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The council is proud to share the outcomes and impact some of the wellbeing projects had:
Goblin Combe – Restoration and Forest School
UKSPF funding supported the restoration of Goblin Combe, offering outdoor activities to school groups and individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Monthly community volunteering sessions helped improve the site while developing skills and local connections. 18 local events and activities were supported, there was an increased footfall of 546 compared to the previous year, and 383 people in total engaged in the project.
Hannah Baker, Area Programme Manager said: "Thanks to the funding, we were able to engage a range of people in environmental education, forest school and volunteering activities, including those who wouldn't normally have the opportunity to participate. It was fantastic to see school groups and SEND children and adults enjoy the great outdoors and learn new skills. It's been really beneficial for us to be able to complement this with monthly community volunteering sessions which have not only helped us to make essential improvements to our site but also support volunteers to build their skills and local connections too. Thank you for making this possible!"
Refugees Welcome North Somerset – Welcome Meals
The UKSPF grant helped Refugees Welcome North Somerset (RWNS) purchase essential cooking equipment, creating a space where refugees share meals during difficult times, such as homelessness and health crises. Over 1,500 meals were served to 132 people. The project was led by 2 part-time staff and 27 volunteers.
Donna King, from RWNS said: “We were starting from nothing in our new buildings and had to buy hobs, shelving and cooking equipment. The project has been a source of comfort through some tough times: homelessness, forced moves, refused asylum decisions, health crises. We have also had some incredible highs for our team: new homes, new babies, new jobs and new and lasting friendships. Thanks to North Somerset Council and the UKSPF for making this project, and all it has achieved, possible.”
North Somerset Parent Carers Working Together (NSPCWT)
NSPCWT used the UKSPF grant to offer training programmes for the Parent Carer community. These sessions focused on classroom support, child transitions, and navigating resources. The team provided 15 sessions to 129 participants. Collaboration with Neuroteachers strengthened offerings in neurodiversity training, leading to lasting benefits for families.
Feedback from supported carers includes:
"What you were explaining was so incredibly validating that I was feeling euphoric, and relieved. I have felt like I've been speaking a different language."
“It was really informative with lots of great links and advice...essential help if you have a disabled young person and you don’t feel so alone.”
Read Easy North Somerset
The programme helps adults learn to read, which encourages community engagement and greatly improves people’s life outcomes. With UKSPF support, Read Easy North Somerset, part of the national volunteer-led reading coaching programme, trained more coaches and provided additional coaching materials. 23 people were engaged in the project. Success stories, like Brian's journey reading "Treasure Island," highlight its positive impact.
Brian - “I found my voice with the help of Read Easy.”
Volunteer Bee - “I'm so proud of Brian and how he has developed and gained confidence as we worked through the programme. He's now reading Treasure Island!”
Cllr Catherine Gibbons, Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council and Executive Member for Children’s Services, Families, and Lifelong Learning said: "The impact of these projects has been truly inspiring, and our communities are being bought together in meaningful ways. I look forward to seeing updates from the latest round of funding!”
Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Placemaking and Economy, said: "The UKSPF projects have helped people build skills and resilience, as well as providing spaces for comfort and community. Thank you to everyone involved."
For more information, contact: policypartnershipteam@n-somerset.gov.uk.