Community Activities Improve Social Networks for Hundreds

The Harnessing the Power of Communities small grants programme has invested over £250,000 in 33 Community Organisations in Leeds. Since activity first got underway in June 2020, almost 4,000 people have benefitted. 

The small grants programme is delivered in partnership with Forum Central and with funding from West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership and NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group. It supports organisations and projects which improve the health and wellbeing of people in communities identified as the most deprived in Leeds, building on local assets to address locally identified needs. 

The small grants programme is part of the wider Harnessing the Power of Communities programme which aims to better engage the Third Sector in shaping services and decision making in health and care. The programme aims to ensure greater inclusivity and accessibility in commissioning and service provision. 

The projects funded through the small grants programme are varied and include a women’s group improving social connections and feelings of community belonging; targeted support for older people whose mental and physical health was particularly affected by Covid-19 and lockdowns; creative swimming classes for women and girls; and supporting people who have experienced street homelessness to develop healthy lifestyles. 

Over 1,000 people have reported improved social networks thanks to taking part in Harnessing the Power of Communities activities, and more than 600 people feel an increased sense of belonging to their community. In direct health outcomes, 432 people reported that their mental health has improved, and 384 people reported improvements in their physical health. 

One grant holder organisation, Humans Being, aims to enable marginalised and underserved people to improve their mental wellbeing. They’re delivering ‘Well Men Activists’ training courses to equip men with the skills and knowledge to support male peers in their own communities to manage their health and wellbeing better. 

Topics covered in the training include listening and conversation skills; where and how to signpost; suicide risk awareness and action; the risks and opportunities associated with masculinity and health; and designing culturally appropriate interventions. 

So far, volunteers have used their skills to support around 55 men to make lifestyle changes and take up healthy living activities.  

One Well Men Activist said “I’ve started to recognise the things that help me relax and I look forward to helping volunteers in my groups to recognise their own… My six-month plan is to get 4 to 6 groups for men running and help integrate people back into normal life, with all the anxiety they’re experiencing.”. 

With project activity ongoing for some organisations until 2023, we look forward to seeing and sharing more about the impact of the programme as time goes on.