Wellbeing projects in Lincolnshire awarded vital funds
Our community funding scheme has donated funds to two projects which will have a positive impact on Lincolnshire residents.
The organisers of Tonic Health and Citizens Advice, both based in Boston, applied to our Community Chest, a funding pot for our customers and local charities, clubs and other not-for-profit organisations for any projects directly benefitting our customers; all applications are assessed against specific eligibility criteria by customers who sit on our Customer Voice Panel.
Tonic Health – which was founded in 2016 – is a dedicated health and wellbeing charity with a mission to provide comprehensive community support to residents in South Holland, Boston and the surrounding areas. Thanks to its active collaboration with both community and statutory, it successfully bridges any gaps in support.
The funding has furnished Tonic Health’s new Boston Youth Hub with essential items and equipment. The hub – which is housed in Pescod Hall, a 15th century former Merchant’s House – will aim to provide a ‘safe space’ for young people to drop into and aim to reduce anti social behaviour in the town centre. It also aims to deliver other community based activities.
Michael Morris, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Tonic Health said : “We would like to thank Platform for this generous donation. Having a space fit for purpose is vital for the services we run. Our hub is a safe, welcoming space for all members of the community and the funding has provided quality, long lasting items which will be used on a regular basis by a variety of groups.”
Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire has been awarded funding for a new advice project based within the Boston Wellbeing Hub. The hub offers a non-clinical, safe space for anyone in the community who is experiencing challenges with their mental health and wellbeing. It provides intensive advice and support with a view to increasing income, thereby improving wellbeing and reducing the anxiety associated with money pressures. Participants are assisted via a holistic, person-led approach, assisting with all enquiry areas such as housing, employment and family, empowering participants to take control and preventing problems escalating in the future.
Louise Buckingham, Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire said: “We are so grateful to Platform for such an important funding stream. Consultations were undertaken with those accessing the Hub which highlighted that they had worries about a range of issues including finances, benefits, increased cost of living, employment and housing. The National Red index states that 9.44 per cent of those living in Boston have a negative budget. However, many would not feel confident accessing Citizens Advice support at a main office and would prefer to receive advice at a trusted ‘safe space.’ A recent report by the Money Advice and Pension Service stated that ‘the stigma and shame people feel when they are in debt is a major barrier to getting help.’ Once struggling with mental health, it can become even more difficult to manage money, leading to debts continuing to grow. This funding lifeline couldn’t have come at a better time.”
Marion Duffy, our Chief Operations Officer said: “We are delighted to help these two very worthwhile projects in Lincolnshire. Ensuring our customers and the wider communities have access to help and advice has never been more important.”
Photo caption : Support is being offered by Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire, thanks to funding from Platform.