
#ItsOkay Food Provisions Leaflet
Outreach project to signpost residents in need of food provisions over winter period.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
Ardwick & Longsight
Project team
Neighbourhood Health Workers (Nico Dhillon, Aron Thornley, Yasmin Holgeth)
Ardwick & Longsight Mutual Aid Group (multiple partner organisations and individual volunteers)
Special mention to: Jenna Shaw (volunteer designer)
Food provisions (banks and grocers) mentioned in booklet:
Ardwick & Longsight Food Bank
Qadria Jilania Mosque
Work for Smile
Wonderfully Made Woman
Edo Diaspora UK CIC
Coverdale and Newbank Community Grocers
Brunswick Beestro
Bread and Butter Thing
Jubilee Church
West Gorton Community Grocers
Humans Manchester
Manchester Central Food Bank
Aim
To provide residents in need with information about local food banks and grocers.
To battle stigma around accessing food banks.
Testimonial
“Thanks so much for creating this spreadsheet, this will be really useful in the upcoming months!” - Food bank employee
Evaluation
This project was a success.
The information gathering took some time due to changes in COVID restrictions. However organisations involved were very receptive to being included in the booklet and the mission of ALMAG.
This project came about through successful appreciative enquiry using Zoom as a meeting tool. The Whatsapp group was a way to share updates and celebrate the work happening in the area.
A main success was the encouraging feedback received from local organisations on how they will also benefit from the engaging leaflet to signpost service users.
Working closely with Jenna (volunteer) was a great way to establish a connection with an engaged resident.
The leaflet was shared across organisations, residents, GPs and further afield.
Engagement tools:
- Zoom
- Emails
- Phone
- In person distribution
Strategic links to local/national policies
Benefit |
Policy |
Increased mental wellbeing |
|
Social inclusion More engaged in community |
Manchester Population Health Plan |
Community ownership and long-term sustainability |
|
Empowerment of individuals |
|
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
Nico Dhillon - Neighbourhood Health Worker
T. 07553 708 029
If you found this page helpful, maybe someone else will too?
"My client was grateful for Dina's efforts and her children enjoyed using the toys. She said that Dina had acted in a professional way. Thanks Dina!"
Rachel, Primary Care Network Community Coach, The Big Life Group