Chelmsford Health Inequalities Grant
We invited expressions of interest for the Health Inequalities Grant, aimed at supporting projects that address health inequalities in 2025.
Health inequalities refer to preventable differences in health outcomes between groups, such as variations in life expectancy or the onset of preventable diseases. These disparities are influenced by factors like health behaviours, access to services, social deprivation, employment, education, and social support.
We designed the Health Inequalities Grant to invest in Chelmsford’s communities by supporting local organisations that help individuals and communities get healthier. This targeted funding focused on strengthening and expanding existing projects, prioritising those that address the needs of populations most affected by health inequalities across our district.
We set the funding objectives using the strategic priorities from the Chelmsford Health and Wellbeing Plan. We also looked to the Thriving Places Index (TPI) framework and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) parameters.
The targeted outcomes include:
- helping people achieve a healthy weight
- improving access to services (including transport)
- improving community cohesion
- enhancing the quality of life for people living with long-term conditions
- improving mental health and wellbeing
- tackling fuel poverty
- improving employability (including personal development, employability skills, digital skills, life skills)
We allocated a total of £75,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), funding nine projects.
Individually, the projects aim to support specific vulnerable groups in our communities, each of which falls within one or more of the outcomes listed above.
The delivery timeframe for these projects is January 2025 to March 2025.
The Rhythmic Breath (Ace Music Therapy)
Ace Music Therapy will deliver an eight-week music therapy programme designed to support individuals living with chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s, fibromyalgia, and long COVID. The programme aims to enhance both physical and emotional wellbeing through therapeutic music sessions.
One to One Counselling sessions (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse)
CARA will provide specialist counselling and therapeutic support for residents who have experienced sexual violence. These sessions will be delivered in accessible formats, either face-to-face or remotely.
Through this support, CARA aims to improve mental health and wellbeing, while also enhancing residents’ quality of life by equipping them with the tools to regain a sense of control over their mental health.
Active Health Scheme (Riverside Leisure Centre)
Riverside Leisure Centre will offer tailored physical activity programmes for residents living with long-term health conditions.
The Active Health Scheme has a proven track record of improving the management of conditions such as cardiac, respiratory, and neurological disorders, while also promoting positive mental wellbeing. These specialised services will be available through referrals from Primary Care Networks (PCNs).
Links Befriending Calendar (Hamelin Trust)
Hamelin Trust will offer weekly volunteer-led befriending sessions to reduce social isolation and loneliness among people with autism and learning disabilities.
These sessions will take place in small groups of two to six individuals, providing a supportive and inclusive environment for meaningful social interaction. Through structured activities, participants will have opportunities to build relationships, develop connections, and enhance their overall wellbeing.
Mothers In Mind (Home Start Essex)
Home Start Essex will offer face-to-face sessions for mothers of young children, focusing on supporting their mental wellbeing.
In addition, they will promote self-care by encouraging good nutrition and sustainable healthy habits to enhance both mental and physical wellbeing. The programme will also emphasise the importance of regular health check-ups, helping mothers establish healthy routines and enabling early detection of potential health issues to prevent complications.
After School Club (Independence Project)
The Independence Project will establish an after-school club at Hawthorns School in Chelmsford, providing support for children and young people with special educational needs (SEN), aged 8 to 18.
The club will focus on enhancing physical health, promoting social development, and building essential life skills in a supportive environment. It will be open to eligible children and young people across the Chelmsford district, including pupils from Hawthorns School, homeschooled children, and those attending other local schools.
Mental Health Workshops (Over 50s Black Men Forum)
The O5BM Forum will host monthly webinars focused on mental health and wellbeing, covering key topics such as stress management, depression, and anxiety.
In addition, the forum will run weekly table tennis coaching sessions, led by experienced coaches, to encourage physical activity, improve overall health, and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Digital Employability Skills Programme (Opportunities Workshop)
The Opportunities Workshop will offer a digital employability skills programme designed to enhance digital confidence among Chelmsford residents with long-term health conditions.
By increasing exposure to new technologies, the programme aims to serve as a launchpad for ongoing work and health improvements, helping participants secure flexible and accessible employment opportunities. The programme will include ten half-day workshops over five weeks, featuring practical exercises, interactive discussions, peer learning, and hands-on activities to build confidence and digital proficiency.
Layby Project (Provide CIC)
The Layby Project is a volunteer-led initiative that provides essential support to Chelmsford’s homeless population every Wednesday evening in the city centre.
The project meets immediate basic needs by offering warm clothing, hot food, along with emergency food and drink packages to address hunger and malnutrition. Specialised high-energy provisions will also be provided, tailored for individuals experiencing street homelessness during cold weather, requiring no cooking facilities.
The Layby project will run outreach clinics, offering services such as vaccinations, basic health checks, wound care, and other essential medical support. These clinics aim to bring healthcare directly to rough sleepers, ensuring vital services reach those in need.