Norton Juxta Kempsey CE Primary School (NJK) has taken a transformative step in enhancing children’s wellbeing by launching a new OPAL Play programme—an initiative shaped directly by the voices of its pupils. OPAL, which stands for Outdoor Play and Learning, is a nationally recognised programme that helps schools embed high-quality play into the school day. … Continue reading “Investing in Play for Wellbeing”
Two vibrant new murals have transformed the Tolladine Road Youth Justice Centre in Worcester, thanks to a co-creation project led by artist Dermot Clarke, in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, West Mercia Youth Justice Service and Severn Arts. The initiative brought together over 50 young people, many of whom have had contact with the justice … Continue reading “Community Stories 2025 | Murals of hope at Youth Justice Centre”
Nordic Walking Initiative Boosts Health and Wellbeing in Kidderminster A new community-led Nordic walking project is helping older adults and vulnerable residents in Kidderminster improve mobility, reduce isolation, and enhance overall wellbeing. Thanks to a community wellbeing grant from Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health team, local charity Simply Limitless has turned a powerful idea into … Continue reading “Nordic Walking Transforms Community Wellbeing”
Worcestershire residents have been enjoying monthly nature connection and therapeutic writing sessions in an urban woodland in Worcester. In a partnership between The Bramblewood Project CIC, and The Word Association CIC, these sessions follow the cycle of the seasons at the Bramblewood site. In the morning sessions, led by forest education expert, Jon Cree, the … Continue reading “A year of woodland writing”
Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health team recently provided a small grant to enhance a community-led meet-up and chat group based in Worcester. With modest funding, the group was able to create promotional materials and host a local event to reach new members Originally formed with just five members, the group, known as Happy Time, has … Continue reading “Happy Time: Healthy minds!”
Reading Well is a national Books on Prescription programme developed by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries. It provides recommended reading, chosen by health professionals and people with lived experience, to help people understand and manage their health and wellbeing. Reading Well is endorsed by professional health bodies, including NHS England, Royal College … Continue reading “New reading well service has launched!”
Worcestershire’s ageing population is growing and so is the need to help older adults stay physically active, socially engaged and healthy. That’s where Healthy Worcestershire comes in. Our free community-based programme is making a real difference! Every week, hundreds of older residents take part in friendly, local sessions designed to boost physical health, reduce isolation, … Continue reading “Healthy Worcestershire: Staying active, connected and well”
Youth teams from Worcester Community Trust have delivered impactful sessions and events with young people at community centres in Worcester, diving into themes of masculinity, identity, and what it really means to have healthy relationships. This work couldn’t be timelier. With controversial influencers dominating social media feeds and shows like Adolescence putting gender dynamics under … Continue reading “Masculinity and healthy relationships training”
A new eco-friendly trim trail installed at Eckington First School is fostering wellbeing, friendships and community spirit for the children. Senior Mental Health Lead at Eckington First School, Louise Bishop, said: “Thanks to funding from a Public Health wellbeing grant, we installed an eco-friendly trim trail to promote daily physical activity, coordination, strength, and social … Continue reading “Supporting wellbeing through play”
A grassroots community initiative supporting men’s mental wellbeing across Worcestershire is making a powerful impact, thanks to a successful grant award that helped bring a bold vision to life. What began as a single idea in a village hall in Rock has grown into a thriving community organisation delivering sessions in 23 localities across the … Continue reading “Men’s mental health group turns vision into reality”
