People’s Health Trust have recently released a new report on the Trust’s Local People Programme, which features The Conservation Volunteers Inverness, one of the several TCV projects that they fund.
The report focuses on evaluations of the Local People Programme in 2018 – 2019 and reveals the importance of social connections for good quality health.
The Local People project in Inverness is supported by TCV, starting in 2015 and covers two neighbourhoods – the whole of Smithton and part of Culloden.
The report reveals that the project has created stronger social connections within the area by working together in groups to make decisions and deliver activities. Previously the two areas had been quite separate, with some degree of rivalry between them.
I think it has helped – because I know my neighbours, my neighbours know me, and it makes me feel more secure, particularly for my [child]’s benefit.
Smithton & Culloden Resident
Everyone is [al]ready looking out because they can see if kids play together, and they’re all good friends, and everybody’s very aware of that. I mean, there’s elderly folk on our street as well so everybody’s kind of taking an extra step to make sure they’re OK.
Not only has the project created stronger social connections, but it has also led residents of the area to improve the physical aspects of where they live, particularly the green spaces. This includes The Avenue, a woodland space that run between Smithton and Culloden.
TCV have always been dedicated to creating happier, healthier communities across the UK, and from the findings within the Local People Programme report, this can be seen in action.
TCV are really pleased to be part of this programme. It shows that taking a really local approach can help increase people’s confidence and see that there are real possibilities for change and that they can make a difference
Alan Marchant – TCV Operations Director
Thank you to People’s Health Trust being a long-standing TCV partner and aiding us to create happy and healthy communities for all.
For more information about TCV’s work with the Local People Programme click here.