Ealing Roots and Wings Grant Programme

What is the Ealing Roots and Wings Grant Programme?

Ealing Roots and Wings Grant Programme is an NHS-funded programme for Black-led community organisations in Ealing, which supports health and wellbeing within the local population.

Why are we running this Programme?

This Grant Programme has been designed in response to demands from the Ealing Race Equality Commission (REC). The REC Report was completed in 2022 to understand the local issues related to race and the health inequalities experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Report demanded that: Local NHS commissioners draw up a clear plan for greater representation of the African and Caribbean communities in both health service provision and leadership positions in health services.

Ealing Council and health services are urged to review funding for ethnic minority communities, particularly African and Caribbean communities, who have been disproportionately left behind in health structures and services.

We hope that this Programme will strengthen relationships between Black-led community organisations across Ealing and other organisations which provide services to the Ealing communities.

In addition, we want to ensure Black leaders and their communities have their voices heard in conversations, as well as decision-making forums on health and wellbeing.

Who could apply?

• Small community organisations, charities or constituted voluntary organisations with an annual turnover of less than £200,000.
• At least 50% of board members or leadership identify as Black ethnicity (African or Caribbean heritage).
• Delivering activity predominantly to improve the health and well-being of local Black communities with a focus on helping those most in need.

Improving health and wellbeing may include work which improves the ‘building blocks of health and wellbeing’. This includes improving social connections, the environment, education and skills, employability, access to good food and nutrition, housing and financial wellbeing.

10 organisations were successful in the first round, receiving the following support:

• A grant of £5000 for 12 months.
• Enrolled on a Programme for peer research training (for one Black leader or senior member of the organisation). In addition to the grant, we will be compensating the organisation for their time spent on this Programme.
• Be part of discussions and listening circles to improve understanding and develop solutions to barriers to healthcare for the
• The black population in Ealing (during the peer research training programme).
• Be linked into networks and relevant training opportunities (as required by the organisation).

If you have any queries about the grant, please email development@ehcvs.org.uk