We’re thrilled to share the remarkable achievements of our Active Advantage project, generously funded by Believe Housing. This 12-month initiative has been an inspiring journey that has not only transformed the lives of many across East Durham but also showcased the true power of dance, wellbeing support, and community engagement.
What the Active Advantage Project Did
The Active Advantage project was designed with a clear focus: to promote physical and mental wellbeing in the East Durham community. Our aim was to provide accessible and engaging opportunities for local residents to improve their health, boost confidence, and develop new skills through dance and wellbeing activities. Here’s what the project offered:
- Dance and Wellbeing Support: We provided a series of dance classes and wellbeing sessions that focused on both physical fitness and emotional wellbeing. These sessions were open to all ages and abilities, encouraging participation from people who may not typically engage in traditional forms of exercise. The classes created a fun, supportive environment where individuals could improve their fitness, relieve stress, and connect with others in their community.
- Training and Volunteering Opportunities: In addition to the physical activities, the project offered training in wellbeing practices, including mindfulness and stress management, which participants could apply to their daily lives. We also provided volunteering opportunities for participants to get involved in the running of the sessions, gaining valuable skills that could enhance their personal and professional lives.
- Community Building: A key part of the project was fostering a sense of community. By bringing people together through shared activities, we created a supportive network that helped combat isolation and provided participants with a sense of belonging. The project encouraged collaboration and allowed individuals to grow not just physically, but also emotionally and socially.
Empowering Participants Through Dance and Wellbeing
The Active Advantage project aimed to provide dance and wellbeing support while also offering vital training and volunteering opportunities to those in the community. Over the course of the project, we’ve witnessed something truly special. The transformation in our participants has been nothing short of incredible.
Week on week, it has been a joy to see the growth in confidence and self-belief of the individuals involved. Many of our participants started the programme uncertain of their potential, but as they continued, we saw their confidence soar. The physical and mental benefits of engaging in dance and wellbeing activities are undeniable, and we are so proud to have facilitated such a positive change in their lives.
Exceeding Expectations: A Social Return On Investment (SROI) Like No Other
When we embarked on this project, we set a target net social return of £150,738, which we expected the programme to achieve. However, thanks to the dedication of our team and the incredible efforts of all involved, we have far exceeded that target, reaching a net social return of £2,038,385! 🎉
This achievement translates to a Social Return On Investment (SROI) of £206.07 for every pound spent! This is a fantastic result, and it reinforces the incredible impact that projects like Active Advantage can have on the local community. For every pound invested in this project, the social value generated has been over 200 times greater — a testament to the importance of supporting wellbeing and community-driven initiatives.
Nuvo Wellbeing: A Leading Partner in Social Impact
At Nuvo Wellbeing, we are committed to creating meaningful, positive change, and the results of Active Advantage are a true reflection of this commitment. This project not only highlights our passion for social impact but also reinforces Nuvo Wellbeing’s role as a leading partner for housing associations and funders in the region. We are proud to collaborate with organizations like Believe Housing, whose belief in our vision and the impact of this project made all the difference.
Our success with Active Advantage is a perfect example of how partnerships between social enterprises and funders can create lasting value for communities. By working together, we can deliver initiatives that not only improve the wellbeing of individuals but also drive social and economic value for the wider community.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the success of the Active Advantage project, we want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this possible. To Believe Housing for their continued support and belief in our mission, to our amazing participants for their dedication and hard work, and to the Nuvo Wellbeing team for their passion and commitment to delivering these life-changing programmes.
The results speak for themselves, and we are excited to continue building on this momentum. We remain dedicated to supporting our local communities and look forward to expanding our impact in the future.
Here’s to many more successful partnerships and transformative projects! 🌟💙💪
