Christmas engagement 2020

Christmas engagement event

Benefit of community based projects

Volunteering in community projects and performing acts of kindness can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing. There is a small amount of evidence to suggest that getting involved in environmental activities and projects may also have a positive impact on physical health. Community engagement can foster a greater sense of ownership and identification with the local area, which may lead to long-term sustainability. It can also combat social exclusion and empower individuals.

Location

Brooklands Church of the Nazarene

Wythenshawe Forum

Project team

Emma Farrell

Phil Tomlinson

Aim

Due to current Covid-19 restrictions it has been very difficult to engage with new residents, but in addition to this we were hearing how difficult this time has been for people. I continually hear how isolating it has been.

We (both NHWs in Wythenshawe) decided to try and communicate with a small number of people over Christmas. We offered a free Christmas gift bag containing bauble, donated Christmas cake, winter health leaflets, Christmas card and pudding. In exchange for a conversation and complete questionnaire with us.

Evaluation

Considering Covid-19 restrictions this project was very positive and both NHWs gained some new contacts to work with moving forward.

We also managed to promote existing activities and winter health.

When Covid-19 restrictions begin to lift we will be able to start moving forward with some of the ideas that have been put forward. Until then we are communicating with individuals via phone calls and have invited some of them to join the Wythenshawe Age Friendly Network.

Strategic links to local/national policies

Benefit	Policy
Increased mental wellbeing	Manchester Health and Wellbeing Strategy
Social inclusion More engaged in community	Manchester Population Health Plan NHS Five Year Forward View (Department of Health, 2014) Manchester Population Health Plan
Community ownership and long-term sustainability	Healthy Lives, Healthy People (HM Government, 2010)
Empowerment of individuals	Healthy Lives, Healthy People (HM Government, 2010) NHS Five Year Forward View (Department of Health, 2014)
Increased physical activity and physical health	Manchester Health and Wellbeing Strategy