Sunday 2nd June 2019 - Biggest month so far for HMHB

Posted 2:20pm

I think the last five years of work, the last two and a half years of trading (mostly voluntarily) have now come down to the most important month ever for Healthy Minds, Healthy Bods.

From our first walk back in November 2016, to our first program, back in May 2017, we have been working towards this moment. We have provided programs to Single Homeless Project with people on recovery, to Anchor Hanover Residential Housing with over 55s. We have health-walked in Clissold Park in partnership with Highbury Grange Medical Practice and now are doing the same with Better Gym in Highbury Fields. We have built networks with Hackney and Islington Public Health, grown relationships with Islington CCG and Haringey Well-Being Network, and have worked in three London boroughs. And it has all been leading to this month.

That's because we have just finished our second draft of a lottery proposal for seed funding. It will  probably change a little more, but we will be sending it off to the North London representative on Friday 14th June - just twelve days from now.  We need salaries, running costs and overheads, and we are looking for three years of funding - depending on feedback and outcomes - but if they are anything like the extraordinary and terrific comments and results we have achieved so far, we should be fine. Therefore, it is a lot of money - but good value when  you look at numbers and the short and long term goals.

Not only that, but we really need to get our website finished (corporate page needs doing, as well as walk and fitness session updates). We have accounts to publish. We have an upcoming taster with the one of the largest Housing Associations in the country. If that goes well we could find other links and networks, and establish ourselves more. We have been asked to oversee two health walks at an event where thousands will be attending - which is both daunting and exciting.

On a personal note - and I only mention as it will affect all the above, as well as demonstrate why a growth mind-set has to be the way to success - I will be having four hospital visits in the next two weeks - definitely two operations to organise and possibly three -  including eyes, leg and stomach. That should be fun!!!

It's funny how inevitably we are back with our future in the hands of others. We have done everything asked of us - provided programs, achieved success, built networks, found the need and designed and delivered the unique intervention. If others do not see the ambition, passion and possibilities then it will all come to nothing. But we can be proud of what we have done. But here's hoping!!!!

Thanks to anyone who reads this for your support and friendship.