Shropshire Wildlife Trust has received funding from the Inclusive Communities Fund (ICF) to continue its work with ethnically and religiously diverse communities in Telford for another six months, from 1st July – 31st December 2024.

The Wilder Communities Telford project builds on the ethos of Social Prescribing to reduce people's feelings of isolation and improve mental and physical wellbeing by supporting communities to connect with each other and collaborate to enhance green space. It aligns closely with ICF’s aims of empowering communities for positive change, seeking to address inequalities across the region and creating a lasting legacy for the West Midlands.

Activities organised by Shropshire Wildlife Trust as part of the project, will provide individuals in these communities with an increased confidence in accessing and caring for green spaces and a stronger connection with nature. There will be a better sense of belonging, people will feel less isolated, have a better awareness of the link between the outdoors and their wellbeing, and feel increased pride in their local area. Communities will have an increased understanding of one another, new local relationships will have been created, and social cohesion improved.

Helen Trotman, Head of People & Wildlife at Shropshire Wildlife Trust, said:

”We are absolutely delighted to receive this grant which will enable us to continue working with communities in Telford. We hope, through our work, to see more people accessing nature in a way that is meaningful to them along with an increased sense of belonging and inclusion in local spaces.”