March 2008 Community Group Support

Over the past 18 months the community investment fund has supported over 60 different social group activities and projects, with 40 different older people’s groups benefiting.

This funding has supported lunch clubs, extend classes, social trips, transport for immobile members, speakers (incl. those for health and social care), snack and chat groups, and vital equipment for the setting up of groups.

This last point is key, because along with extensive practical support from the team itself, the fund has been able to support the setting up of new groups in the city, with over ten new groups or group activities established. As such the fund has increased the opportunities for older people to engage in social activities and reduce their isolation and potential for ill health as a result.

At the same time the practical support provided by the WiNN Team for existing groups and activities has placed many groups in a far stronger position to continue in future years.  

The feedback from group leaders has been universally positive about the fund as it has enabled them to undertake activities beyond the simple coffee morning or lunch club eg trips and special one off celebrations.

Similarly the practical support provided by the team has also been very well received, whether help with setting up new groups, promotional activities, developing constitutions, undertaking risk assessments, first aid or food hygiene.

Again this has developed the capacity of many groups for the long term.

Finally groups have also been provided with information advice and guidance about support services and potential speakers and this has resulted in increased outreach work by service providers, which in turn has raised the awareness of support services available in the community. And over the course of the project the number of referrals for support services as a result of social group presentations has increased which reveals both improved trust and awareness..

In summary the support provided for community groups and the subsequent growth in the number of groups in the city, levels of activity, membership and general capacity has been one of the real successes of the Worcester WiNN project.   

Click here for full list of Community groups who have received funding from WiNN  (49.44 KB)