Representatives from The Conservation Volunteers were amongst the special guests at an event hosted by Simon Cowell.
Chief Executive Julie Hopes; National Development Manager, Dominic Higgins; and Volunteer Officers Sasha Gorb and Rachel Stevens who lead Green Gyms in Camden and Newbury attended The Health Lottery Tea Party at Claridge’s to help celebrate £32 million of new good causes funding raised by society lotteries through The Health Lottery.
The event was attended by celebrities and representatives from local charity projects that have been funded by People’s Health Trust. The Trust uses the good causes money to support people in disadvantaged communities to grow up, live, work and age well.
People’s Health Trust has provided funding for over 40 local Green Gyms and Community-led health projects across Great Britain, using money raised by HealthHope through The Health Lottery. These projects provide opportunities for people to improve their health and wellbeing and make a positive impact on the environment at the same time.
Activities such as food growing on community allotments and tree planting get the participants out in the fresh air, active and part of a close-knit, friendly team. The combined impact of these projects has been incredible with more than 1,600 volunteers getting active and reclaiming green places in their local communities. People like Alan:
“It helps me getting up in the morning and gives me something to look forward to which is mainly important in the mornings and throughout the cold times of the year. It also helps my physical health as it gets me out and about and I’m getting more exercise. As I have Emphysema this is important and I believe if I train my lungs through regular exercise it will slow down this long-term illness.”
Green Gyms at The Conservation Volunteers also provide vital development opportunities for people who want to develop their skills and gain employment.