to know

Art Craft & Giggles CIC is a grassroots organisation working with real people hit hardest & whose mental health is severely declining due to the cost of living crisis.

Project description

Our plan is to use our studio as a safe space where our local community can get help with everything to do with the cost of living crisis eg: dealing with the decline in their mental health, forms, phone calls, signposting to food/warm banks & budgeting. We want to help them understand the problems and help manage worrying thoughts by being proactive and taking back control back of issues that are controllable. A lot of people are in the same boat and it’s not their fault. Whilst offering the help with the financial issues, our community will be able join in with our longing running & very successful art & craft workshops. This will give their minds a much needed rest from all the fears & worries caused by this cost of living crisis. They’ll also be surrounded by other ladies that ‘get it’. Hopefully this will help with opening up more and sharing their worries. Peer support is proven to be priceless.
We know that help is desperately needed as people have been reaching out for financial help, assistance & advice from us for months now. We’re witnessing first hand, the decline of their mental health. It’s heartbreaking. Our community will be supported, listened to & know that they are not alone in this crisis.

Funding needed £5000.00

What group or groups of people will the project be working with and why?

We will be targeting all women from our community, working or not, struggling with a decline in their mental health due to the cost of living crisis.
We have a proven track record using established ideas.

What areas will the project be working in?1 neighbourhood

St Budeaux as we have a permanent studio based here

What is the group or organisations track record? Track record:
Been going for a few years

How new is the idea? Experimentation:
Been delivering for years

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Budget

Salaries & peoples time 60%

Project costs 10%

Event/hire/rent 20%

IT spend 10%

Core costs 0%

Capital 0%

Organisations involved

Art Craft & Giggles CIC