The Thriving Communities project will focus on the canal to provide physical activity, art, heritage and other support to people referred through social prescribing pathways.
Boosting your physical and mental health
The project will give people living along the length of the canal, which runs from Nottingham to Beeston, access to a variety of activities to help boost their physical and mental health, including canoe and paddleboard sessions, gardening along the canal, volunteering opportunities and wellbeing walks. There will also be the opportunity to join photography courses, arts activities, cookery classes and, when coronavirus restrictions allow, communal meals at venues along the canal.
The project is being run by a partnership of local organisations including the Trust, Nottingham Community & Voluntary Service, Notts County Foundation, Canalside Heritage Centre, Nottingham Photographers Hub and local foodbank Himmah. Funding has been provided through the National Academy of Social Prescribing, Arts Council England, Natural England and Historic England.
Feeling happier and healthier
Linny Beaumont, our partnerships & external relationships manager, said: “Research tells us that spending time by water can help us to feel happier and healthier and we firmly believe that the canal, which runs for five miles through some of our most populated areas, is uniquely placed to help address some of the big health challenges faced in the city.
“We're delighted to have secured this funding, and to be working with such a talented and diverse partnership to give local people access to a range of activities which we really hope will give them the help they need.”
