This Healthy Heart Grant project has now finished, read on for the project highlights.

The Problem

This project was developed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Innovate Trust had noticed individuals with learning disabilities had been hit particularly hard with many having to shield due to their vulnerability. A lot of people struggled with reduced daily activities and lack of routine, and this resulted in many becoming increasingly unfit and struggling to resume their fitness habits. This inspired Innovate Trust to take action and develop a programme of activities to support their community.

The Project

The project ‘Move It’ aimed to build the beneficiaries’ physical and mental wellbeing through both online and in-person activities. This enabled the programme to reach a wide range of people, including those who couldn’t attend in person due to medical reasons, lack of confidence or transport. The project particularly encouraged those individuals at risk of loneliness or isolation to join. Activities included kayaking, golfing, fishing, wellbeing walks, accessible bowling, sailing and yoga, nutrition and lifestyle educational workshops, live online cook-alongs and even an alpaca trek!

Project Highlights:

A total of 161 beneficiaries engaged in the project which far exceeded the initial target of reaching 100 individuals. Beneficiaries have learnt about the risk factors for heart diseases, developed new cooking skills they can utilise for years to come and had the opportunity to participate in new activities – some of which have been so popular that Innovate Trust will be continuing running them and training some of the beneficiaries to become volunteers. Additionally, the project has enabled new friendships to develop with individuals meeting up outside of the scheduled activities to go for walks; two beneficiaries have even got engaged since meeting on the project!