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Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) has been successful in its bid to Essex County Council for Public Health Accelerator funding, receiving over £200,000.
The funding will be used for a 2-year project that focuses on the health and wellbeing of residents on the Oakwood Hill, Loughton and Limes Farm, Chigwell estates.
Health and Wellbeing Strategy
A dedicated community engagement officer for each location will work with a range of service providers to address health inequalities and improve the health and wellbeing of residents, in accordance with the Epping Forest District Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
Key priorities are to:
- Improve mental health and wellbeing
- Reduce loneliness and social isolation
- Increase physical activity
- Support residents in relation to the rising cost of living
- Tackle alcohol and substance misuse issues
View the Epping Forest District Health and Wellbeing Strategy
Community Hubs
Community Hubs have already been set up to support residents with a range of services. The aim is to develop the hubs further, so they continue to meet the needs of the community.
Limes Farm Community Centre
Mondays 10am to 1pm
Services available:
- Citizens Advice
- EFDC Revenues and Benefits
- Department for Work and Pensions
- Peabody
Oakwood Hill Community Centre
Thursdays 9:30am to 1pm
Services available:
- EFDC Housing
- Peabody
- Qualis Group Ltd
Community engagement
To begin the project, EFDC officers and partner organisations will be carrying out a door-knocking exercise on both estates to hear residents’ views on what is needed.
For those who live on the Limes Farm or Oakwood Hill estate, there is also the opportunity to take part in a survey which will ask questions about your health, wellbeing, lifestyle behaviours and quality of life. The survey is being conducted by the University of Essex.
University of Essex
EFDC will be working in partnership with the University of Essex to monitor and evaluate the impact of the project.
Meaningful and lasting improvements
An EFDC spokesperson said:
We are delighted to receive funding for this and excited for the project to start. This initiative will help reduce the health inequalities across the district and enhance the mental and physical health of our residents. The needs of the community will steer the direction of the project, creating more meaningful and lasting improvements.
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