The Active Wellbeing Society’s Post

People living in Willenhall in #Coventry are working alongside Grapevine #CommunityOrganisers and building their collective power as they campaign for improved park and play facilities in their neighbourhood. Through a series of community focus groups at the tail end of 2023, the ‘Willenhall Coalition’ identified which community priority it needed to tackle first. Members decided that by focusing on a community park or play area they could help people improve their physical and mental health, create a space for social interaction, build a greater sense of community and support local children and their families. How does a #CommunityOrganising approach help ordinary people take action and make change? 📣 So far our community organisers Edwin and Gemma have helped the Willenhall Coalition research other Coventry parks, draw up a 'most wanted' play equipment list, speak to around 200 residents, collect nearly 70 local surveys and initiate meetings with council services. The group hopes that focusing on improving Brookstray Park will help: 🌳 People improve their physical and mental health  🌳 Create a space for social interaction 🌳 Build a greater sense of community  🌳 Support local children and their families. Addressing some of the contributing factors to Willenhall’s historical population #HealthInequalities. Moving the community a step closer to becoming healthier, happier and more connected. Winning some or all of the changes they want will make tackling future community priorities in #Willenhall possible. Read more about this #ShiftingPower work in our latest blog. Link in the comments 🔗 Grapevine is working in Willenhall alongside local people, the voluntary and community sector, the NHS and Coventry City Council to improve local health and wellbeing under the #HealthyCommunitiesTogether programme.

Everyone wants to be safe. Not everyone feels safe. Some dedicate themselves to making others safe. But true safety begins with you. It starts with the choices you make, the awareness you bring, and the responsibility you share with others. When we all take action and look out for one another, we create an environment where everyone can feel secure. Safety is a shared responsibility—be the first to take part. #vistelar #HealthcareSafety #CampusSafety #PatientProtection #SafeCampusLife #HealthcareSecurity #CollegeSafetyMatters #SafetyFirst #SecureCampus #WorkplaceSafety #StudentSafety #HospitalSafety #CommunityCare #SafetyAwareness #CampusPreparedness #SafeLearningEnvironment

We've been discussing the topic of healthy cities lately, and really digging in deep to what this term means and what kinds of things create healthy communities and cities. One of the things I think many healthy cities initiatives forget is that rolling out ideas is great, but without community buy-in and involvement, they'll never get off the ground. That's why that piece - community involvement - is actually at the core of our healthy city initiative. We have five action committees, because that is what the community wanted. And each of those committees is run by a community member. The initiative provides staff and support, but the decisions and action are driven by those who live and work in the community being served. We think that's the "secret sauce" to successful healthy city initiatives. What other things do you think make healthy city initiatives work? #HealthyCities #CommunityInvolvement #CommunityEngagement

Does your building have a holiday party? While big corporations may have their holiday parties on lock, communities often find themselves scrambling at the last minute. But here’s the thing: a holiday event can do wonders for your building’s sense of community. It’s not just about the festivities; it's about fostering connections and making your building feel like home. At The Folson Group, we’ve seen firsthand how a holiday gathering can transform a building into the vibrant community that it deserves to be. If you own a coop or condo, this article is for you! Link in comment 👇 Let me know in the comments if your building has a holiday party. And if you think your fellow board members could benefit from this, feel free to repost! #Community #Optimization #NYC

Building a Support Network Article Series: Connecting with Your Neighbours In today's busy world, having a reliable support network can make a significant difference in our lives. Our neighbours, often the closest people geographically, can become an essential part of this network. By fostering strong relationships and supporting each other, we can create a resilient and caring community. Here’s how to build and maintain a supportive neighbourhood network. #LaunchingSoon #Neighbourly #PreRegister

In response to an increased interest expressed from local business managers and owners, Mainstreet Australia member Bayside City Council has recently become a part of The Chatty Cafe Scheme. ☕ Supported by the Inner South East metropolitan local councils and over 50 Neighbourhood houses, the scheme is also widely supported across Melbourne. With more than 200 participating venues across Australia, Chatty Café is an initiative that aims to forge friendships and provide opportunities to connect with likeminded locals in cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs. As Mary Portas said so well in a recent post, "The high street will never die. As long as creativity and people's needs come first." This innovative and community-based approach is a perfect example of main street activation! The aim of Chatty Café Australia (a registered ACNC Health Promotion and Community Welfare DGR Tier 1 Charity) is to help connect communities and increase social interactions by getting people chatting – either in their favourite local neighbourhood social venues at “Have a Chat” tables or while travelling through other Aussie communities to meet the local folk at “Sip, Chat, Share, Care” venues. Want to find out more about what Chatty Café is all about and how it can add value to your establishment, foster a stronger sense of community, and attract new patrons? You can learn more and express interest at chattycafeaustralia.org.au 🌟 #ChattyCafe #TheChattyCafeScheme #ChattyCafeAustralia #BusinessOwners #CommunityInteraction #LoveLocal #LocalConnection #Mainstreets #TownCentres

☀️This Thursday, 12 September, is Australia’s R U OK? Day National Day of Action. While this day highlights the importance of checking in, remember that reaching out any day of the year can make a real difference. You don’t need to wait for a specific day to ask, “Are you okay?” A simple check-in can strengthen our community and provide support when it’s needed most. Let’s make it a habit to stay connected and look out for one another.🌻 #RUOKAnyDay #RUOK #CommunityCare #MentalHealthMatters #SupportEachOther #CheckIn #StayConnected #StrongerTogether

We said we would launch a new Wellbeing Hub… and we did 🤩 11 was the magic number yesterday as our 11th hub got underway at St Martin’s Parish Centre in Knebworth, attended by 11 community members! They all took part in a seated exercise class, followed by tea and cake, a quiz and lots of laughter. The expansion of our Wellbeing Hubs is crucial in reducing loneliness and social isolation in our local community. They also help us identify more people who would be suitable for our care and providing them with an avenue into our services should they need them. Our plan was to have 12 weekly hubs up and running by the end of 2024 - based on the success of the first Knebworth session and knowing it will grow over the coming weeks, we are confident we will exceed this aim. If you know someone who would benefit from attending our a Wellbeing Hub, please visit https://lnkd.in/eSZ-SyBv for a list of times and locations🔗 Could you give up three hours a week to help run a Wellbeing Hub? Visit https://lnkd.in/e69e76BN for a description of responsibilities and to apply 💙 #CompassionateNeighbours #Knebworth #WellbeingHub #Wellbeing #CommunityHub #SocialIsolation #MakeADifference #Volunteering

Social supermarkets are not just stores; they're lifelines for many families experiencing financial difficulties. By providing access to affordable, nutritious food, these markets help ensure that no one has to go without basic necessities. Supporting social supermarkets does more than fill bellies—it strengthens community bonds, boosts local economies, and empowers individuals by providing them with choices that respect their dignity. It’s about giving everyone the opportunity to shop for their needs without stigma. We believe in building a supportive, inclusive community where everyone can thrive. By backing social supermarkets, we are taking active steps towards that goal. Let’s continue to support and celebrate these vital community resources together! #CommunitySupport #SocialSupermarkets #InclusiveCommunity #FoodSecurity #Empowerment

Moving to a new neighborhood? These 10 tips will help you build connections and feel at home in no time. 🏡 #makingconnections #newneighborhood #feelathome #realestatetips #sibcycline #findingcommunity