The Active Wellbeing Society (TAWS) exists to tackle inequality and promote community wellbeing. For too long, interventions to improve health and wellbeing, and address health inequalities, haven't worked for our most vulnerable communities. We recognise that we need to do things differently. We want to work with communities to disrupt and shift the status quo, challenge the balance of power and support people to have more of a say over what happens in their areas and lives.
Our work with communities is based on a deep commitment to co-creation - working with, not doing to - and we see, time and again, the incredible change that is possible when communities are supported to step into their power.
Some of the initiatives we currently deliver with communities include:
Share Shacks are community spaces where people can borrow items, share skills, and build connections. Sharing helps reduce waste and overconsumption, ensuring that everyone can have access to the resources we need - it also creates opportunities for people to build connections in their local community and be more active.
I had nothing, no money, no clothes, so what I got from you guys was really helpful...I was able to go there in person and see the clothes myself...There was a suit that fit me like a glove. It's probably my first ever suit - I'll look after that suit so well."
Over the last two years, we have seen the number of people experiencing food poverty across the country skyrocket, with people of all ages going hungry. When the pandemic first hit we set up a food distribution hub and worked with partners across the city to distribute over 1000 tonnes of surplus food to people who needed it. We're now transitioning back to having in-person meals, cooking and eating together in community and supporting people to develop skills through our kitchens and recipe kits.
It was good bonding, a good experience nice thing to do together. We had nice, healthy food. Going and getting it in the community and seeing people from a distance, saying hello from distance Theyre healthy and nutritious meals, and a good process and a good teaching experience. It was really good as Im much not much of a cook.
Cycling is a great way to incorporate physical activity into our daily routines, reduce emissions and improve the safety of our communities. We know that the cost of a bike is often the biggest barrier preventing people from being able to cycle - so we help access bikes through loans and giveaways as part of our Big Bike Project.
To be able to have my own bike, to be able to go cycling is great...I feel really privileged, it's a big deal to me
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