Group: Caribbean Community Lunch Club
Project: Knowledge is Power
Grant: £15,000
Fund: Heath Equity Fund
With a grant from the Health Equity Fund, the Caribbean Community Lunch Club hosted a series of health empowerment workshops which helped members to improve their mental wellbeing. In addition they were able to offer support, health checks, various health and wellbeing activities, and a social space each week.
The project has also enabled members from the local community paid opportunities to share their stories and deliver workshops. For some, it was their first paid opportunity in this capacity, which improved their confidence and helped build their CV.
A recent research initiative carried out by the club reported that the cost of living crisis had impacted the wellbeing of black individuals in Buckinghamshire. They found that many of their members felt undervalued.
To combat this, the club held a family fun day at the Chiltern Open Air Museum and hosted a Windrush Seminar event with local providers and guest speakers, which saw a wider audience in attendance. This event was featured in the local press.
In addition to this, the funding was used to provide training opportunities for young people, including administrative skills and video recording. Overall, 74 people have benefitted from various initiatives during this project and the club’s regular member attendance has increased by 30%.
As a result of this, the club has become a valuable resource, providing current information for members to share with their families and friends. Their work has been praised by those beyond the club in the wider community.
Case study
Amber, a mother of two, recently relocated to Aylesbury without any family nearby. She expressed that joining the club has helped her discover a sense of community, offering opportunities to socialise and meet new people. Also mentioning that she has gained knowledge about health in our community, including tips on improving well-being, nutrition, and relaxation. Amber also said transitioning from a regular attendee to a lead volunteer has given her a sense of purpose. Her children are also young volunteers at the club.
Read more of our funding stories here.
