Empathy Holistic Buddies, a Community Interest Company supporting parents and children under 12, has successfully secured £2,000 from the GM Walking and Wheeling fund. The grant will support their Baby Buddies in Nature project, which offers child-led wellbeing activities in nature, including outdoor sessions to promote mindfulness and forest bathing.
In October 2024, Emma from Empathy Holistic Buddies approached Bury VCFA for guidance on their first grant application. The Bury VCFA Capacity Building team, led by Katherine, provided valuable support, helping Emma craft a strong proposal and meet the grant criteria. They also advised on budgeting, including training costs for a walking and wheeling champion to gain the Tree Top Babies qualification, and printing costs for local promotional materials.
Additional feedback from Owen at Bury VCFA helped strengthen the application further, including plans to adapt the project for winter participation. With new items like beanie hats and thermos cups, the project will encourage families to join outdoor walks in colder months. Plus, venue hire at the Green Community Café ensures activities can continue on wet or chilly days.
With support from Bury VCFA, Emma submitted the application with confidence, leading to the successful grant approval in November. This funding will help train local people to lead nature walks, enhancing the wellbeing of families in the community.
”Owen and Katherine from the Bury VCFA have been very supportive with what is a new enterprise journey! Always supportive and very encouraging with our future plans! Both Katherine and Own recently helped us to gain funding from the GM walking and wheeling fund by looking over our application! We are very appreciative! Thank you again!
- Emma, Empathy Holistic Buddies