Organisations in Wealden receive funding to help tackle inequalities in physical activity

The funding has come from East Sussex Public Health and was awarded to Wealden District Council as part of the Tackling Inequalities Through Physical Activity programme. The aim is to enable partners to develop a placed-based approach to support physical activity projects within Wealden and improve health and wellbeing outcomes.

The council launched a grant funding programme in the summer. Wealden council congratulate the following successful applicants:

Association of Carers supports unpaid carers in East Sussex. The funding will be used to give monthly hour-long series of dance-based activities to improve posture for its carers and loved ones in two locations within Wealden.

MAYFACS, a community support charity based in Mayfield and Five Ashes which aims to alleviate loneliness and isolation by providing a range of activities for all ages, will be using the funding for intergenerational sessions to increase wellbeing, physical and mental health amongst older people and a weekly walk and talk group, Men on the Move – which is linked with a professional coach/wellbeing specialist.

Hailsham Active, a community interest company which supports local sports clubs and community organisations, will provide two, one-hour, low intensity activity sessions each week to local people with long term health conditions.

Rotherfield St. Martin, a community-led charity in Rotherfield, will provide regular physical activity activities such as weekly hydrotherapy sessions, weekly general exercise sessions and weekly gardening sessions.

Sussex Support for Services CIC will expand on the activities that it already provides to support people living in East Sussex with dementia, Parkinson’s, mental health issues and social isolation. The funding will include the introduction of mindfulness and gentle stretching classes which has been requested by the service users.

The final organisation to receive funding is The Conservation Volunteers, which will continue the Green Gym sessions at Wealden Crematorium. Green Gyms are fun and free outdoor practical sessions such as planting trees, clearing play areas, sowing meadows and establishing wildlife ponds. Participants take part in a wide range of worthwhile activities, improving strength, flexibility, mental wellbeing and feelings of optimism.

Councillor Rachel Millward, Alliance for Wealden (Green Party) and lead councillor for Community, Culture and Communications and leader of the council said, “It is our mission to make Wealden greener, fairer and kinder for this and future generations. But we can only get there by working with our communities. These brilliant organisations all help to address inequality and enhance the health and wellbeing of our residents, and we are delighted to offer them this support. Huge thanks to all involved.”