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

The Problem

Cambuslang and Rutherglen are home to some of the most deprived communities in Scotland. Many of these areas are disproportionately affected by poverty, unemployment, high numbers of single parent families, poor educational attainment, poor housing and significant health inequalities. Residents are isolated, stressed and experiencing a range of mental and physical health challenges exacerbated by poverty, all of which can also affect the heart. Heart and circulatory diseases kill more than one in four in South Lanarkshire and in 2020, ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of death for men in the region.

The Project

Healthy n Happy’s project aimed to improve the health of the residents and give them the tools to live a healthy, fulfilling life, with a focus on helping those in the most challenging circumstances. The project has offered a comprehensive, creative, innovative and enjoyable programme in order to enjoy nature and take a collective approach to improving the health and wellbeing of local people. It included outdoor activities, both physical and educational, such as walking, cycling, fitness classes and food growing, healthy eating education and mental health support. This project supported beneficiaries to become more physically active and develop healthier eating habits that are sustainable.

Project Highlights:

The CamGlen Green Health project has helped people build connections and relationships with nature and each other. It has facilitated greater engagement with the local green spaces across Cambuslang and Rutherglen. Beneficiaries continue to feedback that their physical and mental health and wellbeing has increased by participating in the projects outdoor activities and by learning new skills. This project has successfully built confidence, enhanced skills and knowledge, broken down isolation and loneliness barriers and enhanced overall mental health and wellbeing.