The Somerset Wellbeing Fund
We created The Somerset Wellbeing Fund to raise vital funds for local people experiencing physical and mental health issues. By supporting this Collective Giving Fund, you’ll join with others to make a greater impact with your giving.
The Somerset Wellbeing Fund is driven by research and consultation with local charities, which means your donations will make the most impact possible.
Together we aim to significantly grow the funding we can provide to local charities who help local people improve their wellbeing and live healthier, happier lives.
Our supporters
Founding Donors:
- David Price
- Team Somerset 500 Club
Why we need your support to improve wellbeing in Somerset.
There are many elements that contribute to our wellbeing: physical health, our mental and emotional health and our lifestyle all play a part.
We will all need support with our wellbeing at one time in our lives. People facing disadvantages such as poverty, living with long-term health conditions or disabilities, or experiencing bereavement, loneliness or isolation are more likely to experience poor wellbeing.
The Coronavirus pandemic and cost-of-living crisis have had significant negative impacts on wellbeing. Prevalence of depression in Somerset is higher than both England and the South West and adults reporting long term mental health conditions has increased by 11% since 2018. People living in our most deprived communities are up to 10 times more at risk of suicide than those in the most affluent areas.
That’s why it’s vital we support the many innovative and dedicated charities across our county who work to improve wellbeing every day. From counselling services to therapeutic gardening projects, bereavement support to debt advice services – these charities truly change lives every day.
Our research and consultation has committed us to support the following 3 priorities over the next few years:
- Supporting adults to maintain their own health and wellbeing through access to peer support groups, specialist substance abuse support, and mental health and wellbeing activities.
- Supporting projects which encourage those most at risk to reach out for mental health support during times of crisis.
- Supporting adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to have greater control over their health, work and social lives.
Talk to us about the Somerset Wellbeing Fund
If you’d like to know more about The Somerset Wellbeing Fund and how you, your company or charitable trust could support the Fund, get in touch. We’d be delighted to tell you more.
Local challenges need local funding and local solutions. Your gift to The Somerset Wellbeing Fund will help us grow local funding and help more local people live happier, healthier lives.
We offer subsidised days out, trips, events and activities to families who have a child with additional needs. What we do takes the pressure off and removes the stressful elements of a trip away, allowing the whole family the opportunity to relax. We also give subsidise around 50% of the cost. Everything’s taken care of so they can relax and enjoy their day. We’ve always received amazing advice from the Foundation over the years I’m so grateful to SCF for the help and support you’ve shown us over the years, making it much easier, and quicker to access funding so we can focus on supporting our members. It really is life-changing for so many families in Somerset.
Sarah
Manager, Escape Support Group
