Eight more community groups have now been awarded funding to run programmes that include exercise classes and sports, peer support, crafts, community events, digital inclusion workshops and play for children.
The RBWM Innovation Fund, jointly managed by the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead and NHS Frimley, has so far awarded more than £150,000 to some 60 community projects that promote wellbeing, reduce inequalities, and help residents access support and services.
Organisations within the Royal Borough can apply for up to £5,000 to help launch or expand their ideas. The latest groups to receive this funding are:
- Maidenhead Thai Chi – expanding its weekly Thai Chi sessions for older adults.
- WeeKicks – launching an outreach football programme in Windsor for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Sakoon Through Cancer – providing health education, community workshops and peer-support for South Asian women affected by cancer.
- People2Places – running craft and technology sessions for older and socially isolated residents at its Maidenhead Shopmobility site.
- WM Youth Step to Success – offering culturally sensitive personalised mentoring and group workshops for youngsters across the borough.
- Pop Up and Play Village – running interactive role play sessions for children aged up to eight.
- CHW Churches – organising themed wellbeing events and activities for the surrounding community from children and young families to older residents.
- Connecting Communities – running digital inclusion workshops and offering personalised to older and vulnerable residents.
Applications for the next round of funding applications are due to open in April.
Cabinet Member for Housing Services, Housing Delivery and Health, Cllr Catherine del Campo, said: “Our residents and community organisations are a powerful force for positive change. What makes this fund so effective is that it empowers local people, who understand what would make a real difference in our communities, to help transform health and wellbeing.
“The impact of successful projects over the last four years is inspiring and if you have a great idea, I encourage you to apply for the next round of funding in April.”
For more information about the fund and to explore current and previous projects, please visit the innovation fund section on the RBWM Together website.