Great ideas created by the community, for the community.
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To provide a safe, beautiful and accepting space for lonely and isolated people to come together, make friendships, build confidence, learn new things, heal from the past, and begin to live well.
Sorry this project was unsuccessful, we did not reach our fundraising goal.
We have been running Brightstone Clinic – a therapy centre in the heart of Sandbach – for the last three years. In this time, we have witnessed the hidden cost of social isolation, loneliness, poor pay, and the stress of illness – both physical and emotional, visible and hidden. We are frequently told about the lack of safe community spaces and places that are designed to be welcoming and friendly to all whilst offering educational, joyful and therapeutic experiences. To help transform this in Sandbach, we are offering a peaceful and safe environment at Brightstone Clinic, where people can come and take part in a variety of activities at the weekends (Sunday afternoons to begin with), including: Art and crafts Music Sound baths Basket weaving Poetry and writing Repair shop Talks/education/vocational Quizzes A quiet place to read a book, eat with people or just be A shared lunch or vegetarian/vegan snack The social club can offer up to 15/20 places.
What we'll deliver:
Why it's a great idea:
We are working to build communities and reduce loneliness and isolation Loneliness and isolation were exacerbated by the recent COVID-19 pandemic and have become a daily reality for many people – young, older and everything in between. We believe that people of all ages need connection Since the COVID pandemic, we have seen an 84% increase in the number of people seeking therapy at Brightstone for issues relating to social anxiety, loneliness and fear of being in groups. Via the social club, we aim to make a real difference to the lives of local people by offering the opportunity to make connections and begin to turn the tide. Along with nature connection, social interaction is clinically proven to help people to feel better and even strengthen the immune system. As our world becomes more digitalised and artificially intelligent, we hope to continue to embrace the old ways of meeting in person, deepen into our personhood, and find strength and solidarity with our fellow humans.
Steps to get it done:
Hope Street Social CIC has emerged from our experience running Brightstone Clinic, a therapy centre in Sandbach. It is clear to us from the calls and referrals we get at the clinic that there is a great need for a safe and welcoming place for local people to build connections and relationships. Many people were profoundly impacted by COVID Lockdowns, leading to increased isolation and loneliness. Hope Street Social CIC is a not-for-profit organisation that runs the social club and fundraises for various therapeutic services, e.g. Low-cost trauma therapy (EMDR). The social club has a facilitator, volunteer placements to gain work experience and guest speakers. Everyone attending the club pays a nominal joining fee, gets involved in discussions and agrees on speakers and activities. We are funded by grant-making organisations. The CIC also wants to make space available to Ukrainian support groups, something we have previous experience of.
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Whoop, 30 people have pledged since fundraising began!
Whoop, 10 people have pledged since fundraising began!
Whoop, 10 people have pledged since fundraising began!
Great ideas created by the community, for the community.
How will the money be spent?Total £17,615
Costs Breakdown
This shows how money raised for the project will be spent. These costs have been confirmed by the project's Delivery Manager and verified.
Total £17,615
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