A £10,000 sum from Nithsdale Health and Social Care Partnership is set to help communities in Nithsdale tackle social isolation and promote independence.
The Day Opportunities Fund is intended for the creation of new groups and activities which tackle the issue of social isolation and loneliness, as well as to help further develop existing initiatives.
Nithsdale Health and Wellbeing Partnership (NHWP) – which includes NHS, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Third Sector and Public Representatives – distribute the funding.
NHWP Chair Tina Gibson said: “We’re delighted that this latest round of funding has been delivered to the Day Opportunities Fund, allowing it to continue supporting some of the very important work which is taking place within our communities aimed at addressing social isolation.
“Over the last few years we’ve seen the fund support initiatives such as The Food Train’s Befriending Project, the Veterans Breakfast Club run by The First Base Agency at Carnsalloch, Fitness Fun For All at Summerhill Community Centre, and The Community Garden Project at Allanton Peace Prayer Society.
“In 2015/16 the fund supported twelve projects, ten in 2016/17, and nine so far in 2017/18, including the Freedom Cafe run by Dumfries and Galloway LGBT Plus as well as Computer Companions run by Buddies, the organisation supporting people with intellectual disabilities.”
The principle aim of the Day Opportunities Fund is to reduce social isolation and promote independence among adults aged 18 and over.
Applications will be considered for projects or activities which support at least one of the following criteria:
- Helping people to feel less isolated and lonely
- Improving health and wellbeing
- Developing new skills that support independence
- Keeping mentally and physically well
- Leading a more fulfilling life
- Self-managing a long-term condition
The following types of project/activities may be supported: Social groups, friendship groups and community activities that aim to help people stay connected with others, eg community garden projects, intergenerational projects, men’s sheds, carer support, lunch clubs, reminiscence and local history projects, arts and crafts activities.
Preference is given to organisations that were not funded by The Day Opportunities Fund in the previous financial year, and the fund will not support one-off events such as Christmas meals or day trips.
Heathhall Friendship Club are just one of the recipients of funding, and they said: “We presently have 33 senior citizens attending our club on a regular basis, many of them living on their own. We provide them with the opportunity to socialise and make new friends.
“(The) funding has been used to assist with hall rent, insurance and paying the travel costs of guest speakers. This year we have had talks on a variety of subjects including health issues, Robert Burns, archaeology, glass painting, wood turning, cookery demonstrations and origami, to name a few.”
Incredible Edible Dumfries also tapped into the funding, to help acquire tools and promote a group who not only grow food but encourage sustainably produced local food.
They said: “We have had a steady number of new volunteers joining the group, several of whom have taken responsibility for specific plots. We have also become aware of many more people helping themselves to produce – and that has been really gratifying. These have included families with young children, students and older people.”
Enquiries about applications to the Day Opportunities Fund should go to Dyfrig Hywel at [email protected] or 01387 244410.
