AT the Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s Making Progress Hidden Needs event at the Northampton Filmhouse, Deputy CEO and Grants Director Rachel McGrath reported on the progress that has been made since the launch of the Hidden Needs report in March 2018, addressing how these priority needs are being tackled.
The first Hidden Needs report received a great response from many who have been both intrigued and shocked by the statistics revealed in the research. The report revealed notable social inequalities particularly relating to health and wellbeing, and education and skills that will have a detrimental impact on local communities, if not addressed urgently.
Guest speaker, Dr Claire Paterson-Young from the University of Northampton, a researcher on the Hidden Needs report, reiterated the results from the findings of last year’s report highlighting in particular the higher than the national average for self-harm in areas of Northamptonshire. Also highlighted was the higher than average older population in the county which increases the risk of loneliness and social isolation for those that are vulnerable.
Rachel McGrath said the progress that has been made since the original Hidden Needs report was launched, showcasing the impact that charitable organisations and community groups had made in tackling the priority needs highlighted in the report over a six month period and demonstrating the positive impact made through local community solutions to improve quality of life for all.
Guest speaker Kathryn White of Growing Together Northampton, a group funded by the Foundation, showed how they are setting about to tackle these priority needs by starting with the young by tackling child poverty in Northampton, an urgent priority for the borough.
Fund Development Manager Peter Cox introduced the Friends of the Foundation giving circle, and guest speaker, Hassan Shah, trustee of the Foundation and member of Friends of the Foundation spoke about why his company chose to be a member of this circle. More information on Friends of the Foundation can be found at www.ncf.uk.com/give/fof.
Northamptonshire Community Foundation has been at the forefront of funding small local charities on behalf of generous fund holders and donors to make a positive difference to the wellbeing of all in Northamptonshire.
By assessing the county’s hidden needs, NCF aims to work with donors to encourage pooling of resources towards the social problems that need the most urgent attention. We will continue to do so in order to support current and future generations and their wellbeing.
The Making Progress:Hidden Needs report is available to read online at www.ncf.uk.com/about-us/hiddenneeds