Our Projects of the Year (POTY) initiative sees community and staff members submit ideas that they feel would improve local mental health services.
We then put a shortlist of proposals to our membership, who vote for their favourite — with Navigo funding the top ideas!
The winners
The Early Intervention in Psychosis team want to transform their allotment into a year-round wellbeing hub with a sustainable summerhouse.
The new structure – built from sustainable materials – will provide shelter in colder months, enabling gardening, mindfulness, yoga, art, crochet and social activities all year.
The allotment already boosts mental health by offering a safe, green space for reflection, routine and community connection. Extending its use will support more service users – even those not keen on gardening – and encourage creativity, social skills and stress reduction.
This project supports the physical and mental health of new mothers and their babies by extending buggy fitness classes into autumn and winter.
Currently run outdoors in the summer, funding would secure an affordable indoor venue so sessions can run year-round.
The classes combine gentle postnatal exercise with baby bonding, social connection and confidence-building in a supportive environment. Care coordinators report major improvements in participant's wellbeing, and many mums form lasting friendships.
This accessible, low-cost alternative to private fitness sessions also links women to ongoing community activities.
This project will install 24-hour vending machines at Harrison House, offering healthy snacks, hot and cold drinks, and treats — all with card and cash payment options.
The range will be decided jointly by staff and service users, with options for vegan, gluten-free and halal diets.
Managed within the Tukes Training and Employment model, it will provide training and work opportunities for service users, while 10% of profits will be reinvested into staff wellbeing.
Sourced from a local supplier, the machines will use biodegradable cups and encourage recycling.
If successful, the model could expand to other sites.