Last Thursday we welcomed over 50 people to a celebration event at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre for community groups and organisations working to support health and wellbeing within their communities.  After almost 18 months since the launch of the Well Together programme, we were so appreciative of the opportunity to meet in person as such a large group and enjoy spending time with familiar and new faces.  

Hearing from groups who have received Well Together funding, from those supported by Oxford City Council, and from local Councillors gave a glimpse into the wide and diverse range of activities and support on offer.  Empowering swimming lessons built on strong trusting relationships, the fun and friendly re-invigorated bowls club, accessible exercise classes for mums with young children, SEND support networks and activities, health and wellbeing workshops and talks – all contribute to the richness of community life and connections within neighbourhoods.  The energy and enthusiasm for providing sessions, activities, and events was strong – as was the commitment to continue the work that has been built up within and beyond the programme.  It was clear that there is a fantastic range of skills and expertise available on the estate. 

Dolcie, one of Well Together’s Community Capacity Builders supporting groups across Oxford, kicked off the event highlighting how she has seen the development of groups and individuals blossoming.  The grant process gave groups the confidence and encouragement to apply, breaking down barriers of gatekeeping.  The commitment to being as open as possible and being inclusive in all aspects is crucial. 

Dolcie was joined by Hassan of Oxford Community Action (OCA) who have been an anchor organisation and host to smaller groups (some might be described as “hard to reach”, we strongly believe that it is more about “how to reach”). We have been welcomed into sessions and groups, and have been so happy to hear updates as activities have got going. 

“The event was an excellent show of the wonderful work by individuals and organisation in Oxford, especially Blackbird Leys.  The number of skills available on the estate is fantastic.  The possibilities for future work open up endless possibilities.” 

The event included presentations on funding from Oxford City Council’s grants officer and from Clare at OCVA covering the wider support available.  Gerti, one of the Community Health Development Officers working in the Leys, led a short workshop looking at partnership working and an invitation to shaping a Leys community network. 

We were so pleased that so many people took the time to join the event – and were so warm, open and sharing.  Although the event was set up so that people could join and leave freely, we were happy to see so many people staying throughout and until the end, showing again the level of commitment  

Thanks to the wider Well Together team and to Hollie, Gerti and Amber at Oxford City Council for their support for this partnership event. 

This event is the third of get-togethers for groups supported by Well Together and the Community Insight Profile grants.  We have held meet-ups, all with a slightly different format informed by local needs, in Abingdon and Littlemore – and look forward to more. 

 

Well Together is being delivered in partnership by OCVA and Community First Oxfordshire and has been funded by the NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (NHS BOB ICB).