Monday 25th February 2019 - Gunners Fund, Local Initiative, plus Weight Management

Posted 1:45pm

To be honest with this blog, we are in a bit of a dire position financially.  Although we are doing a lot lately, it is all voluntary, certainly for Lazza. I do need to pay our PT for his efforts, and we also have insurance (renews in March), mobile, accounts software, website costs, and some volunteer costs we need to cover. It averages out around £250 a month, and we are struggling (and this with no salary payments)

With that in mind, we have today completed two applications for small running costs. One is with the Gunners Fund managed by the Arsenal Foundation. We want to expand the walks from one to four in a 12 month period, and this would do that. It covers the mobile, volunteer, insurance and website costs.  I do not know if it will happen. I did a spreadsheet with the application, and we have actually met with them before, which we are hoping will put us in good stead, as well as the fact we have been running one walk for over two years.  We are still proud of the fact that we are the only weekly health walk in Islington that is available to anyone to just turn up and join in.  We have sent in the application online, and can only hope. It is a total of around £2400 and would mean a great deal.

We have also completed an application for the Local Initiatives Fund, but I have a horrible feeling we are out of time for the current allocation, which would be very disappointing. We have applied for £900 - this to keep the fitness sessions going on Saturday mornings for a year, the insurance for that, plus some volunteer costs, as we would like to start summer sessions outdoors too.  We are in the hands of the council.  I have contacted my local councillors to let them know - all three have been very supportive of our venture - Osh Gantly, Sue Lukes, and Caroline Russell.

Finally, Lazza is enjoying the weight management course he is on. There are various studio sessions around the borough, and he has done several. He is losing weight (congrats from HMHB), but realises it is his eating habits that really need to change!!!  More info as it evolves.

Friday 22nd February 2019 - another great program, plus funding opportunity

Posted 12:45pm

So it's Friday and what has been our busiest week for HMHB since starting - I mean actually HMHB work, as Lazza toils every day on the various administrative duties required.

We had two programmes, one fitness session and one walk. All on a zero income. Not bad, eh?

Our Thirlmere Court, Newington Green, Ajani yesterday had good feedback. The care home angle is really good, and the reception has been fantastic. The residents are attentive, interactive and interested. There is room for development and further intervention.

Next week, both courses will be on Thursdays - one in morning and the other in the afternoon. We really hope that we get more people attending, and it is up to us to make the sessions fun, interactive and interesting.

The Well-being officer for Anchor retweeted a tweet from Connect Hackney - and they are looking to fund four projects in the borough, focusing on over 50s intervention on various subjects, including mental and physical health. We have asked Anchor to partner up with us to apply for part of that, which would finally allow us to pay ft salaries, and concentrate on establishing ourselves. More news to follow.

Wednesday 20th February 2019 - videos, blog entries and corporate news

Posted 2:40pm

For various reason, we had to step back from a few matters, as we needed to focus on the Hackney programmes, as well as identifying funding streams we could approach.

We started last month on our new "300 seconds on .." videos, and we will now restart them. Five minutes isn't a long time, but is plenty to get a general gist across.  The aim is to do one a day, finally, but if we can get 3-4 a week for now, that will be great. Many subjects to cover.

The same goes for the new blog, The aim is to put one or two stories a day on - as there is so much research and information constantly coming out. This will again restart.

Finally, we were approaching corporates for funding - this was paused due to other work. But we will restart at the end of this week, and blitz out a postal approach next week. The current administration for HMHB is very much a one man job (Lazza) at the moment - so getting it all done is hectic.

Wednesday 20th February 2019 - Great Feedback in Hackney

Lazza, Luke and Dean, with Estate Manager Sandra

plus our wonderful resedential programme users

Posted 2:30pm

We had a fabulous morning yesterday at a wonderful care home in Homerton, Hackney. The programme went down very well, feedback was excellent, and the interaction was first class. Our unique delivery style was applauded, and it was brilliant to see the enthusiasm and attentiveness of the residents.

Sandra, the Estate Manager, said she would ensure we had more people taking part next week, as she felt it had helped the residents very much. I have to thank Luke, who helped deliver the programme with great knowledge, patience and input, as well as PT Dean, who quickly gained the respect and friendship of all. When you get this kind of response it makes you wonder why it is so difficult to get funding.

Our Ajani programme, focusing on Mind-set, Health, Fitness, Nutrition and Routine, is very adaptable, and the residents enjoyed the way we built awareness, made significant points, as well as brought everyone into the conversations and games.

We really have found a new approach to mental health.

Monday 18th February 2019 - two programmes this week in Hackney

Posted 1:55pm

HMHB is really looking forward to a new challenge this week - it is our first venture into the London Borough of Hackney, our first time working with "over 55s", and the first time we have run two programmes in the same week.  But we are ready, excited and optimistic.

Tuessday we are in Homerton, and the focus is going to be more on mind-set and exercise, with targets and goals - stressing it is never too late to try new things and learn.

With this age group we have adapted and developed the programme more for the older generation - with fitness aimed more on movement and flexibility. We can still do squats and crunches and press ups, but in ways encouraging those with health problems, like standing up and walking.

On the mind-set, we are trying to get away from the adage that people are too old to try new things, and see if they can look at that situation from another perspective.

Goals and targets should be aimed for by all people, regardless of age or physical ability. There is always something to do, something to learn.

These are both four session programmes - and we will finish on Thursday 14th March - and we have arranged the Speaker of Hackney Council to attend the final session to call the numbers on a fun game of Bingo.

I, personally, am excited to see how these go, as there is potential for contracts and funding to then continue.

Friday 15th February 2019 - Free Weight Management in Islington (Lazza)

Lazza 14th Feb

Posted 1:40pm

We have mentioned many times about being accountable when aiming for targets and goals, as well as the strength that comes from working with a group.

Lazza, famously now, has yoyoed with weight, due to health issues as well as stress (which he realises is just making excuses really), but is very determined to finally sort himself out. With that in mind, yesterday he signed up for Islington's free weight management course (called Rebalance).

It looks terrific. Once a week he has to attend an hour sit down management session, which will oversee progress and be able to discuss issues. As the course is managed by Better Islington, there are daily fitness sessions at the various gyms and leisure centres around the borough. Lazza will concentrate on Highbury, Sobell and Pancras Leisure.

Yesterday he took part in a "flexibility" hour long class at Sobell - pictured above with the session instructor. HMHB totally recommends using local amenities, getting in with groups, and using all that to focus on your own targets.

Friday 15th February 2019 - the joys of applications

Posted 1:30pm
Following our Wednesday blog entry, I completed our Sport England "great idea" form - which is basically an expression of interest - and sent it in online to our contact Rob.

These things can be daunting. We had just 150 words to say who we were and what we wanted to do, and that isn't a lot, especially when it determines whether or not they would be interested in a full application. We have to sell ourselves, create that spark of interest, as well as demonstrate our capabilities.

There was a small section about who we are targeting as our service users - to which I wanted to show our diversity. So I emphasised we wanted to work with over 55s 2 days a week (Anchor Hanover), social housing tenants 2 days a week (Peabody), leaving the final day available for a mix of possible corporate intervention with employees, as well as opportunities to work with people recovering from substance abuse and mental health problems.

Finally, again in just 150 words, we had to explain what our impact would be, as well as our potential outcomes. All this is very tough, as we are naturally competing against many different organisations asking for funding from SE, many doing splendid work too.

Although, in this form wee were not asked for a financial figure, we did stress it would be three full time salaries (Lazza, Luke and Dean), plus the employer national insurance that goes with that, and the now legal responsibility towards pension contribution, and the running costs for HMHB for a year. We anticipate that being around the £120,000 total - so nobody is getting rich on this - and is terrific value for the number of people we intend to reach. I will let people know how we get on.

Wednesday 13th February 2019 - hackney publicity, plus Sport England

Posted 1:00pm

With our upcoming programmes inn Hackney fast approaching (in fact both start next week), HMHB are anxious to ensure we get good coverage. These two could be vital as we move forward, and can open doors of opportunity to funding, as well as other organisations.

With that in mind, we have asked permission to contact the Hackney Gazette, and hope they can come down and do a feature on us - get feedback and be good for promotion.

Not only that, we have contacted the Mayor of Hackney's office to see if he can come to our final week on one of the courses, where we intend on finishing with a fun game of Bingo, and have asked if he would call the numbers for us. This would be the week we would ask the Gazette to attend.

We have also recently been in contact with Sport England, re funding opportunities. We spoke with a helpful contact who has asked us to complete an expression of interest form, mark it for his attention, and they will discuss it internally.  I feel we are going in a great direction - but let's get these salaries finally.

Tuesday 12th February 2019 - personal journey and thoughts

Posted 10:50am

Just wanted to add a little to say how HMHB is helping me on my journey - and therefore how we believe it can impact on others.

Being proactive has made a huge difference to my own mental health, Being able to let go of various destructive behaviours and thoughts, and instead focusing on the challenge of life, has brought significant change. Making targets and goals all the time gives me hope.  It ain't easy I can assure you, but it is the only way to move forward.

I am really pushing to lose the weight I have put on - and am utilising friends to push me. HMHB has a spare gym card and I try to bring people with me when I go, which obviously helps motivate me, but also can help our service users. Encouraging others to be more physically active, especially focusing on movement and getting outdoors, has a knock on effect for me.

Funding is our biggest obstacle, but by remaining positive we are finding streams we can apply for, and there are three big ones we are looking at currently. The fact we have now worked with users is terrific, especially with the feedback we have received.

I think, mentally, I am in the best place I have been for a long time, and that is down to the HMHB philosophy and aims. I would like to thank all who support me and keep me going. yay!!

Tuesday 12th February 2019 - talking about the fitness sessions

Sobell - 9th Feb

Posted 10:30am

Another fantastic session on Saturday - so I thought I would explain the day.

We start at 9am - alternate weeks managed by PT Dean and Lazza, due to Dean's full time job at Tottenham Leisure Centre.

HMHB has been so lucky to be using the main studio at the Sobell Centre - it is huge, with a music system, as well as lots of equipment, such as weights, mats, trampolines, bars, platforms etc.

We always start with stretches and warm ups, and then head into various different HIT exercises. Every week is different. I like the fact we change it up.  It is important to work on all muscles - and we aim to do arm, core, legs and body exercises every week.

We also have a couple of quick water breaks and make it accessible to all ages and abilities - as you can see from the pic above. Most of these people would not attend a gym at all, let alone a class.

We do thank Better Islington, GLL, and all who support us in the venture

Friday 8th February 2019 - visit to hackney success

Lazza with Ann and Sandra

details in blog

Adelaide Ct, Hackney - 7 Feb

Posted 11:20am

Lazza attended a well-being event yesterday in Homerton, Hackney - orgaanised by Anchor Hanover, the largest provider of homes and specialist care for over 55s in the UK. There were several different local organisations promoting their business, and we were honoured to be asked and involved.

HMHB spoke about their two upcoming programmes running at different care homes in Hackney - one is at Adelaide Court, Homerton - this is the one starting Tuesday 19th February, and the other is at Thirlmere Court, Newington Green - this is the one starting Thursday 21st February.  Both in the mornings, for four weekly sessions of two hours.

It will be different from the others we have done, but we are excited to be adapting our Ajani project for this audience. The age and capabilities involved requires us to deliver the exercise and nutrition elements with outlooks targeting the older generation.. Mind-set is universal, but we will be looking at varying targets and goals.

We really enjoyed the afternoon, met some wonderful people, made some connections, as well as important contacts within Anchor Hanover themselves. It is important we provide a couple of fantastic courses, delivering on outcomes, as we would like the chance to then talk about a contract to provide through the borough and beyond.

Wednesday 6 February 2019 - Hackney Wellbeing and Ajanis

Posted 3:25pm

Delighted to be attending a well-being network event in Hackney tomorrow - one of many companies taking part, and in advance of our two Ajani events in February. It gives us an opportunity to network with other organisations and push ourselves in the borough.

I have emailed out posters to the two venues we will be working with on our 4 session programmes. One is based near to Homerton Hospital - starting Tuesday 19th Feb, and the other is around Newington Green - starting Thursday 21st Feb.  It is an exciting opportunity for us, and one we must prove our professionalism and expertise, as opportunities can emerge from them.

Hackney have been wonderfully efficient and accomodating. Thanks.

Meanwhile, we are hoping for meetings with Better Lives in both Holloway and Kings Cross, plus Haringey Well-being Network. And are excited to be chatting again with the CCG on Friday.

Wednesday 6th February 2019 - Corporate Update - it's an uphill task

Posted 3:15pm

After a few drafts, and lots of changes, we finally had our contact email ready, as well as a proposal for corporate Ajani, in exchange for sponsorship.  So this week we finally started contacting companies, and I chose to concentrate firstly on those around Canary Wharf - well, there is a lot of money around!!!

However, even though I knew it was going take a lot of time, patience, effort and focus, even I under estimated the difficulties. Finding the right person or department, and then their contact details, was not easy.  I actually thought it may be easier to spend the day walking around the offices and speaking personally. However, again, after trying that out today, that was not such a good idea, as most receptions needed names of individuals.

We have contacted 10 so far - a few needing paperwork in the post.  This is going to be tougher than I first thought.