Merton’s Ethnic Minority Centre has received £8,000 funding support to set up the Healthier Lives 4 U project.
The project, which received its funds from Sutton and Merton CCG’s Charitable Funds, will encourage the ethnic community to partake in an active and healthy lifestyle.
Formed in 1988, the centre, based in Vestry Hall, is a voluntary service providing health and wellbeing support.
Merton Ethnic Minority Centre project officer, Sabitri Ray, said: “It is a really important project, doing this promotes mental health and wellbeing.
“There will be sessions, which include health talks and chances to promote life skills. The project will have the power to educate them and empower them.
“We have sessions run by health providers, encouraging the community about health and wellbeing.”
The project started on February 26 and finishes on August 12 2016.
The Healthier Lives 4 U project will take place at Mitcham Library and South Mitcham Community Centre.
Healthier Lives 4 U will hold free meetings from 10:30am-12:30pm every other Friday.
There will be a one-hour talk on different health topics by health providers, including Stroke Association, MACS Project and Alzheimer’s Society.
This is followed by one-hour exercise sessions, including zumba and yoga classes for the community to get involved in.
Another 12 sessions will be held at South Mitcham Community Centre starting on Friday August 26 from 11:30am-1:30pm.
The centre celebrated this funding with a launch party on February 22, where the Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung, opened the project and Healthwatch members spoke about health.
The centre also holds a ‘Feeling Good Club for young mums’ meeting which includes a one-hour talk from a Healthwatch speaker to encourage people to stop smoking and improve dental hygiene.
Image courtesy of Sabitri Ray, with thanks
