SCF Annual Review 2021-22

02
Annual Review 2021/22
The need
for our worK
The pandemic had profound impacts on our
communities and neighbours; it deepened
inequality, it worsened mental and physical
health, it stopped children from enjoying the
social aspects of school and community life,
and it has left economic scars on households
and communities that will take many years
to heal. As we look to move forward after
these toughest of times, grassroots charities
and community groups are at the very heart
of helping people rebuild their lives and
communities, and recover from the aftershocks
that continue to ripple through our county.
For the people experiencing loneliness and
isolation, there are therapeutic gardening
projects popping up that use pockets of land to
help people ground themselves, learn new skills
and grow their wellbeing.
For the parents who gave birth in lockdown, or
who faced the struggle of navigating work and
home-schooling, there are charities providing
practical and emotional support to help families
build resilience and help young people process
what they’ve been through.
For older people whose health has declined
due to so much time spent indoors, there are
walking groups, choirs, art groups and social
clubs who are helping them to get out and
about, build new friendships and find their way
back to better health.
As we recover from one crisis, and head into
another, it has never been clearer how vital
our local charities are. More than ever, they
need us to continue to inspire local giving and
stand shoulder to shoulder with them to help
people through the toughest of times and build
stronger Somerset communities together.