Cost of Living and Mental Wellbeing Support

COMMUNITY COST OF LIVING SUPPORT FUND

Working in conjunction with the Bernera Community Association, local organisations and volunteers, we are addressing some of the negative effects that the cost of living crisis is having on individuals and families, and providing projects to help to alleviate some of these. The incentives are being offered to the whole community, however we are particularly keen to support those experiencing financial hardship, the elderly, infirm, people on a low income and those who are finding it a challenge to stay warm at home.

How the funding is being used:
After consultation with community groups in November 2022, the key objectives of this funding were set out. They are to:
– Provide complimentary products to help residents to stay warm at home over the winter months.
– Provide a weekly warm space with free soup, bread, hot drinks and lift service if required.
– Provide quarterly advice/ support sessions or events to help address the cost-of-living crisis.
– Provide complimentary food vouchers and fuel to those in need.
– Provide discount schemes for the whole community.

Projects to date include:
Complimentary ‘Essentials Bags’ for households. (large bag of cleaning products, toiletries and groceries).
Discounted Fuel (petrol and deisel). At the community pump over the winter months (up to £1000).
Weekly Soup Stop. Free soup, hot drinks and biscuits.
10% Community Shop Discount on all groceries on a Tues/Thursday (up to £1000)
Energy Saving Measures. Complimentary Air Fryers to help cut cost of energy bills and for those living alone.
Stay Warm at Home project. Complimentary products to households to help residents to stay warm over the colder months. Items include oil heaters, electric blankets, throws and wearable robes.
Aimed particularly at vulnerable groups (elderly, infirm and low income households).
Advice & Support. Session by external organisation, TIG on energy saving measures in the home, including grant advice. Provision of grant forms for help with cost-of-living crisis.
Supply of coal, logs and food vouchers to those in most need.

COMMUNITY MENTAL WELL-BEING FUND

The purpose of this fund is to help to reduce social isolation and loneliness in the adult population of Great Bernera; encourage residents to participate in new activities/social events and to be part of a more inclusive community, and help to raise people’s spirits and sense of community after the Pandemic and during the cost of living crisis.

We aim provide or support activities, events and social gatherings that will lead to improved physical health and well-being through increased confidence and feeling of safety, better relationships with others and feeling more valued. It is our hope that these activities and events will be of benefit to a wide range of residents, those who are seeking a more active social life in our rural community, the elderly and infirm, those with existing mental health challenges, single men and women, and newcomers who have not been able to integrate easily with other community members. The activities and events are low cost so that those experiencing financial hardship are not excluded.

How the funding is being/will be used:
The funds will be used to encourage residents to participate and enjoy regular activities and one-off events such as:

Current Projects:
Weekly Soup Stop – to encourage social gathering, meeting friends and making new ones. Funding from TSI will be used to pay for cafe/kitchen hire costs.
Movie Night – to encourage fun nights out and social interaction. Funding from TSI will be used to support this by paying the Film Club’s License fees.

Future projects:
Monthly one-off Skill Sessions to suit a variety of interests/abilities to encourage social interaction/ learning new skills/ relaxation and enjoyment.  Other activities include supporting a Darts/Snooker Tournament, regular Local Music Sessions, Themed Meal Nights, and Gentle Exercise Classes.