Seven projects aimed at reducing health inequalities in communities across Scotland have been selected as part of the QNIS Catalysts for Change Programme.
The groups met for the first time this week in Edinburgh where workshop was held for all those involved to discuss their plans.
Moving into the third year of running the programme, QNIS will support seven community nurses to run short, innovative development pieces of work in collaboration with other agencies, focused on addressing inequalities.
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for nurse-led projects which will be small scale and may involve scoping a need or piloting a new way of working.
Those selected include a group who will run nature walks to improve wellbeing, a scheme to raise awareness of breastfeeding in an area where rates are low and an inner-city partnership that will find and refurbish premises to set up a men’s shed – a meeting place for men to share and learn new skills.
Teams will be supported through the programme with workshops and the development of a network of action-orientated practitioners.
Clare Cable, Chief Executive and Nurse Director of QNIS, said: “We have selected a wonderfully diverse group of projects to take part in the programme for 2017, who will work alongside a wide range of third sector organisations and other people.
“They all have at their core an aspiration to change and improve the health and wellbeing of the people their services reach, and these exceptionally motivated groups are committed to making a real difference.
“We are excited to watch where the journey will take these projects and we are ready to support them as they become real catalysts in their own communities.”
A total of £32,500 is being given to the projects which operate in communities across Scotland including the Parkhead and Govan areas of Glasgow, Falkirk, Ayrshire, the Scottish Borders and Edinburgh.
Previous projects funded by QNIS under Catalysts for Change have been successful, and expanded on a wider level.
Projects must be led by a nurse who works in the community and involve a range of others from across agencies and sectors with the skills needed to make a difference.
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