The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has shocked and impacted us all. Yet it has also shown the power and importance of communities pulling together. In this difficult time, People’s Health Trust has seen the projects we fund, in the most disadvantaged areas of Great Britain, doing vital work to support their neighbourhoods.
Community halls have become food distribution centres, youth club minibuses have been delivering medicine, projects have been reaching out to more local residents than ever, and choirs, cookery and arts and crafts clubs have become an online lifeline during lockdown.
People from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, young and elderly people, those with learning disabilities and autism, mental ill health, and others who face significant challenges at this time, are all being supported in a range of practical and creative ways by community led projects.
Since 2011 People’s Health Trust has supported people with great ideas to create fairer and healthier places to grow, live, work and age. Now, as these communities face greater challenges than ever before, we must do more to support their work now and in the months and years to come. To listen to and act on what local people say they need in their neighbourhoods. And take action against the threat of ever-widening health and social inequalities.
You can help us with a one off or regular donation:
- £5 funds one person to take part in activities for two weeks, which will prevent them feeling isolated. Even a few hours of taking part can significantly improve people’s health and wellbeing.
- £10 funds one person to take part in community activities for a month, building their social connections and preventing isolation. Social isolation has been shown to have the same health risk as smoking 15 cigarettes a day [1], so connecting with our communities has a huge positive impact on health and wellbeing.
- £60 funds one person to take part in community activities for six months and help them to make new friends and feel a part of the community. People without any real social connections have a 1.5 times higher likelihood of dying than people with them. Regular involvement in a group activity and the growth of strong social connections are vital for a long and healthy life.
Learn more about the projects we work with, and how they are adapting during the pandemic.
Our communities have shown their strength, resilience and compassion during this crisis. Together, let’s stand alongside the hardest hit neighbourhoods, to support their communities and build more positive and equal futures for us all.
Thank you for your support.
References
- [1] Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T.B., Baker, M., Harris, T. and Stephenson, D., (2015). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: a meta-analytic review. Perspectives on psychological science, 10(2), pp.227-237
