Weston-super-Mare's Blessings in Action CIC wants £5,000 for a year of wellbeing workshops, yoga and walks. By 14 November it had £45 from two supporters.
Blessings in Action CIC, a volunteer-led community organisation in Weston-super-Mare, has opened a Crowdfunder appeal for £5,000 to keep its wellbeing workshops, walks, yoga and children’s sessions free or affordable for the next 12 months.
When we checked the appeal page on 14 November, it had raised £45 from two supporters, with 72 days left to run.
The community interest company says money worries make it harder for people to reach support, wellbeing activities and welcoming spaces, and the appeal is meant to take cost out of the way. It says it has supported more than 430 people since it began.
“Cost is not a barrier”
Marta Gonczy-Grobarcik, its founding director, said:
“We believe everyone deserves to feel supported, included and valued, regardless of their circumstances. For people who are struggling financially, feeling isolated or facing challenges in their lives, having access to a welcoming space and the right support can make a real difference.
“To help make this possible, we have launched a crowdfunding appeal in order to raise £5,000. The money will help us continue to deliver wellbeing activities and inclusive community programmes over the next 12 months, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to accessing support.
“We know the people of Weston-super-Mare are incredibly generous and any donation, no matter how small, will be hugely appreciated and will help us continue making a difference to those who need it most.”
She added: “Since launching, we have supported more than 430 people, and we have seen first-hand the difference that providing a safe, welcoming space and opportunities to connect can make. Whether it is helping someone build confidence, discover a new skill or simply feel less alone, these moments can have a lasting impact.”
Where the £5,000 would go
According to Marta, the money would pay for:
- wellbeing workshops, relaxation sessions and psychological support
- more inclusive activities for neurodivergent children and young people
- creative arts and community workshops
- walking, hiking, yoga and family fitness
- running costs such as insurance and administration
“Ultimately, this funding will help us reach more vulnerable and isolated individuals who might otherwise miss out on these opportunities,” she said.
The appeal page asks for whatever people can manage, giving £5, £10 and £25 as examples, and asks those who cannot give to share it instead.
What the CIC has done so far
The appeal page lists its record to date:
- more than 430 people reached and supported
- 82 workshops delivered
- 34 community partnerships
- more than 1,700 volunteer hours
It says the work is run by a small team of volunteer directors and supporters, and that it works with neurodivergent children, vulnerable adults, families, refugees, people who have been homeless and people facing isolation.
Its projects include Calm Together, which offers therapeutic massage and psychology-led workshops; Hike for Hope and yoga sessions; and Little Blessings, its programme for neurodivergent children. It also runs Street View Arts, the Arts Council England funded project that brings people with lived experience of homelessness together with other residents, which we reported on when it launched.
The appeal page quotes people who have taken part. A Street View Arts participant said: “I can’t read or write much, and this is making such difference. I can’t wait to be able to show my family what I have achieved/created.” Their work is due to go on show at Weston Museum.
One person who comes to its sessions said: “I live on my own, it’s difficult. And it’s just such a welcoming place, feeling held and cared for.” A child at Little Blessings said: “It’s fun, I never want to leave.”
Why it started
The CIC grew out of Marta’s own experience of mental health difficulties, alongside living with a rare heart condition. The appeal page says that when she was struggling with stress and anxiety, affordable support was not there for her, and that she set up Blessings in Action so others would not go without help because they could not pay for it.
Earlier this autumn it was a finalist in two categories of the Female Business Awards.
How to give
Donations go through the Blessings in Action Crowdfunder page. More about the organisation is at blessingsinaction.org.
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