The Well Communities, a service that primarily aims to help people recover from addiction, utilised the NHS Population Health Investment Funding to help over 200 residents stay well last winter.
In 2022, The Well Communities were awarded funding to specifically work with low-income families and those with severe and enduring health conditions who are disproportionately affected by cost-of-living pressures. The funding was initially used to set up ‘warm hubs’, bringing people together to take part in activities in a warm, friendly, and safe environment. The sessions were also used to promote health messages, along with practical help for paying gas and electric bills. Further health messaging and signposting were made possible through a series of pop-up community sessions hosted by a wide range of health and wellbeing professionals from partnership organisations. Topics covered included diabetes, smoking cessation, healthy eating, addictions, mental health and domestic violence.
Carl Grace Project Manager (Kendal) said: “The project has been fantastic at not only supporting the community but bringing partners together to widen opportunities for everyone involved, everyone jumped on it.
"In addition to supporting people throughout the difficult winter months we have been able to make some long-standing changes, for example supporting people to enter recovery, getting people into employment, and working with groups we don’t usually get to engage on a regular basis!”
Following discussions with low-income families and those accessing the warm hub provision, The Well Communities also used the available funding to provide help and support to those hit hardest by cost-of-living pressures. The offer involved foodbank vouchers, gas and electric top-ups, funding for clothing and other essentials and children’s extracurricular activities.
Brian from Barrow in Furness said: “My wife and I are both retired and fall just under the threshold to claim benefits, as a result, we struggle, especially when the Cost of Living Crisis hit. We were so pleased when we found out about the help that could be given to us by way of fuel and hygiene vouchers and the practical support we were given around budgeting. The food club we were introduced to at The Well is also an ongoing help during these difficult times.”
The Population Health Investment Fund was established to encourage community-led responses in helping to address the inequalities in health across Morecambe Bay. In response to the escalating prices of food, fuel and the cost-of-living risks, along with concerns over respiratory health, it was decided that the 2022/23 fund would focus on schemes that could support our population to improve or maintain their health during winter.