Building networks of wellbeing
In October 2023 Networks of Wellbeing (NoW) was awarded £25,000 to support the delivery of the wellbeing services they provided to enable them to build resilience, increase wellbeing for clients and address the challenges that the people in the Clashindarroch area of benefit experience.
The Clashindarroch Wind Farm Community Fund supports charitable projects benefiting those living in the areas served by the community councils of Huntly, Strathbogie and Tap o’Noth and the area served by Cabrach Community Association.
The overall purpose of the fund is to support positive change by investing in a wide range of inspirational, community-led activity in the fund area that is strategic, positive, creative and helps create a legacy of lasting impact.
The isolating nature and challenges associated with current cost of living crisis are continuing to have a negative impact on the mental-health and wellbeing of members of the community. Networks of Wellbeing’s activities provide an opportunity for people to get together in a warm and welcoming environment and connect with others experiencing the same challenges.
These free activities provide an opportunity for the staff and volunteers of NoW to contact many people who are vulnerable and then offer support and advice which has the potential to make a difference in an inclusive and open manner.
In the last year, NoW worked with 273 people and supported 6281 attendances as compared with the numbers in 2021 to 2022 – 152 people and 4050 attendances. This equates to an increase of 79% in numbers and 55% in attendance in one year. In listening to Manager Fiona Alderson, she is passionate about the difference that Networks of Wellbeing can make despite the challenges they face in securing the funding they need to continue to thrive and support their clients.
Fiona explained:
“The support of the Vattenfall Clashindarroch Wind Farm Community Fund is essential for us to continue to deliver our services in the Huntly area. As we see a reduction of services locally and the provision of funding from national sources is becoming scarce, we are challenged to f ind a way to meet the needs of our clients whilst ensuring that we are a resilient and robust organisation that supports the people who live here. Community Benefit Funds such as Clashindarroch can make a real difference to what we can achieve.“
Read more about the Vattenfall Clashindarroch Wind Farm Community Fund