Eastlight's All In project gives funding to mid Essex projects

Teams of residents in Braintree, Witham and Halstead have spent the last 12 months creating programmes addressing mental health issues, social isolation and a lack of opportunities for young people through All In, a community programme created by Eastlight.

Eastlight has now awarded funding and support to allow members of each team to turn these ideas into new organisations that can make a difference locally over the long-term.

This followed successful pilots which demonstrated how they improved the lives of residents.

In Braintree, wellbeing support project Kinder Minds will be partnering with mental health charity Heads2Minds to open a safe space in the town which offers mindfulness sessions to improve the mental wellbeing of residents.

Witham’s Popcorn scheme will run four sessions throughout the year to support young people who are struggling to reconnect after years stuck at home during the pandemic.

The friendly and welcoming group sessions are aimed at those aged 16-30 who want to boost their confidence, meet new people and learn new skills.

IMPORTANT TOPIC: Halstead All In team Harriet Munday, Carlie Williamson, Jessica Brett & Suzanne Hunnable-Letch (Image: N/A)

In Halstead, Grow with the Flow will expand its "period positivity" campaign to educate local girls about menstrual health, working alongside schools, sports groups and leisure centres.

Social innovation and community empowerment director James Green said: “Congratulations to all of our All In teams for their incredible work over the last year.

“They have each inspired hundreds of local residents in Braintree, Witham and Halstead, and worked with them to create ideas that are already making a difference in their communities.

“We’re looking forward to seeing Kinder Minds, Popcorn and Grow with the Flow flourish.”