A church-based organisation in the Ancient Parish of Handsworth provides a range of services to local residents who are vulnerable, living in poverty, or facing social disadvantage. One of their key projects focuses on supporting older adults through regular activities such as a luncheon club, gentle exercise sessions, and social trips. The project is run by local volunteers, with the venue costs covered by the organisation.
To help sustain the project, a request was made for funding towards its operational costs, including rent for the venue and resources for the activities. A grant of £3,000 was awarded, contributing towards the running costs of the project, where at least 60% of the funding had already been raised.
The outcomes of the project for older adults included access to regular healthy meals, physical exercise to improve overall health and wellbeing, and opportunities to reduce social isolation by forming new social connections. This case demonstrates the vital role of community-based initiatives in supporting the health, wellbeing, and social inclusion of vulnerable older people.