Thursday 31st January 2019 - New funding stream partnerships?

Posted 2:50pm

First of a three entries on the blog today - as a lot of news to convey.  Bur, firstly, this month seems to have gone very quickly.  It's scary to be honest. But we have made big strides.

I have already mentioned this in this blog, but there is more news. There is a new fund released by the Mayor of London, and it focuses on improving both mental and physical health with sport and exercise. It would enable us to get full time salaries for a year, continue to look for sustainable funding, but also give is an opportunity to work with service users without continuing to look over our shoulders the whole time.

However, we are realistic in that we are still a new social enterprise with little actual evidence of ourselves (despite huge reams of research that shows, if we deliver responsibly, the probable significant outcomes we will achieve).  Applications in by 28th February.

With that in mind, we are looking to partner up with various organisations for the application, delving into their knowledge in resources alongside our unique delivery.

I am making meetings with the local gyms - managed by GLL through Better. If we can get use of Hihgbury Leisure, Sobell Centre, Pancras Leisure and Archway, we can offer four or five fitness sessions in the week. We will also look to expand the healthy walks to four or five a week too.  On top of that, we would like to utilise opportunities with the CCG on weight management, as well as healthy lifestyle opportunities.  We would like to be running at least two to three half day group outings a month.  We have re-approached Peabody, with whom we have a funding application pending, to see if we can team up with them on this too - no expense to them, but huge possible outcomes.  It's win win all round.  Just waiting to hear back on meetings now.

Finally, it would be great to be able to run one or two general get togethers a month, for tea/coffee and chat, plus bingo, quiz, and a large group fitness session for all ages and abilities.

It is an exciting opportunity to bring community together, as well as a chance for us to establish ourselves. The money would pay full time salaries for Lazza and Luke, a part time for PT, as well as running costs. A lot of work to get on with in the next 28 days!!!!!