Healthy Friendships grew out of a five year Healthy Living Centre project funded initially by the New Opportunities Fund and which was managed by a partnership of the following bodies: Powys Mental Health Alliance, Powys Local Health Board, Powys Social Care Services and the National Public Health Services.
The original Volunteers recruited for the project wanted to continue our activities after the end of project. They therefore formed an association which quickly became a registered charity and sought new funding from the Big Lottery Fund and other funding providers
On 6 October 2005 Radnorshire Healthy Friendships was born. We had twenty Members, a few hundred pounds in the bank and no funding at all. We were fearful for our continued existence and desperate to seek partner organisations. The future looked bleak indeed!
Today could not be more different. With a rapidly growing Membership, immediate plans for six members of Staff and an annual turnover expected to significantly exceed £110.000 per annum we are the new force of the Third Sector in Powys.
We have achieved this by demonstrating to a wide range of funding providers that we have the right approach when it comes to delivering services. We deliver what is needed, we do it cost effectively, and we provide our services to the highest standard
What we at Healthy Friendships say is support our Members with Volunteers and Staff, listen and take heed of what our Members want and need, limit our carbon foot print, keep costs low, standards high and constantly seek out new ways to improve what we do. This is not rocket science - it is simple common sense.
Our organisation is not made up of systems and procedures - it is made up of people. Dedicated people who volunteer and work for us; who care about what they do and the Members who need them. Well done to every one of you and thanks for your help and support over the years.