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
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Benefit |
Policy |
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Increased mental wellbeing |
|
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Social inclusion More engaged in community |
Manchester Population Health Plan |
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Community ownership and long-term sustainability |
|
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Empowerment of individuals |
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Increased physical activity and physical health |
Research/evidence base
Curry et al (2018) Happy to help? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of performing acts of kindness on the well-being of the actor. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 76, pp. 320-329
Husk et al; Cochrane Systematic Review (2016) Participation in environmental enhancement and conservation activities for health and well‐being in adults: a review of quantitative and qualitative evidence
NCVO (2018) Impactful Volunteering: Understanding the Impact of Volunteering on Volunteers
Pillemer et al (2010) Environmental Volunteering and Health Outcomes over a 20-Year Period, The Gerontologist, 50 (5), pp. 594-602
Public Health England (2015) A guide to community-centred approaches for health and wellbeing
Contact
Bernie Murphy - Neighbourhood Health Worker
T: 07971 331 537
If you found this page helpful, maybe someone else will too?
"Before I didn’t know anyone in this area, then a neighbour invited me to the afternoon tea, and I met lots of people who live just a few doors away."
Local resident attending Spoon and Ladle afternoon tea, Burnage
