READING Borough Council has awarded grants totalling more than £120,000 to organisations in support of adult social care services.
Ten organisations have been selected to receive a portion of the funding from the Better Care Fund, which seeks to support efforts to improve the wellbeing of adults in the town.
Parents and Children Together, Alana House, is set to expand its pilot project with the Royal Berkshire Hospital to provide in-person support for people experiencing domestic abuse.
Coffee and Craft is also among the recipients of the funding to support their baking sessions which also provide mental health and suicide prevention sessions.
Reading Gateway Church has received funding for its parish nurse, who will help combat loneliness and provide health advice as well as services signposting for additional assistance.
Mencap’s family health advisor has been given funding to help their information and advice services as well as their practical support and casework.
Funding has also gone to Get Berkshire Active, ACRE’s community wellbeing hub partnership, RVA’s training of wellbeing practitioners, Daybreak Family Group Conferences, Together for Mental Health, and Mustard Tree.
Councillor Paul Gittings, lead member for Adult Social Care, said: “Many residents will benefit from this funding as we want to get targeted support and assistance to residents at the right time.
“This could be when individuals are at hospital due to a serious situation and a trained person is there to advise and help access services; or help residents manage their physical health through cooking classes; or gain skills like sewing and gardening.”
He continued: “There is also help for people who are lonely and need support with their mental health.
“All these projects and initiatives get to the heart of the resident’s requirements so their health and wellbeing is as good as it can be for as long as possible.
“It is also really fantastic that there are so many organisations whose roles and aims are to support our residents.”
Sarah Webster, Integrated Care Board director for Berkshire West, said: “We know these projects will make a difference to people’s wellbeing and support them to stay healthy.
“The groups which have received grants work closely with our communities to offer services meeting local needs.
“It is positive we have been able to support them in this way.”
