The wellbeing fund aimed at delivering support to communities across the Hampshire area was launched today (Friday 16th August) at Southampton Airport.
The Southampton Airport Spitfire Wellbeing Fund has been introduced to provide financial support to community organisations, charities and groups delivering initiatives that reduce health inequalities and improve health and wellbeing.
A sum of £100,000 has been allocated by Southampton Airport to establish the wellbeing fund, which will focus on three key areas of support:
- Physical Activity – supporting community groups, charities and projects promoting physical activity
- Mental Wellbeing – supporting groups, charities and projects which focus on protecting and enhancing mental health in the local community
- Access to Open Spaces – the fund will support groups, charities and projects which promote and deliver access to open and green spaces.
While Southampton Airport will continue to deliver financial support to the wellbeing fund, it will be managed by an independent board which includes representation from the city and district local authorities in Eastleigh, Southampton and Winchester. Southampton Airport representatives will also sit on the board in an administrative capacity.
Awards will be capped at £5,000 per application and funding will be allocated at the discretion of the Spitfire Wellbeing Fund’s Board.
Gavin Williams, Southampton Airport’s Managing Director, said: “The airport has always played an active role in supporting the communities it serves. Our people often volunteer their time to support local initiatives such youth projects, or to help restore or tidy and improve local nature areas. They also help raise much-needed funds through events such as our popular runway runs or take time to either host or visit local schools.
“The vast majority of people employed across our operations live locally, so it is incredibly important to each and every one of us that our neighbouring communities continue to share in the many social and economic benefits Southampton Airport delivers.
“And the introduction of this independent wellbeing fund will ensure that even more local groups and good causes will be able to share in our success as we continue to rebuild the connectivity that plays a vital role in supporting the Hampshire region’s economy.”
Councillor Tonia Craig of Eastleigh Borough Council and Chair of the Fund’s added: “Working in partnership with Eastleigh Borough Council, Winchester City Council, Southampton City Council, Hampshire County Council and Southampton Airport, we are excited to formally launch the Spitfire Wellbeing Fund.
“Established this year, the Fund is designed to ensure communities surrounding the airport share in its success and provides financial support to community organisations, charities and groups delivering initiatives that promote physical activity, mental wellbeing, and access to open spaces.”
Applications will be reviewed by the fund’s board on a quarterly basis and dates for these meetings will be available on the dedicated webpage at: The Health and Wellbeing Fund | Southampton Airport
Funding allocations will be awarded in the areas which are most affected by the airport’s operations in terms of noise, which can be determined through the contour map included on the webpage. The contour may shift and change over time so the board will regularly review criteria and boundaries.
The webpage includes further details including both an online application form as well as a downloadable version as well as funding guidelines.
The Fund is a partnership between Eastleigh Borough Council, Southampton City Council, Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council and Southampton Airport.