James Dickson and Phil Miles outside one of Clarion Futures' wellbeing spaces
Rothesay Foundation – the charitable foundation of Rothesay – has made a £1m donation to Clarion Futures to help it extend its wellbeing spaces programme for a further two years.
Clarion Futures – the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group – said its wellbeing programme sees community centres and partner-run hubs across Clarion neighbourhoods offer free, welcoming places for people of all ages, particularly older generations, to spend time and take part in activities. These spaces also provide practical help with issues such as benefits entitlement, energy use and digital skills.
The Rothesay donation will support a minimum of 55 wellbeing spaces nationwide for the next two years.
The move is the latest donation made by the Rothesay Foundation to support Clarion Futures' wellbeing programme and follows donations of £315,000 in 2024 and £525,000 last year, which helped support over 50 wellbeing spaces across England.
Clarion Futures director Phil Miles said: "We often hear from residents who are worried about feeling isolated, staying warm or managing rising bills, especially as the cost of living crisis continues to affect people across our communities. Our wellbeing spaces are designed to provide practical support, but also connection – places where people can meet others, build confidence and take part in activities that improve wellbeing.
"Collaboration is at the heart of this programme which is all about investing in the places and relationships that help people thrive, and we couldn't do it without our longstanding partners at the Rothesay Foundation. Many organisations are already doing fantastic work in their neighbourhoods, and these spaces build on that, bringing people together and offering additional support at a time when communities need it most."
Rothesay Foundation chair of trustees James Dickson added: "The Rothesay Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for older people in the UK, so we are pleased to renew our partnership with Clarion Futures and extend our funding of these vital wellbeing spaces for a further two years. This multi-year commitment will make a real difference for those experiencing isolation and financial hardship by creating more spaces to bring communities together, foster greater wellbeing and help older people to live in a happy, safe and fulfilling way."
One of the wellbeing spaces supported by Clarion Futures and the Rothesay Foundation is run by Sporting Inspirations CIC at the Stoneyhall Community Centre in Stevenage.
Open each Thursday from 9:30am until 12:30pm, it provides a welcoming place for local people to come together and enjoy food and drinks, as well as activities including bingo, games and light exercise sessions to boost physical and mental wellbeing.
Sporting Inspirations CIC chief executive John Manitara said: "Thanks to the support we've received from Clarion Futures and the Rothesay Foundation, our wellbeing space has become a vital part of the community and a thriving hub.
"It's a place where people feel comfortable and safe, with a variety of activities on offer such as chair exercises, bingo and quizzes. The key part is the social element, with the sessions providing the chance to mix with other people and reduce isolation whilst enjoying a cup of tea, cakes and sandwiches. Ultimately, our wellbeing space has made a huge positive difference in everyone's lives, and for many it's become the main thing they look forward to each week."
To find out more about wellbeing spaces supported by Clarion Futures and the Rothesay Foundation visit www.myclarionhousing.com/wellbeing-spaces.
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