Community Blox Project

Community Blox are a group of Burnage residents, who are focused on building confidence in the community of Burnage.

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

Burnage

Project team

Community Blox

Westcroft Community Centre

Aim

Community Blox look to support local residents, particularly parents, living in Burnage. They created an evening drop in for local parents to share skills and support with each other. When the lockdown happened, they created family packs for people on low income and/or without access to the internet. Buzz contributed to the funding of both projects.

Evaluation

Souper Chatty had to be put on hold, in response to the Covid-19 lockdown and will be started up again when possible. Buzz funded 40 family packs which were well received. Families were pleased to have some entertainment as well to bring them together. Our initial funding was increased with funding from Westcroft Community Centre and contributions from local businesses and residents. From the initial 40 packs, they managed to distribute 130 packs in total.

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