Meet the 8 winners of this years Community Development Fund!
Community-driven initiatives are essential for driving positive change and empowering individuals to create lasting impacts. In today’s blog post, we are delighted to announce the recipients of this year’s Community Development Fund.
The competition was especially fierce this year, with many enthusiastic individuals and CICs competing for funding to help them continue making a difference. We received numerous impressive applications, and it was incredibly challenging to select the winners. We deeply appreciate all the submissions and were/are truly floored by the abundance of recovery-focused initiatives and individuals out there doing incredible work.
The awardees also highlight the critical role of lived experience in mental health recovery, valuing the unique insights of those who have personally encountered mental health challenges and incorporating these perspectives into their work.
We are excited to continue supporting these organisations and individuals, allowing them to sustain their remarkable efforts and significantly improve the lives of people within their communities.
Exeter Library- ‘This project aims to transform the Rougemont Balcony into a
vibrant community garden. Volunteers will manage the garden, ensuring it becomes a serene
escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. We will host planting workshops, where community
members can learn about gardening, contribute to the upkeep of the garden, and enjoy the
therapeutic benefits of nature. The garden will be especially inclusive for individuals with autism
and those experiencing social exclusion, providing them with a sense of ownership and a safe
place to connect with others.‘
Recovery Devon are funding for the materials for this wonderful central community space to be created, in partnership with those with lived experience.
Wellbeing in Action – ‘Wellbeing in Action exist to support people at a time when life throws them lemons…and the effort of putting one foot out of bed is too much let alone the prospect of squeezing out some metaphorical lemonade!’
Recovery Devon are funding a project that looks at tackling the hidden difficulty of women who are struggling to find their identity and confidence through parenthood. This project has 3 parts, a Mumma Lunch Club, Mumma Hobby Swap and The Mumma Collective. A much needed and valuable project.
Alice Cross Grief Support Group – ‘We are a community centre for health and well being offering events, lots of great activities and volunteering opportunities! We are a community space for exercise, education and enjoyment for all! We’ve got lots going on.’
Recovery Devon have funded for the organisations Grief Support group in Teignmouth to continue running and provide grief support for another 6 months. A space, opportunity and group that has already proved to be such a life line for those that have lost a loved one and in the depths of grief.
‘Get on my Land’ project with Roo Carter – A project that supports ‘involvement in small land -based projects, nature connection activities which are encouraged from participants, cooking and sharing food. Through sharing experiences and learning with others to build new friendship networks and neural pathways, in a safe and supportive space held by an experienced facilitator.’
Recovery Devon have funded this project to support peer support spaces, lived experience based courses, connection and opportunity to utilise nature. We are so excited to see how this project develops and love the flexibility for it to adapt to the needs that present through the community it draws in.
Harmony Haven with Imogen Cox – ‘a community music therapy group to provide support and creative expression opportunities for individuals facing isolation due to mental health and physical challenges, as well as their caregivers. The group will empower participants to express themselves through music, offering a safe and judgement-free space for self-expression and collaboration. Our ultimate goal is to foster hope, social connection, and personal development, while promoting cultural and social justice within the community.‘
Recovery Devon have funded this new music therapy space at Blackdown Healthy Living Centre for 6 months worth of sessions. A creative opportunity in a rural corner of Devon that can often feel quite isolated.
Together, Open MIC sessions – Together offer a welcoming, non-judgemental, open mic night on the last Saturday of every month at the Sidwell Street Bakehouse.
‘The nights are open to all, not just people we support, and we are keen for anyone who has experience of recovery in all its forms to come along and join us. We give a platform for people to get up on stage and share their talents and express themselves. We have had amateur comedians, poets, and all types of musicians come to perform’
Recovery Devon have funded for the Open MIC community space to continue running for another 6 months. This space feels vital for helping to break down stereotypes and stigma, and showcasing the remarkable array of talent that lives within our local recovery communities.
Sidwell Scribblers with Si Egan- ‘Sidwells Scribblers will provide a constructive, supportive environment for people to develop their literacy and creative writing skills, while fostering community and personal recovery and growth. The group will meet once a week for 1.5 hours for 2 sets of 8-week courses. We hope to establish the group as an ongoing community‘
Recovery Devon have funded for 2 sets of 8 week courses. We’re thrilled to see this group grow and aspire to establish a new, welcoming creative recovery community within the safe and supportive environment of St. Sidwell’s.
Women’s Crafting for Wellbeing (WCW) – ‘a new group, formed due to the impending closure of the Honiton DRLC Women’s drop-in. We aim to provide a self-sufficient creative group, to support women in Honiton/East Devon to meet, offering regular social connection for wellbeing and mental health.’
Recovery Devon has funded the WCW to begin its transformation into a Community Interest Company (CIC). Following the closure of the DRLC, 3 individuals came together to explore the possibility of maintaining and supporting this vital space. We are excited and honoured to be at the start of this journey.
These eight recipients of the Community Development Fund showcase the remarkable influence of grassroots efforts and the profound effects they can have on both individuals and communities. Their commitment, creativity, and steadfast determination have changed lives, opened doors, and nurtured a sense of togetherness. We are excited and honoured to be supporting them.