Hope Beyond launched in July 2020 and has been supporting projects focused on tackling loneliness and isolation, improving mental health and wellbeing, and building digital resilience.

 

With the latest round of grants taking the total awarded above £3.8 million, the Hope Beyond programme will close on Monday, February 15 at 12 noon in order for the trustees to reflect on the learning and consider the next phase of Benefact Trust Coronavirus response.

 

In the meantime, here are some of the recent life-changing projects to benefit, with a focus on supporting some of the oldest and youngest members of the community…

 

A £5,500 Hope Beyond grant will support Cannon Street Memorial Baptist to support the older members of its community, who are feeling increasingly isolated as a result of the pandemic. Coronavirus has had a devastating effect on the lives of the older people the church supports, in an area which already has its challenges. Funding will help the church to engage with them in a more cohesive way, through regular telephone calls, IT communication training, and a weekly delivery of a ‘Self Care Box’ containing activities, CDs, DVDs, food and equipment to help keep them safe.

 

The Church Army’s (CA) Amber Project provides young people with access to counselling and emotional support in a safe, welcoming environment. Throughout the pandemic, CA has responded to the increased need for wellbeing support by phone and through online platforms - piloting several virtual group activities. Sadly, the pandemic has seen many more young people referred to the project with extreme mental health issues, and so the project recognises it needs to grow. A £7,500 grant will support the recruitment of a specialist support worker with experience of working with vulnerable young people, new digital software, and training in the use of digital technologies.