Valley House extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Think Active Fund for their recent grant. Together, we’ve made a profound impact on our local community, fostering well-being and creating a more vibrant, connected, and active environment for all. Here’s a closer look at how our collective efforts made a meaningful difference in the lives of more than 150 individuals.
Based in the heart of Coventry, Valley House, has been making a significant impact on the community through our Think Active initiative. This project focuses on promoting physical activity, mental well-being, and holistic health. While Think Active provided the funding, Valley House was the driving force behind the activities. This article offers an in-depth look at this remarkable partnership, its activities, impact, and plans for the future.
Location and Participation
Valley House’s Think Active initiative was predominantly based at Valley House. Additional gym and swim sessions took place at the nearby AT7 Centre, just a 5-minute walk from Valley House.
Activities Delivered
Valley House delivered a range of planned activities, including gym sessions, swim sessions, and yoga sessions. The impact of these activities has been remarkable, with service users reporting positive effects on their self-esteem, confidence, body image, and social interactions. Notably, Valley House’s Think Active initiative collectively supported 186 individuals from January to September 2023, empowering them in various aspects of their well-being.
The flexible and accessible nature of the groups was instrumental to the project’s success. We listened to service users’ feedback and scheduled sessions at times that suited them. These accessible and regular activities allowed for tangible changes in participants’ physical well-being. Moreover, the sense of community within the groups encouraged service users to develop mutually supportive relationships and attend other sessions together.
Challenges Faced
Despite its success, Valley House’s Think Active initiative encountered several challenges. Some service users consistently attended sessions while others hesitated to join. Attendance often dropped due to participants’ shifting priorities influenced by their personal situations and mental health. In particular, swim sessions, though highly sought after, sometimes saw last-minute cancellations.
Impact on Valley House
Valley House’s Think Active initiative has brought about a host of benefits for the organisation, including:
Developing new relationships and partnerships with other organisations.
Increasing organisational confidence in delivering sport and physical activity.
Attracting new participants.
Offering more opportunities for community members to be active.
Benefits to the Community
The Think Active Project has positively impacted the community by:
Creating a local community with increased confidence to be active.
Providing more opportunities for community members to stay active.
Helping individuals connect or reconnect with their local community.
Enabling families to be active together.
Fostering positive interactions among people from different backgrounds.
Assisting the local community in managing physical and mental health.
Continuation and Sustainability
Whilst the Think Active Funding has now ended, we are keen to continue offering sessions due to their significant benefits for service users. We are currently looking at a number of small pots of funding to sustain these health and well-being sessions. We are particularly looking at funding for the yoga sessions based on service user feedback who have said they have been exceptionally beneficial for managing their mental health and anxiety.
In Conclusion
Valley House’s Think Active initiative has made a transformative difference in our local community. By focusing on health and well-being, it has empowered individuals, strengthened communities, and enriched lives. The project’s commitment to continuing its mission highlights the importance of ongoing support and funding. To learn more about Valley House and its Think Active initiative, visit their website at www.thinkactive.org.Follow us on Social Media to keep up to date with our latest projects
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