Our Assura Community Fund has now distributed more than £2m to health-improving projects in the communities around our buildings across the UK.
That funding has helped almost 209,000 people in projects which are reducing isolation, improving mental and physical health, supporting young people, expanding access to local community services and helping people with education, employability and skills.
Among other criteria, projects are given priority for the ability to build strong working relationships with referral agencies including GPs, other primary care and health professionals, and social prescribing link workers.
The fund is managed for us by Cheshire Community Foundation, registered charity number 1143711.
"The charities and community groups we support through the Assura Community Fund, do amazing work and I am so proud of the difference our funding makes to the lives of the people living in the communities around our buildings."
Karen Nolan, our Social Impact Lead
The project is aimed at women and girls experiencing anxiety, depression and multiple inequalities. Funding went towards activities that have a proven impact on mental health.
Calderdale Community Coaching delivered wheelchair rugby league into the community, promoting healthy lifestyles and positive social messages. The project used the funding to increase confidence, empowerment and self-esteem to vulnerable young people.
This is a Social Prescribing Project in Blackpool, where GPs and health professionals can refer patients for support who are suffering from social issues.
Funding will be used to address the need in the area of those with autism and related conditions, along with those from a lower socio-economic background, by offering music lessons to broaden the service users horizons and interests.
The project needed funding to run two courses in 2023 for unpaid parent carers focusing on personal development goals, confidence building, and well-being sessions.