WORKING ACROSS WILTSHIRE, SWINDON, SOMERSET, BRISTOL, GLOUCESTERSHIRE & DORSET

Last update:
19 August 2010

Sunshine Healthy Living Partnership

Sunshine Healthy Living Project, a 5 year project funded with lottery money, was set up in 2003 to work specifically in the rural areas around Mere, Barford and Tisbury.  Wessex Community Action managed this project.   Since Sunshine started over 7000 people living in the project area have taken part in one of our activities.

Sunshine projects have been a success because local communities and professionals have worked side by side. People have been able to take part in activities in their own neighbourhoods, rather than always looking to local towns and cities.

What has been achieved?

• 3 community gardens were established in Tisbury, Mere and Hindon
• 44 local people have been involved in 3 arts projects on health topics
• Over 600 people received advice and information on disability
• 2 support groups have been established in Tisbury and Mere
• On average, 20 people a year have been able to access debt advice locally, with over £600,000 of debt being handled
• Each year of the project, 10 vulnerable families with at least one child under 5, have been supported by a Home-Start volunteer
• 14 people with learning disabilities have been able to improve their health, strength, mobility and confidence at the Tisbury Fitclub
• Weekly chair based exercise classes for frail, elderly people have been established in sheltered housing in Mere and Tisbury
• Healthy eating classes have given participants improved knowledge of healthy eating principles
• Annually, an average of 502 local people have accessed information, advice and help with energy efficiency methods

What our clients said:

Some comments from our clients over the last five years:

‘For my children, who are entirely dependent on me, and myself, Home-Start has offered support, friendship and kindness that has enabled us to cope and learn to adapt to our new family unit with hope.’ 
(about Home-Start South Wilts)

‘I met some nice people who I go on holiday with now.  I didn’t know them before joining this group.’
(about the Tisbury Sunshine Support Group)

‘Weekends are very lonely and the only beacon on the horizon is the Monday group.’
(about the Mere support group)

‘Everything was so well organised, friendly and easy to follow and has given me confidence to try many new ingredients.’
(about the healthy eating workshops run by Wiltshire PCT)

‘Thank you.  With your help we will have a better Christmas.’
(about the CAB debt advice service)

Many of the activities that were started through Sunshine are continuing and if you want to make contact with any of them, give them a call:

Chair Based Exercise, Salisbury District Council – 01722 434274
Family Support, Home-Start South Wiltshire – 01722 744221
Energy Efficiency Advice Line, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust – 0800 512012
Money Advice, Salisbury and District CAB – 01722 327222
Women’s support groups, Wessex Community Action –  01747 421747

 

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