In an inspiring effort to help reduce isolation, improve mental and physical wellbeing and strengthen connections across communities, over the last couple of years Torus Foundation has been working with local organisations to deliver the Healthy Neighbours Project across key areas in Liverpool, St Helens and Warrington.

After an initial pilot funded by Torus, last year, the project was awarded almost £500k from the National Lottery Community Fund to allow it to continue for another two years. The generous grant has since allowed the organisations delivering the Healthy Neighbours Project to enhance their impact and reach more residents; First Person Project CIC in Liverpool, St Helens Wellbeing in St Helens, alongside Friends of St Elphin’s Park, and Longford Neighbourhood Service Centre in Warrington.

The programme’s community driven approach began by recruiting volunteer champions to gather information about what the local community wanted and also needed to improve their wellbeing, leading to enhancements to existing service delivery from the partner organisations. Priorities vary from reducing isolation, to encouraging healthier lifestyles and enhancing local surroundings and the free activities being delivered are diverse and impactful.

Over the past year, nearly 200 volunteers have dedicated over 10,000 hours to support the project, making an incredible 7,408 contacts with community members. While the numbers are impressive, they don’t fully convey the impact of the project and the enthusiasm it’s generated within communities.

See the impact firsthand and hear from those benefitting from the project in our project highlights video:

Beth, Volunteer at St Helens Wellbeing said,

“Volunteering here has helped me grow in confidence and I’ve been able to come out of my shell.”

Community participants are benefitting from the free activities,

“It’s helped my confidence and anxiety by breaking up my day and making friends.”

Helen Cibinda Ntale, Head of Health and Wellbeing at Torus Foundation comments,

“Thanks to the local partners and volunteers, the Healthy Neighbours Project has successfully given communities a voice, creating long-term partnerships built on trust and cohesion. With the National Lottery Community Fund’s grant, teams have been able to reach even more people across Torus communities.”

Healthy Neighbours is part of Torus Foundation’s broader commitment to investing in community action, improving lives, and growing stronger communities.

Discover more about the Healthy Neighbours Project and other Health and Wellbeing activities at Torus Foundation via Torus Foundation Health and Wellbeing.