A fifth round of funding for wellbeing initiatives is set to give Cromwell residents a boost during autumn.

The Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes wellbeing group’s Connecting Communities fund supports community-led activities and events across Cromwell, Queenstown, Wānaka, and Te Anau/Fiordland to encourage people to look after each other and have fun.

Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes wellbeing group chair Adell Cox said the autumn months are great for communities to take some time out and really focus on their wellbeing after a busy summer.

“We’re moving into a new normal but are still experiencing significant challenges which are impacting on people’s mental health.  

“It’s important to keep people well and support initiatives that build social connection and resilience and help our communities not just survive, but thrive,” Adell said.

The round opens on February 20 and closes on March 2. Eligible not-for-profit groups can apply for $1,000 to assist with their activity or event.

The criteria includes engaging with the community; supporting mental wellbeing; aligning with the five ways to wellbeing and Te Whare Tapa Wha; and being delivered in Cromwell or the other listed areas.

In November 2022, 54 initiatives from across the area received funding totalling more than $50,000.

Te Hau Toka introduced the Connecting Communities fund 15 months ago as part of its efforts to combat the ongoing negative effects of Covid-19. 

There have been four funding rounds so far, and almost $180,000 has gone to 185 recipients to help people improve mental wellbeing in their communities.

Recipients in Central in round four included Cromwell Community House Christmas BBQ for vulnerable older residents, and a music therapy workshop for people with intellectual disabilities. A full list is available online.

Information on how to apply for the funding is online.