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North London Forensic Collaborative grants programme for voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations, has awarded 17 grants so far to voluntary, grassroot and community group projects that help improve health and wellbeing, promote recovery, inclusion, and quality of life for people who use inpatient and community mental health forensic services. Grants are available to organisations operating in boroughs across north central London, north east London and north west London.

Enfield Vineyard is a vibrant church with a passion for the community.  In addition to church services, the local community benefit from a job club, debt services, hall hire and a gym - Enfield Vineyard Church.

Using their grant, Enfield Vineyard provided exclusive use of its community gym and equipment for people accessing forensic services, for up to two hours per week, over 12 months.

Participants of the grant project benefited from attending the gym sessions and having some exercise goals, to help improve their general health and wellbeing. Enfield Vineyard offered use of their café to participants to receive support from staff, have general wellbeing discussions and gain fitness tips, in a welcoming, relaxed environment.

One participant said: “After being on a mental health section for a long time, I am now mixing with positive people, I feel better, and it keeps me off the ward.”
 
Two of NLFC’s Community Connectors, who has lived experience of using forensic services visited Enfield Vineyard as part of our grants evaluation process and told us: “The project is 100% needed to help people integrate into the community. Two service users who attended the weekly session, have since joined the gym and attend regularly outside of the sessions. Service users told us they valued the gym sessions and would continue to benefit from future funding.”

Deborah from Enfield Vineyard told us that on average 7 or 8 people accessing services now join the weekly sessions and most stay for the 2 hours. It is encouraging that they see the importance of maintaining a regular fitness programme, which as we know is important for not only physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. 

To find out about our NLFC VCFSE grant programme or apply for a grant visit:
Working with VCFSEs | North London Mental Health Partnership

Contact: Sarah Avery, Marketing and Communications Lead, Email sarah.avery4@nhs.net
Visit: North London Forensic Collaborative | North London Mental Health Partnership