Worcestershire County Council is urging community groups and voluntary organisations to take advantage of its public health grants, after the funding helped one local school transform its environment for students with additional needs.
The grant program offers up to ÂŁ3,000 to voluntary groups, community interest companies, and local organisations, aiming to support innovative ideas that improve wellbeing in the region.
A School’s Success Story
Oasis Academy Warndon in Worcester is one of the beneficiaries of the funding. With help from the grant, the school was able to convert six unused planters into engaging sandpits and construct a dedicated sensory room to support pupils’ emotional and mental wellbeing.
According to Anna Wichmann Lima, the school’s operations manager, the funding has made a noticeable difference in both student experience and staff morale.
“Since the pandemic, we’ve seen a significant rise in emotional and social challenges among children,” she said. “This grant allowed us to build resources that directly address those needs.”
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Wichmann Lima explained that the school faces growing financial pressures due to a decline in student enrollment and the high number of pupils requiring extra support. With 50 children on education, health and care plans (EHCPs) and 40% on the SEND register, she said the funding has helped fill vital gaps.
On a recent visit to the newly installed sandpits, she described the joyful scene: “It was like a day at the beach. Children were barefoot, playing in the sand, even burying teachers. The sensory experience was incredible.”
Sensory Room Offers Emotional Regulation
The new sensory room, also funded by the grant, has been instrumental in helping children manage their emotions and return to learning.
“We’ve invested in sensory tiles and calming tools,” she said. “It’s made a huge difference in helping students self-regulate and rejoin the classroom ready to learn.”
Without the grant, she noted, projects like these would have been difficult to implement due to tight school budgets. “This funding allowed us to go beyond the basics and provide something truly impactful,” she added.
Public Health Team Welcomes New Ideas
Lisa McNally, Worcestershire’s Director of Public Health, encouraged other local groups to come forward with their ideas.
“This grant programme is about bringing residents’ ideas to life,” she said. “If you know a group or have a project in mind that could benefit public health, reach out—we’re often ready to say yes.”
The council hopes more organisations will follow Oasis Academy’s lead and use the grant to enhance wellbeing and resilience in their communities.
