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The funding is part of a larger programme of support from the council and BNSSG ICB to enhance delivery of North Somerset’s joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021-2024. A range of schemes that address health and wellbeing priorities are being supported.
Projects which help families and communities are the latest to receive funding. All the projects aim to address a range of health and wellbeing issues and will have a positive impact on local communities, particularly during the current cost of living crisis and in areas where there are high levels of health inequalities.
The projects receiving funding are:
- Warmer Homes, Advice and Money: £96,325 will address fuel poverty by helping the most vulnerable residents in cold homes access advice on energy, money, benefits and carrying out home repairs.
- Weston-super-Mare South Ward Asset Build: £77,750 will fund a dedicated project to tackle health inequalities in the South Ward area of Weston-super-Mare by engaging members of the community and building on existing knowledge, skills, interests and networks to develop tailored action to improve health and wellbeing
- Breastfeeding peer support programme: £20,000 will fund a bank of Community Infant Feeding Workers who will support with coordinating local community activities linked to local Breastfeeding Support Groups. Breastfeeding is an important public health priority as it brings long-term health benefits for children
- Oral health programme for children: £60,000 will help to reduce the percentage of children with tooth decay. Toothbrushing packs will be made available to early years and school aged children who are at risk of poor oral health. Fluoride varnishing programmes will also be delivered
- Smokefree Homes: £32,753 will raise awareness among parents about the risks of second-hand smoke exposure. It will help and support parents to create smokefree homes through a combination of tailored, behavioural stop smoking support and aids to help them quit for good.
Cllr Mike Bell, North Somerset Council’s Deputy Leader and executive member with responsibility for health, welcomed the latest funding announcement:
“It’s fantastic that these local programmes are receiving much needed funding to support families and communities to live well. We know these interventions will make a huge difference to people’s lives and help improve children’s health over the long-term.
“During this period of increased cost of living, this support and advice to address fuel poverty among our most vulnerable residents will help make a vital difference to those people who are struggling the most. Our investment in Weston-super-Mare ‘s South ward will help people who are experiencing isolation, supporting them to stay connected with their local communities and improving both their physical and mental wellbeing.
“A smokefree home benefits the whole family, reducing the likelihood that children will go on to be smokers and protecting them from the dangers of second-hand smoke. The oral health programme will help our most vulnerable children to start good dental habits early, preventing future tooth decay. And breastfeeding has important benefits for babies and mothers - support for families helps mums continue breastfeeding for longer.”
This latest news follows last week’s announcement of funding for projects which encourage healthy eating and improve knowledge of and access to nutritious, affordable food.