Purpose

Authorisation to Release Funds from the
Communities Spark Fund – May 2024.

Decision

That the following Spark fund grant award totalling
£500 is approved
Vision Norfolk
- Would like to run a monthly bowling
activity for people with vision impairment at Strikes in Dereham.
The purpose is to bring people with vision impairment together, not
only to be active, but also to provide an opportunity to be with
like-minded people who have similar experiences, whereby they can
develop friendships and create peer support networks.

The community
outreach worker will coordinate and run the activity, ensuring that
it is published through our many
contacts and social media. The participants will be those with a
vision impairment, who are struggling to get out, to engage with
people and activities. The plan is to organise regular monthly
sessions for a period of 6 months. The session will include at
least one lane of bowling for 6 people.
Refreshments will be provided, alongside
support towards transport for those that need it.

Budget
Breakdown:
Bowling Tickets £288

Refreshments £90

Transport £
122
 
In Breckland, there
are over 6000 residents that are living
with sight loss, the majority of these are people that are 65 years
and older, with macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic eye
disease or cataracts. We know through many research projects and our own experience that
losing your sight has a significant impact on both the
individuals’ life, but also on their wider family. It can
lead to a loss of independence, social isolation and increased
anxiety and depression, affecting overall health and well-being.
The community outreach worker that is based in part of Breckland,
has met with people on an individual basis, and
also, discussed this proposal at our activities, including
the Audio Book Club held in Dereham Library. The overwhelming
response was positive, with participants keen to get
involved.

Many people with vision impairment
have limited funding due to their disability, with most claiming
PIP or other benefits. Due to their loss of sight, people
have to rely mostly on public/community
transport plus the activity become a barrier to engagement. We,
therefore, try to encourage their engagement through supporting
their access, by making it free of charge, providing a welcoming
atmosphere with some refreshments.
Additionally, those with sight loss will require guides to support
them through the activity (outreach worker and
volunteers).

Reasons for the decision

This scheme is proposing to
trial new community activity which improves community health and
wellbeing and aligns to the Inspiring Communities Corporate Plan
priorities. These trials will enable organisations to measure
success and determine longer-term sustainability for their
projects, which aren’t currently available in the local area
or easily accessible in a nearby Ward.

Alternative options considered

A)  
To agree the release
of funds

B)  
To not agree the
release of funds