A CHELMSLEY Wood wellbeing programme is set to extend its helping hand to residents in the town.
Push On Wellbeing (POW), which uses physical dance fitness, meditation and talks from members of the community will be getting £900 to bring mental health help to residents.
It is is one of 40 charities from across the West Midlands which will be handed funds from the £157,000 Community Initiatives Fund pot.
The funding comes from items seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act and has been set aside to boost community groups helping the most vulnerable.
The money cannot be spent on recruiting officers.
POW will be introducing three POWPals who will be dedicated to helping residents on three streets in Chelmsley Wood will their wellbeing needs.
Teresa Farrell, chief executive of POW, said: “POWPals will be dedicated to a particular street and will reach out to residents to get them the help they need.
“They will work alongside the community police officers in the area, who we have close links with, to give residents a chance to speak out and get the support they need.
“People will be able to speak to the POWPal away from the officer and they POWPal will pass on the information if needed or signpost to other services to get the exact help needed.”
Throughout the pandemic Teresa has been continuing with the 10-week POW programme online and she has been able to hold some session at Lily’s Tea Parlour in Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre under strict guidelines.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Waheed Saleem, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to fund over 40 organisations in this Tranche and plough £157,000, seized from criminals, back into the community.
“The volume of applications for such a wide range of different community projects has shown the best in humanity, and how our communities have pulled together to support one another in such difficult times.
“Although the vaccine rollout has given us hope for the future, many people in our communities are struggling with the impact of the pandemic which is why I am so pleased that we are continuing to fund projects through the Community Initiatives Fund.”
