£1,000 Actively Merton grants up for grabs

Actively Merton is a new programme which aims to get people moving in a way that suits them, reaping the physical and social benefits of being more active.

With more than 100 parks and gardens, Merton is already a borough with a focus on fun, physical activity – think amazing initiatives like the Walk and Talk Movement that has been bringing residents together for nearly two years.

The recent Beat the Street interactive game also saw all ages rise to the challenge of walking, cycling and scooting, covering the distance from Merton to the moon. Plus, Merton has just been declared a borough of sport with initiatives ranging from free swimming for children to new and upgraded facilities.

Actively Merton will build on all of this, encouraging walking and cycling and linking people to activities they might not know exist. As part of the programme, NHS South West London and Merton Council are calling on voluntary and community groups to get involved by helping us understand the views of local people.

In particular we want to know about the barriers to being physically and socially active; how we might make the programme truly accessible and what initiatives would really get the borough moving.

While Actively Merton is open to all, we are especially interested in hearing from organisations that work with women and girls, older people and those with disabilities. We will use the insight gathered to inform our plans, so Actively Merton can meet the needs of local people.

This is a great opportunity for local groups to secure funding for events that get Merton people talking – while bringing them out and about to connect with others at the same time.”

We have grants of up to £1,000 available during July, August and September to help groups run sessions where they talk to people and hear their views and stories. These could be focus groups or face-to-face and phone interviews. Alternatively, you could use a coffee morning, lunch or guided walk as a way to encourage people to give share their thoughts.

Says Mark Creelman, NHS South West London Place Executive – Merton and Wandsworth: “This is a great opportunity for local groups to secure funding for events that get Merton people talking – while bringing them out and about to connect with others at the same time. We are keen for groups to explore how they can gather insights and provide opportunities for their local communities to connect socially and become more physically active.”

Just as an example, you might run:

• A six-week summer programme of walks in the park for older people with a refreshments break in a café, while you find out what would help them become more physically and socially active.
• A brunch for women and girls, with the chance to share their feelings on making activity more accessible.
• A lunch club with workshops for people with disabilities in a local community space.

Successful bidders will be asked to use our templates to collate insights from their group. We will also ask you to complete an evaluation form at the end of each session to help us understand who has been reached through your activities.

In addition, we welcome innovative ways of collecting insights such as via voice notes, video clips or recorded Q&A session sessions. We can also support you to film or record your sessions.

Interested organisations should submit their proposals by noon on Monday 19 July 2023. Please tell us what activities you plan to carry out and how you will reach out to Merton residents, particularly women and girls, older people and people with disabilities.