Dover District Council is to become a partner in an EU funded scheme which will help tackle health and employment inequalities across the district.
The ASPIRE project is worth £1.2 million over three years to the district with the council receiving £146,000 for its involvement from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The rest will be used to fund health, wellbeing and skills programmes organised by health centre operator Your Leisure working closely with Bechange Community Hub, based in Aylesham, which has an impressive track record of delivering projects across the district.
Councillors agreed to the move during a cabinet committee meeting on Monday after considering a report which outlined the benefits of the scheme to the district.
ASPIRE supports those who are unemployed to reach a healthy weight and gain jobs in areas with high levels of unemployment and obesity. DDC will allocate an officer for three years working with communities and individuals alongside Your Leisure, Bechange Community Hub, NHS One You and Wellbeing People.
Bechange will be one of three ASPIRE hubs in southern England and become a focal point for delivering the programme in east Kent which will encourage people to grow their own food, eat healthily, lose weight and learn new skills along the way. It has extensive experience of running courses, has a trade kitchen, an allotment garden and has worked with disadvantaged groups across the district for many years.
Bechange manager Angela Doggett said: “Many people think healthy eating is unachievable on a budget, so the project will give participants skills and knowledge to grow and prepare fresh food to show this is possible.
“There will be opportunities to learn new skills and qualifications along the way – horticulture, bee-keeping, food preparation, food hygiene and woodworking among them.
“ASPIRE will also boost people’s mental health and raise self-esteem so will make a real difference to those taking part, setting them on the road to a healthier lifestyle and employment.”
Cllr MJ Holloway, Dover District Council portfolio holder for community services, said: “ASPIRE promises to be an innovative scheme which will help many people across our district lead healthier lifestyles, learn new skills and find a way back into employment.
“As the nation moves away from Covid-19 lockdown, the council’s decision to pick up the baton with this project could not have been better timed.”
Posted on 08 July 2020