Hello everyone, David here. I just wanted to update you all on some exciting developments within the North Ayrshire Green Health Partnership. In recent times due to COVID-19 and its many accompanying restrictions that it puts on all of us, it has dampened some progress. However, since being back in my role, end of July work has slowly improved, and opportunities have opened up for us within the North Ayrshire Green Health Partnership. As part of this I would like to have more regular Blog updates on what we have been working on and potential opportunities out there for you all involved with Green Health.
It is fair to say it is a bit of a mixed bag at the moment in terms of what Green Health activities are available for people to take part in. There are still several charitable organisations that are able to run activities e.g. my colleague Adaica’s Kilwinning Library Green Gym, Scottish Wildlife Trust groups, Barrmill Conservation Group to name a few. However, I know some of those that we closely work with are still not able to get back to running groups. This is a shame, but I know we will get there in the end and pull through. I will continue to communicate with organisations and communities in North Ayrshire to see what is available as the demand and enthusiasm for outdoor activity is growing. It is going to be so important moving forward over the next few months and hopefully gives people a renewed perspective and appreciation for Greenspace – as it did at the start of the COVID-19 lockdown. If I have not spoken to you yet and you are able to offer outdoor volunteering opportunities please do get in touch.
One of the main things I wanted to highlight in this Blog is our Green Health Development Fund 2020/2021. We launched on September 14th and it is open until 9am November 23rd. This is open to non-profit, community group or organisation providing a service based in North Ayrshire, serving the people of North Ayrshire. There are pots of up to £1500, £5000 and £10,000 available for groups to apply for. The overall aim is for greater use of the outdoors to help improve physical activity, mental wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. If you want to know more about the fund then please go to www.nagreenhealth.org.uk where you can download all of the appropriate documents – criteria, application form and accompanying guidelines. We are so pleased to get this launched as we know of the amazing impact the first Green Health Development Fund had in 2018/2019. Developing projects across North Ayrshire 6 localities we seen a variety of projects from Dementia friendly food growing to education on beehives and pollinators.
We also had a Virtual Green Health Network on Wednesday the 7th October 6pm – 8pm with a great turnout of 29 people from 25 different organisations. We cannot meet in person currently, so we wanted to deliver a Virtual event that would bring people together and update on the work of the Green Health Partnership. The event was dedicated to the Green Health Development Fund 2020/2021, where we were joined by North Ayrshire Council Funding Officer. It was a great opportunity to talk ask any questions or convey thoughts on the applications fund. We have a recording of the meeting and are currently figuring out the best location for it, once we do, we will let people know. It will be a way for those unable to participate to view the presentation and Q&A.
If you want to know more about the Green Health Development Fund, the Virtual Green Health Network or any of our wider GHP work get in contact with me on d.meechan@tcv.org.uk or 07773200525.