Spring into Action – what is it and how you can apply…

The Spring into Action fund helps to broaden the Integrated Plus social prescribing offer by providing an opportunity for local not-for-profit organisations to apply for micro-grants. This helps the service to fund sessions based on the needs of people accessing support, build partnerships with local organisations, and promote community resilience. Applications are reviewed by the team in relation to community resources already available and the needs of clients accessing support. 

Spring into Action enables local Community Interest Companies, organisations, and groups the chance to facilitate sessions that promote wellbeing. This helps Integrated Plus support the community and voluntary sector and development of not-for-profit organisations. It also supports Dudley CVS’s vision of ensuring Dudley is a nurturing, caring, vibrant and strong community.

Since its inception in April 2024 Spring into Action has received 53 applications and funded a wide variety of support for clients to access. Local community interest organisations who have benefitted from this fund include Riverside House, Ekho Collective, Brockswood Animal Sanctuary, Creative Minds CIC, Challenge Academy, Wild Earth Movement CIC, Bedazzled, Crafty Springs, and The Art Yard. It has been utilised to provide the opportunity for clients to access support from skilled professionals, develop their own skills, engage in small groups with peers, and access the community in safe spaces.

The micro grants awarded have enabled organisations to deliver sessions and projects in the local community. This is supported by our Volunteer and Activities Coordinator, wider Dudley CVS Group Development Team, and Dudley Volunteer Centre. Sessions have included art and crafts, woodwork, blacksmithing, copper craft, creative writing, crocheting, weaving, and other art-based crafting. Other art-based sessions have focused on mindfulness and the therapeutic nature of being creative. Spring into Action has also funded animal care sessions, adult forest school sessions, cooking courses, and other wellbeing focused support.

As part of the service offer a social prescribing fund allows Integrated Plus to commission local organisations to deliver sessions for clients referred to the service. Spring into Action has given new community interest organisations a chance to develop their offer by bidding for micro grants. Sessions are focused on improving the health and well-being of clients by helping them to engage with professionals and peers, developing new hobbies and interests, and learning new skills.   

If you are a local not-for-profit organisation who would like to develop a project to support people in the local community using your skills, or would like to discuss an idea, please contact Hayley Wright, Volunteer and Activities Coordinator at Integrated Plus for more information: hayley@dudleycvs.org.uk.