Nearly £80,000 has been granted by Ealing Council to 17 local projects set up to help the wellbeing of residents, ranging from literacy sessions to walking groups.

Working with West London NHS Trust, the council allocated the funding to support small voluntary and community sector groups providing activities with a focus on health and wellbeing.

The small grants programme made awards of up to £5,000 each to not-for-profit organisations.

“We are very happy to have been offered this grant,” said Esther Chimfwembe, the director of the Light Foundation, which was one of the beneficiaries. The foundation provides advice, mentoring and language training to people who have recently arrived in the borough from overseas, including refugees.

Esther added: “The money granted will really allow us to support local people to gain skills and improve their confidence and engage in the community without difficulties.”

‘Grant will make a profound impact’

Margaret Nyuydzewira, chairs Came Women and Girls Development Organisation, which is community-based and dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of a variety of people from disadvantaged communities, including black and minority ethnic groups.

She said: “I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for offering our organisation a grant to ensure we continue our work with local communities addressing the issue of mental health and COVID-19 among BAME communities and communities around Northolt, Greenford and Perivale. Your grant will make a profound impact, facilitate the delivery of essential services and supplies, and help the vulnerable while staying at home to look after their physical and mental health and well-being.”

Other projects that received funding included: A literacy project teaching people of all ages to read; music hydrotherapy for children with complex needs; after-school activities for disadvantaged children and those with high needs; a mental health project to support refugees; walking groups and days out to tackle social isolation for heart patients; support for a not-for-profit food shop; day care services to elderly people who are affected by dementia and other health and social care needs; and creative art, therapeutic and practical activities for people who are lonely, isolated, suffer from mental and physical health issues or language barriers.

‘Proud to support them’

Councillor Jasbir Anand, the council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, said: “Times are tough for everyone. The more we can put into our community, through locally-led initiatives, the better. These 17 bids demonstrated that they really can enhance the wellbeing of people in the borough and we are proud to have granted them money this year.

“I look forward to seeing how each develops over the coming months and taking some time to visit with them to discover how they are having a positive impact on those they have chosen to support.”