Spring into Action – Helping our Clients Grow Through what you go Through

In April 2024 Integrated Plus launched Spring into Action, it’s social prescribing micro-grants programme. This was to enable a wider range of not-for-profit groups to develop projects and contribute to our vision of Dudley as a nurturing, caring, vibrant and strong community. Micro grants have enabled small groups to deliver a series of community projects whilst being supported by our Volunteer and Activities Coordinator, Group Development Team and Dudley Volunteer Centre.

Spring into Action has recently funded a series of traditional craft sessions at Riverside House in Stourbridge. Riverside House is an ambitious social regeneration project located at a derelict and neglected grade II listed 19th century iron masters house and grounds. The site has been repurposed into a Health and Wellbeing Centre which creates an oasis of peace and quiet near to the centre of Stourbridge. Riverside House delivers health and wellbeing through traditional crafts, the arts, ecology, heritage and food and nutrition.

The craft sessions have been delivered through a series of 8 week, 3 hour workshops guided by professional practitioners with experience in therapeutic craft or art. Each workshop was limited to four participants which created an intimate and supportive environment.

The objectives of the sessions were to improve well-being, confidence, self-esteem and physical health and increase social connections. Raising awareness of local heritage and the natural environment have also been key benefits for those attending the workshops.

The sessions have been incredibly popular with textiles, metal work, printing and stained glass sessions being offered so far. All sessions have been oversubscribed. So far 16 people have benefitted from participating in the craft sessions at Riverside house.

Positive feedback has been received from participants who enjoyed creating beautiful and bespoke items which they can take home with them.

“I thoroughly enjoyed last week; found it fascinating and a perfect distraction with some light conversation about our struggles with the group which has really helped. Feeling inspired on my craft. I will be attending this week and intend to attend every week”

Could your not for profit organisation develop projects that can support people in a nurturing, caring and vibrant way to build strong communities? If you have a group or an idea please contact Hayley Wright, Volunteer and Activities Coordinator at Integrated Plus for more information: hayley@dudleycvs.org.uk.