Second Round of Funding for Social Prescribing Opens

Keighley Community Health Grants will help community businesses and community organisations to offer activities which boost health and wellbeing.

Voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations in and around Keighley can now apply for support social prescribing projects.

Keighley Community Health Grants has been created by GiveBradford and Power to Change, the charitable trust which supports community business – for profit businesses led by and trading for the benefit of local people.

The purpose of social prescribing is to connect people who face challenges such as isolation, mental ill-health or need some support to get more active, with practical activities in their community which might help them. A range of activities could be eligible to apply for the new fund, but some examples include art classes, gardening, cooking, debt or welfare advice, physical activity like dance classes, volunteering or singing.

Susie Finlayson, Development Manager at Power to Change said: “We’ve seen first-hand through Covid-19 the importance and impact of community organisations and community businesses. The pandemic has highlighted more than ever the influence of social, economic and environmental factors on health. Social prescribing provides a connection between people, health professionals, and incredibly effective services in their community which can make a huge difference to their lives.

“There have been many powerful examples of communities and medical systems working together during Covid-19, including in Keighley, we are excited to continue to support this thriving community response. “

Kate Hainsworth, Chief Executive at GiveBradford and Leeds Community Foundation said: “Having funded 13 social prescribing projects through this programme last year, we are delighted to be working alongside our partners for a second year on this ground breaking, pioneering project, which we believe will deliver real value for Keighley, making a huge difference to the lives of those that need support the most.”

The fund is opening for its second year, Keighley based community businesses and community-led organisations will be able to apply for up to £15,000.

For further information about the fund visit https://www.leedscf.org.uk/grants/keighley-community-health-grants/ or email grants@leedscf.org.uk