This fund was aimed at organisations delivering projects which tackle the root causes of mental ill-health and provide opportunities for significant, long-term, positive mental health improvements. We were able to make ten grants of up to £3,000, which will be targeted at small, grassroots groups with an annual turnover under £50,000.
Amount Available: £30,000
Number of groups invited to apply: 13
Number of grants made: 10
Decision-making process:
- Shortlisting of eligible organisations from database
- Randomised list for invitation
- Internal assessment
Case Study
Wheels of Ananda CIC, established in 2023, are a North Devon–based CIC facilitating mindful movement and wellbeing activities, with a particular focus on supporting vulnerable and marginalised groups. Following a successful pilot project offering wellbeing sessions to female survivors of abuse, funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Devon Community Foundation is delighted to support Wheels of Ananda with a £3,000 grant from the Randal Foundation. The Randal Foundation’s objective is to improve lives and help create a brighter tomorrow, and this funding will enable more women to access compassionate, trauma-informed support as they move towards healing and recovery.
Wheels of Ananda provides gentle, inclusive wellbeing sessions designed to help women survivors feel safe, supported and reconnected with their bodies. For many women, these sessions offer a rare opportunity to pause, breathe and begin healing in a supportive environment alongside others with shared experiences.
One service user, shared the impact the sessions have had on her wellbeing, saying she has seen “many small changes – I definitely smile a lot more and I feel way happier… I feel more self-kindness and safe in myself… it’s given me the confidence to know I can heal.”
Speaking on what this funding means to them, founder Naomi Chunilal said: ‘We are delighted to receive Randal Foundation funding through Devon Community Foundation. As a small, grassroots CIC, this support has enabled us to continue and build on our successful pilot delivering trauma-informed mindful wellbeing programmes for women survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. This funding support helps women to heal, recognise repeating abusive cycles, and feel empowered to take positive steps forward to fulfil life potential.’ If you want to make a positive difference in Devon, DCF can work with you to make sure your money reaches the communities where it will have the most impact. We are always happy to have a chat about the different ways to give. You can get in touch via info@devoncf.com or on 01884 235 887
