voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
How Shiresmill used their Year 3 Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing funding
Created: 10/09/2024We're sharing some of the projects that received funding in Year 3 of the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund. Some of these stories might inspire you to apply for funding in Year 4!
Read all about how Shiresmill used their funding to roll out Connecting the Community Through Horses...
The project was developed for members of the community who, following COVID-19, have experienced feelings of isolation and loneliness.
The project activities were to include groundwork sessions, riding activities, and learning about horses and their care. As the activities have been found to promote self-confidence, leadership, and trust, Shiresmill believe the horses facilitate the bonding through a common interest.
The funding from Year 3 allowed Shiresmill to offer 32 participants fully funded places and return transport to the centre, providing an inclusive and accessible activity to all members of the local community.
They initially invited participants from the third sector before opening the new activity to all members of the local community. People from Fife Young Carers and multiple care homes in the surrounding area attended and included people with a long-term health condition or disability, those who are high risk, those facing socio-economic disadvantage, those with diagnosed mental illness, and older people.
The project provided two blocks of six week activities for 15 individuals, and an additional 13 sessions with participants attending at least two sessions.
Some individuals who took part now volunteer weekly at the Shiresmill centre and continually express how much of a difference the project has made to their mental health and social anxiety. 85% of their clients said the sessions had a strong positive impact on their social skills, with 15% having a positive impact.
Read about Seescape's funded project
Read about Furniture Plus's funded project