As winter draws near, it’s more crucial than ever to prepare for the colder months ahead. With the holiday season approaching and the cost of living on the rise, maintaining not only our physical and mental health but also our financial wellbeing becomes essential. We recently joined the series of Winter Wellbeing Events, hosted by Reed in Partnership, with events we attended being in Hastings, Eastbourne, and Chatham. These wellbeing events brought together a wide range of wellbeing services to support people in the community, especially those experiencing employment challenges.
The Winter Wellbeing Events are designed for individuals from various walks of life – including the long-term unemployed, those recently made redundant, and people affected by illness or personal circumstances. These wellbeing events offered attendees the chance to access health and financial services, as well as programs specifically tailored to support both short- and long-term recovery. With a strong focus on building resilience, all three events provided a welcoming environment for attendees to connect with support systems that empower them to move forward in their lives.
Throughout the event, we were on-site to share financial wellbeing resources and provide guidance on managing finances effectively. For us, financial wellbeing is at the heart of a healthier and happier life, and we’re dedicated to supporting members of our community in gaining control over their financial futures. By connecting people to the right resources and helping them build strong financial habits, we aim to alleviate some of the stress associated with managing money—especially during challenging times.
Alongside Wave Community Bank, several local organisations were present to offer a wide range of support:
- Sussex MSK Partnership provided musculoskeletal care and advice.
- ESTAR, a joint initiative from East Sussex County Council and Public Health, helped people take steps toward re-entering the workforce.
- Care for the Carers offered support and guidance to those caring for loved ones.
- One You East Sussex encouraged healthy lifestyle choices, such as weight management, exercise, and smoking cessation.
- Energise Sussex Coast provided free energy advice and support.
- Health in Mind, a free NHS service, offered talking therapies for emotional support.
- Southern Water shared advice on saving on utilities.
- Medway Adult Education who offers adult and community learning courses, along with nationally accredited qualifications.
These series of wellbeing events showcased an array of resources available to the community, enabling individuals to access advice and support in one place. Together, all the organisations present aimed to foster a form of resilience, ensuring that no one has to face financial, physical, or emotional challenges alone.
Wave Community Bank is proud to be part of initiatives like this that make a meaningful impact in the community. Credit unions like ours play a vital role in helping individuals regain their footing and thrive. We believe that when people have access to reliable guidance and resources, they can achieve not only financial stability but also improved overall wellbeing.
A special thanks to all the dedicated organisations that joined us, working tirelessly to lift our community. We are especially grateful to Graham Campion and the entire team at Reed in Partnership for their commitment and enthusiasm in organising such a fantastic event.
Let’s keep spreading warmth and support within our community—together, we’re making a difference!
