A community group that tackles mental health issues on the Suffolk estate in Belfast has secured £2,000 grant from the Wesleyan Foundation.
The Suffolk Community Forum, a charity that was set up to improve conditions for disadvantaged groups on the estate, used the money to fund free yoga sessions for its members.
Community members have already reported major mental health benefits since the programme was launched last year, including reduced anxiety, greater self-esteem and more capacity to handle stress.
Helen Wilson–Willis, Community Worker at the Suffolk Community Forum, said:
“The Suffolk estate is one of the most deprived communities in the country, we have a lot of members experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety. These yoga sessions have already made such a difference to members’ mental health. People are now telling us that they come out of these sessions feeling more relaxed, less anxious and better about themselves.“Participants are learning to have a more stable response to stress, have more patience with their family and are keen to continue yoga, which gives them the strength to believe in themselves in a relaxed environment.”
Caroline Hill, Director of HR and Corporate Services at Wesleyan, said:
“We’re proud to support initiatives like the yoga classes at Suffolk, which have already made a fantastic impact on the community. We hope our donation will help this project continue to flourish in the months to come.”
Tina Costello, Chief Executive of the Heart of England Community Foundation, said:
“Mental Health is so prevalent at the moment and it’s brilliant to see organisations tackling issues in their communities.“It’s amazing to see the Wesleyan Foundation having this impact right across the UK.”
The Wesleyan Foundation was launched in June 2017 by specialist financial services mutual Wesleyan, administered by the Heart of England Community Foundation, and has already provided more than £1 million in funding to more than 200 charities, community groups and social enterprises around the UK.
For more information about the Wesleyan Foundation and to apply for funding click here.