Published 31st July 2018
A group that describes itself as an “adult youth club” to support carers in Great Yarmouth has been supported by a grant scheme offered by Carers Matter Norfolk and administered by Carers Voice Norfolk & Waveney. Laughter is the Best Medicine was set up to provide a range of monthly activities and social interaction for local people.
It has now been supported by Carers Matter Norfolk’s ‘Small Grants for Carers Group’ scheme with a grant £270 grant to help fund guest speakers and entertainment sessions, advertising, expenses for volunteers and a music system.
Trevor Saunders, director of Mandalay Wellbeing CIC which set up the group, said: “We set up the group to provide somewhere for people, who maybe feel a little deflated or could be in a better place, to go and enjoy.
Most of the time, they just need a break for a few hours and Laughter is the Best Medicine provides that”
We are delighted to be supported by the ‘Small Grants for Carers Group’ scheme run by Carers Matter Norfolk.
The grant was part of more than £6,000 recently given out to carers groups across the county by Carers Matter Norfolk.
The grants panel, which has a total of £30,000 funding available throughout the year, is unique in that the application procedure – and the final decisions – are made by carers themselves. Laughter is the Best Medicine meet every third Monday, from 6pm until 8pm, and regular has more than 25 attendees. Activities include games, sports, quizzes and activities with guest demonstrations including first aid, fitness, diet, entertainment and art.
To find out more, please visit the group’s Facebook page – search for https://www.facebook.com/Laughteristhebestmedicinecic/ – or email info@mwcic.co.uk.
Funded by Norfolk County Council and the NHS, it is still possible for Carers Groups in Norfolk to apply for funding which will be awarded in the coming months.
For more information and details on how to apply for a grant, please contact 0800 083 1148 or visit https://www.carersmatternorfolk.org.uk.