ONE OF Wokingham’s oldest charitable organisations, Wokingham United Charities (WUC) , has revealed the winners of its latest round of Thrive awards.
Its Thrive Grant is one of a number of WUC awards, each of which support charities and individuals in different ways.
This particular pot was set up to support project-based initiatives that improve the wellbeing and lives of individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, and is awarded to organisations that have not recently already been funded by the grant committee.
Registered charities, schools, and local community groups were all invited to apply for support for their specific project that could demonstrate good financial management and sound governance, and which could be delivered in the next 12 months.
Wokingham United Charities was delighted with the response, and were especially pleased that the grant winners they selected put forward a wide range of projects to support people across wide age ranges, and with different needs.
This year, WUC has chosen to support:
Building for the Future’s request for a floor projector
Freely Fruity’s two community gardens project
Wade Day Centre’s Wellbeing Project and
Kaleidoscopic UK’s Wellbeing Weekend.
This week Wokingham.Today focuses on Kaleidoscopic UK, a charity that supports children and adult survivors of domestic abuse.
A Wellbeing Weekend held by the organisation enabled more than 100 people to spend time together enjoying the outdoors and taking part in activities designed to promote healing and wholeness.
The aim of the project was to reduce isolation and to create happy and positive memories through activities for all ages, with specialist domestic abuse advocates on hand for emotional support.
Many families escaping domestic abuse face financial hardship, and cannot afford a holiday, says Kaleidoscopic UK’s CEO and founder Vickie Robertson.
But thanks to the Thrive Grant, she explains that the charity was able to provide comfortable accommodation, all meals, and an array of activities including a climbing wall, archery, mini golf, crate stacking, nature walks, stained glass painting, creative writing, art and craft sessions, as well as holistic therapies, exercise classes and fun family activities.
She said: “Our first ever Wellness Weekend was a huge success full of fun and freedom with a focus on nature and nurture and giving our families an opportunity to make memories to last a lifetime.
“Wokingham United Charities funded glamping tents, and some of the activities for the 121 attendees who took part – all from families we are honoured to support.”
The tents provided safety and comfort as the group enjoyed being in nature all together and under the stars (many for the first time).
“It was a glamping experience that went above and beyond,” Vickie said, “and the activities were thoroughly enjoyed by all, with many of the group learning and developing new skills as they enjoyed four days of embracing community.
“We’re especially delighted that one family told us it was the best holiday ever.
“And we are so grateful to Wokingham United Charities for giving us the opportunity to serve our clients in this way.”
For information, visit: wokinghamunitedcharities.org.uk and kaleidoscopic.uk
