The organisation is committed to creating a community where people struggling with anxiety, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, can receive essential support.
Co-founders Kimberly Funnell-Phillips and Sarah Dicks started the organisation after observing the lack of affordable support options for individuals on a lower income. The organisation now has an incredible team dedicated to working with the community of Swansea to support both adults and young people in their journey towards better mental health and wellbeing.
A £99,909 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK, will fund early intervention support for people with mild to moderate anxiety at the hub. The project will include one-to-one sessions with trained counsellors, alongside monthly workshops in the community to provide education on anxiety and depression.
Kimberly Funnell-Phillips, Co-founder of Anxiety Support Wales said:
“The demand for anxiety support in Swansea has been overwhelming. This crucial funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, will enable us to address the demand by offering training sessions to educate the public about anxiety and establish partnerships with local Universities.
“This funding has been instrumental in expanding our project, helping us reach more people in need of our support”
The service will help tackle anxiety early on, preventing it escalating or leading to other health issues. This will be achieved by giving people the tools and strategies to manage their system, and empowering people to take control of their mental health and wellbeing.
A counsellor at the hub said:
“Anxiety is a normal part of life, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can be debilitating. Our aim is to create a space where people feel understood and supported. By addressing anxiety early on, we can prevent it from spiralling into more serious issues.”
The award falls under one of The National Lottery Community Fund’s four key missions, which are to support communities to come together, be environmentally sustainable, help children and young people thrive and enable people to live healthier lives.
John Rose, Wales Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, added:
“Kimberly and Sarah, along with the rest of the team at Anxiety Support Wales CIC, are incredible people dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of communities in Swansea.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, we are able to support projects like this who are able to support the health and wellbeing of people in Wales.”
[Lead image: Anxiety Support Hub]
