food
The National Lottery Good Causes Awards - The Feel Good Factory: Bryncynon Healthy Living Centre, Wales is one of 10 Lottery-funded projects in the Best Health Project category of this year's National Lottery Awards, in association with FemaleFirst.co.uk
It's really improving mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as physical health
A community survey in Bryncynon in 1999 identified alarming levels of mental illness and depression in young people, a higher than usual premature death rate, and overall health levels 10 times below the national average. Social isolation was also a problem, due to poor public transport and the lack of a community centre. Determined to take positive action, residents joined forces to transform a run-down church into The Feel Good Factory: Bryncynon Healthy Living Centre.
The church, an iconic but neglected building, was "totally falling apart", says Michelle Lenton-Johnson, chief executive of Bryncynon Community Revival Strategy, the organisation that runs the project. Lottery funding paid for the extensive renovation work. This included creating an extra floor level and an extension, which now houses a popular community café. A second grant was used to re-landscape the old church grounds into a garden for everyone to enjoy.
Inside the building, much of the space has been left open, so it can be used for a wide range of social and health-related events. These include yoga classes, line-dancing, bingo, community fun days, parent and toddler classes, and seasonal fairs.
There are also consultation rooms, where residents can book appointments to see a nurse or other health specialists. Throughout the day, the doors are open for people to come and seek advice, get information about other services, or just stop for a cup of tea and a chat. "It’s really improving mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as physical health," says Michelle.
One young single mother with four children under the age of six first came to the centre lacking self-confidence and feeling socially isolated. She was experiencing financial difficulties and had few qualifications. After becoming involved in activities at the centre, which organised on-site childcare, she became a keen volunteer in community projects and went on to complete a college course. She is now employed and still volunteers regularly at the centre.
To vote visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk or phone 0844 686 6507