Bristol Temple Quarter LLP has joined forces with the West of England Combined Authority, Bristol City Council, the University of Bristol, Alliance Housing and several other organisations to deliver £1.2 million to communities across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, through Sirona’s new Community Wellbeing and Health Fund.
The fund will support voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to deliver activities that improve people’s health and wellbeing, reduce health inequalities, and provide practical support for health, wellbeing and employability within local communities.
Groups can apply for grants between £2,000 and £50,000 from yesterday (2 November). Groups applying to the fund are encouraged to demonstrate how they will use the funding to support:
- People experiencing mental health challenges
- People living with chronic pain
- People whose health is affecting their ability to find, remain in or return to work
- People living in communities within the 10% most deprived areas nationally
- Children and young people experiencing child poverty
- Healthier weight, nutrition and physical activity
The Bristol Temple Quarter Community Fund pilot, which launched last October, was heavily oversubscribed, highlighting the significant demand for community funding across Bristol.
Because of this, BTQ LLP chose to invest £25,000 in Sirona’s Community Wellbeing and Health Fund, helping to create greater impact through a larger shared fund. This investment will enable more organisations to access funding, support a wider range of community projects, and improve health and wellbeing outcomes for more local people.
The fund aligns with BTQ’s Inclusive and Sustainable Growth ambitions, which aim to ensure all residents can access a good quality of life, improved living experiences, and a good quality of life.
Jane Vivian, Director of Inclusive and Sustainable Growth at BTQ LLP, said:
‘We’re thrilled to be able to invest in Sirona’s Community Wellbeing and Health Fund.
“By contributing to a larger shared fund, we can help achieve greater impact, both within Bristol Temple Quarter and its surrounding communities and across the wider region. This investment will enable more organisations to access funding, support a broader range of community-led projects, and improve health and wellbeing outcomes for more local people.”
For those looking to apply, Sirona is hosting drop-in sessions where you can find out more information. These sessions are online and can be booked onto here.
The fund has been developed by partners across BNSSG and is being led and coordinated by Sirona Care & Health on behalf of the fund investors. Quartet Community Foundation will manage the grant application and assessment process. More information can be found on the Sirona website.
