The Enabling Strand aims to increase the ability and resilience of groups and individuals in Greenwich to deliver and improve services that prevent and respond to health inequalities. The strand aims to increase the skills, provide training and improve the eligibility of groups in Greenwich to access funding opportunities, resources and wider capacity building programmes.

The work funded on this programme aligns with the Greenwich Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which sets out the mental and physical health and wellbeing priorities for the next five years in the borough. More information can be found here.

This page will be updated with each new round of funding, to detail who and what has been funded. 

Round 1 Recipients

We received a total of 32 applications, of which eight were awarded funding, totalling £57,711.20. All unsuccessful applications were given bespoke feedback and offered a follow up support call. All applicants were also asked to submit feedback on the application process to help improve and develop the process for future rounds. 

The following groups were awarded funding in June 2024: 

Aircraft Circus Academy – Disability and Education Training Development: The organisation is a neurodiverse-led circus academy in Woolwich, offering free community classes in circus training to Greenwich residents. Funding for staff disability training, to develop resources for teachers working with SEND groups, and to run a peer-to-peer ideas session. This funding will enable Aircraft Circus Academy to increase their offering to SEND young people to help improve their physical fitness and wellbeing. Greenwich Health and Wellbeing Strategy Area of Impact: Be Well

Charlton Community Champions Consortium – Community Training and Safeguarding: The organisation is a diverse community delivery group that aims to deliver health and wellbeing projects in Charlton. Funding will be used to support the formal set-up of the organisation, including staff safeguarding training, disability training, mental health training, inclusion and diversity training and DBS checks, to enable them to safely run regular health and wellbeing activities throughout the year. Greenwich Health and Wellbeing Strategy Area of Impact: Feel Well

Greenwich Coalition for Equality & Human Rights – Digital Skills Project Expansion: This organisation is a training provider for senior citizens in the Asian community in Plumstead. Funding to purchase equipment and training for staff and volunteers, to expand their Digital Skills and Inclusion programme in Plumstead, which supports senior citizens from the Asian community to access services online. Greenwich Health and Wellbeing Strategy Area of Impact: Age Well

Hero Self CIC – Coach Training and Obtaining Resources: This organisation works with primary schools in Greenwich to improve the mental health of students from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Funding for a new organisation to set up pilot programme of Life Coaching with Drama support, and to hire and train coaches to deliver workshops to primary schools across Greenwich, to improve the mental health of students from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Greenwich Health and Wellbeing Strategy Area of Impact: Start Well

New Arrivals Support CIC – Purchase of CRM system: This organisation is run by and for migrants, asylum seekers and refugees. It provides advice, advocacy and support to prevent inequality and poverty. Funding to purchase a CRM system to improve communication with clients, project monitoring and reporting and GDPR compliance, to enhance organisational performance. The organisation is run by and for migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, providing advice, advocacy and support to new arrivals to prevent inequality and poverty. Greenwich Health and Wellbeing Strategy Area of Impact: Stay Well

Shrewsbury House Community Association – Community Cafe Set Up: This community centre hosts support groups and runs free activities for a range of local residents in Shooters Hill, Plumstead Common and the wider Greenwich community. Funding for the planning, research and development of a new community café, which will offer healthy, affordable meals and health workshops in Shooters Hill. Greenwich Health and Wellbeing Strategy Area of Impact: Be Well

Supporting SEND C.I.C. – Staff Upskilling: This organisation supports Greenwich parents, carers and professionals working with children with special needs and disabilities through Makaton Training weekly stay and play groups and home resources. Funding for Makaton Tutor training to increase the number of Signing for Babies and Families sessions, as well as to hire an administrator to support organisational operations. Funding will enable more SEND babies, children and families to receive support and expand the organisation’s capacity. Greenwich Health and Wellbeing Strategy Area of Impact: Start Well

The Morning Dew Foundation – SEND-ability project: This organisation offers education and support services for special needs children and young adults, focusing on Thamesmead, Abbey Wood and Plumstead. SEND-ability is a 25-week programme that supports SEND children and young people to develop the practical and social skills required to live independently. Funding is to purchase additional equipment and cover venue hire and staff time to support project growth. Greenwich Health and Wellbeing Strategy Area of Impact: Start Well

Round 2 Recipients

We received a total of 25 applications, of which 11 were awarded funding, totalling £96,570.32. All unsuccessful applications were given bespoke feedback and offered a follow-up support call. All applicants were also asked to submit feedback on the application process to help improve and develop the process for future rounds.

The following groups were awarded funding in September 2024:

Breaking Ground Greenwich CIC – Organisation Set Up and Steering Group Establishment: New organisation which aims to empower vulnerable and underserved communities in Plumstead. Funding will be used to establish a steering group, and allow members to train, upskill and build capacity in health-related activities, to better develop and deliver their health-related projects. Greenwich Health and Wellbeing Strategy Area of Impact: Stay Well

EVERYONE’S A SINGER CIC – Facilitator Training and Youth Programme: The organisation works with the young African, African Caribbean and African Diaspora community in Greenwich, using music to help prevent the escalation of mental health issues into more severe conditions. Funding will be used for Mental Health First Aider training for 8 volunteers, to train 2 new freelance music trainers and delivery of a pilot music programme that aims to address mental health challenges, reduce stress and improve social connection. Greenwich Health and Wellbeing Strategy Area of Impact: Be Well

Galeforce Global CIC – Training and Resources for Volunteer Support: The organisation supports those affected by domestic abuse with multiple complex needs, including physical health issues, mental health conditions, and social vulnerabilities. Funding will be used to provide training for staff and volunteers that will focus on trauma-informed care, mental health support and best practices for working with individuals experiencing domestic abuse. This will enhance their Health Empowerment programme offer. Greenwich Health and Wellbeing Strategy Area of Impact: Stay Well

Greenwich Bengali Women’s Group (GBWG) – Organisation Set Up and Exercise Sessions: This equity-led group provides a safe space for women from ethnic minority backgrounds to exercise, socialise and learn together. Funding will allow them to become a constituted organisation to formalise their work and increase their reach across Greenwich. Funding will also be used to run yoga sessions, exercise workshops and training for organisational management skills. Greenwich Health and Wellbeing Strategy Area of Impact: Stay Well

Greenwich Gurkha Ex-Servicemen Association – Greenwich Ex-Gurkha Health Support Classes: The organisation is a community-based charity run by and for elderly ex-Gurkhas in Greenwich, providing support to Gurkha veterans. Services include financial support, volunteering, digital literacy, English classes, and health activities. Funding will be used to run weekly yoga classes and basic English classes, allowing them to expand this service to a larger space and meet increased needs from group members. Greenwich Health and Wellbeing Strategy Area of Impact: Stay Well

Horn Park Resident Group – Organisation Set Up: New organisation which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of all residents of the Horn Park estate, to ensure the views and needs of the whole estate are considered to enhance community cohesion, organise events, and improve existing facilities and provisions. Funding will be used for setting up the resident’s association, including establishing governance, policies, and training for members. Greenwich Health and Wellbeing Strategy Area of Impact: Start Well

Royal Greenwich Disability Justice Community – Organisation Set Up and Capacity Building: New organisation, run by and for African and Caribbean communities, which will bring groups together to share tools, resources and networks. Funding will be used to formalise the group, secure a website and physical spaces for services and activities, capacity-building workshops, peer to peer training sessions, and community events that address the health needs of disabled individuals in their target community. Greenwich Health and Wellbeing Strategy Area of Impact: Feel Well

The Big Red Bus Club – Volunteer Training, Recruitment and Data Collection for Family Wellbeing: Community-led, charitable organisation based in Charlton that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of local families, particularly those with children under 5. They focus on working with families from low-income backgrounds, ethnic minority families, and those without access to outdoor space. Funding will support the recruitment and training of volunteers for the Stay and Play programme, for marketing and data collection costs and childcare payments for volunteers. Greenwich Health and Wellbeing Strategy Area of Impact: Start Well

The Proper Blokes Club – Men’s Mental Health Drop-in Facility: This organisation is a men’s mental health walk and talk group. They run volunteer led, peer-to-peer walk and talks in Greenwich and 13 other locations across London. Funding will be used to open a drop-in centre for men in Greenwich who are experiencing mental health issues and feel isolated, especially the unemployed, retired and those with physical health issues. The facility will offer peer-to-peer support and signposting services. Greenwich Health and Wellbeing Strategy Area of Impact: Feel Well

We Can Flourish Community Interest Company – Organisation Set Up and Pilot Project: New organisation which aims tofoster social connection, strengthen family bonds, and promote resilience through inclusive group music sessions and 1:1 family sessions. Funding will be used to launch this new CIC and pilot their project to support socially vulnerable mothers and their young children, particularly those impacted by domestic abuse, trauma, and other life adversities, within Greenwich. Greenwich Health and Wellbeing Strategy Area of Impact: Start Well

Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP) – Clinical Room Adaptation and Training of Staff and Volunteers: This organisation is a grassroots charity with a drop-in centre which provides practical and emotional support to people experiencing poverty, homelessness, addiction, health issues and financial struggles. Funding will be used for the adaptation of a consultation room to meet clinical standards for providing safe and hygienic medical consultations. As well as training for staff and volunteers, including Safeguarding Adults, Managing Challenging Behaviour and Mental Health First Aid. Greenwich Health and Wellbeing Strategy Area of Impact: Feel Well