Update on 2022 Lyle’s Local Fund projects

Our Lyle’s Local Fund invests £25,000 each year in small local social enterprises, schools, charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations who are working to make Newham a healthier, safer and more prosperous place to live and work. In 2022, we awarded grants to 10 organisations: all special projects and people working hard to make our borough a better place to live and work.

Here we provide an update on three of the 2022 projects:

1. Newham New Deal Partnership – Good neighbours: Digital skills for Health & Wellbeing

Newham New Deal Partnership received a grant for their ‘Good Neighbours: Digital skills for health and wellbeing’ project to improve access to digital health and wellbeing services.

As a result of the Covid19 pandemic, many health services and means of accessing health services have moved online, which can be challenging for individuals who are not confident with technology. The project, which ran for 8 weeks, helped older people, those with disabilities or long-term health conditions, and older carers who may have a smartphone or tablet but lack the confidence to use them, gain digital skills to be able to access health and wellbeing services more easily.

“I am no longer scared of my mobile. Before I attended this programme the only thing I could do was make and receive calls. I can do so many things now.”

Participants have reported increased confidence and ability to do more things online, as well as feeling empowered to take control of their health and wellbeing. Content included online safety, downloading attachments and apps/programs, making online appointments (including GP), and joining WhatsApp/Zoom calls.

2. Education Links – Let’s build a safe space for mentoring

Education Links received a grant to build a secure space for young people who have been or are at risk of exclusion from school.

Education Links is a specialist education provider, working with young people at risk of exclusion or those with SEND. Their “Let’s Build a Safe Space for Mentoring” project built a designated area for mentoring sessions away from the classroom. By providing a safe haven, pupils can learn to manage their emotions and reintegrate into the classroom with fewer disruptions.

The project was particularly special because the young people were involved in physically constructing the safe space themselves.

They insulated a shipping container (which was provided in-kind) and even installed a glass door to let in some natural light. This experience helped them to gain confidence in carrying out similar projects at home and it might even encourage some of them to explore careers in construction or design, leading to healthier and more prosperous lives in the future.

3. Dot Dot Fire – Money Wise Teacher Workshops

Dot Dot Fire was awarded a grant for their Money Wise CPD Teacher Workshops in Newham schools, in which teachers are trained to become confident supporting digital learning and financial literacy curriculum.

Teachers deliver Money Wise Lessons, a ten-week life skills and money management curriculum specifically designed for students in Year 5 to Year 9, using innovative and fun educational video games. The ultimate goal of this project is to help lift future generations out of generational poverty in Newham by empowering teachers with the skills and knowledge needed to teach financial literacy and learning effectively using digital games as a teaching resource.

“As a leader I have learnt a lot … especially about looking at unit prices and not impulse buying so I know it will be amazing for others at school!” – Teacher from Calverton Primary School

With the support of the Lyle’s Local Fund, Dot Dot Fire has trained 30 teachers since April 2023, upskilling them to deliver financial literacy education to pupils.