Wandsworth Care Alliance

Spotlight on Bright Path Unity Village CIC: Empowering Young People and Families in Wandsworth

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Bright Path Unity Village CIC is a new, community-rooted organisation based in Wandsworth, dedicated to empowering young people, young parents and families to build stable, healthy and fulfilling lives.

Bright Path exists to uplift voices that are often unheard and to create safe, inclusive spaces where people feel valued, supported and able to thrive. Through mentoring, wellbeing support, life skills development and culturally responsive community programmes, the organisation works alongside residents facing barriers related to education, housing, mental health, parenting, employment and navigating local systems.

Their mission

Bright Path Unity Village CIC’s mission is to support young people and young parents in Wandsworth through practical guidance, emotional support and advocacy. Their work is rooted in early intervention, prevention and long-term empowerment helping individuals build confidence, resilience and positive futures.

Their approach blends one-to-one mentoring with creative, youth-led group activities and community-based programmes that promote wellbeing, leadership and connection.

Current projects

Bright Path delivers a range of targeted projects designed to meet the needs of different groups within the community:

  • Empowering young girls – Empowering young women to rise, build confidence and thrive.
  • Next Generation – Supporting young men to challenge harmful stereotypes and develop strength through respect, purpose and accountability.
  • Rebuild – Helping young ex-offenders rebuild confidence, direction and a sense of belonging within the community.
  • Bright guides – A peer mentorship trainee programme that equips young people to lead and support others with compassion and confidence.
  • Bright futures – Supporting young parents to maintain stable family networks and grow in confidence, skills and wellbeing.

Bright Path’s work spans several key areas:

  • Mentoring & Coaching – One-to-one and group mentoring to help young people set goals, navigate challenges and access opportunities.
  • Life skills workshops – Sessions covering financial literacy, employability, digital skills, leadership and personal planning.
  • Wellbeing – Activities such as meditation, journaling, emotional regulation and confidence-building.
  • Young parent support – Peer support groups, parenting workshops, family activities and signposting to services.
  • Advocacy – Accompanying young people to statutory meetings, housing appointments, court hearings and interactions with services.
  • Inclusive practice – Occupational therapy-informed adaptations to ensure activities are accessible for disabled young people and parents.
  • Community events – Youth forums, cultural celebrations and inter-generational activities that strengthen community connections.

What the Community thinks

The impact of Bright Path’s work is reflected in the experiences of those they support:

“Bright Path helped me rebuild my confidence after leaving school. The mentoring sessions showed me I’m capable of more than I thought.” — Young person, 17

“As a young dad, I didn’t know where to start. The parenting group gave me support, practical help and a space where I didn’t feel judged.” — Young parent, 20

“Having someone sit with me in my housing meeting made a huge difference. I finally felt like somebody was on my side.” — Young person, 18

“The workshops helped me manage my anxiety and learn new life skills. I feel more in control of my future now.” — Young woman, 22

Get involved

Bright Path Unity Village CIC relies on community support to keep services accessible and expand their reach. There are many ways residents, professionals and organisations can help:

  • Volunteer as a mentor or peer supporter
  • Deliver skills-based workshops (e.g. CV writing, digital skills, creative arts, wellbeing)
  • Partner with Bright Path on referrals, joint programmes or events
  • Refer young people who may benefit from mentoring, wellbeing support or advocacy
  • Support inclusive practice through SEND or disability expertise
  • Donate or sponsor resources, including space, equipment or materials
  • Attend or support community events

Get in touch with them and learn more!

Bright Path Unity Village CIC
CIC Number: 16739333
Email: brightpath.village@gmail.com
Phone: 07415 958598
Instagram: @Bright_pathcic

Bright Path Unity Village CIC is building a future where young people and families feel supported, heard and empowered, and they’re inviting the Wandsworth community to be part of that journey.

Funding available for Women’s Health activities

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Wandsworth Care Alliance is distributing, on behalf of South West London (SWL) NHS, small grants of up to £2k for projects to improve awareness, education and self-management of women’s health (particularly in areas such as menopause, urogynaecology, and menstrual health) amongst women and young girls who struggle to access traditionally delivered NHS services. You can apply to deliver at least one of the following:

  1. Targeted and culturally specific workshops/activities – This can include a number of community-based gatherings, workshops or other initiatives providing women with a safe and familiar space to discuss menopause, urogynaecology, and menstrual health and provide access to preventative care.  As part of the grant, VCSE organisations will be expected to nurture and empower up to 3 local advocates/champions from their own communities who can support the organisation in running the activities and continue to engage women around their health after the project has ended. 
  1. One large-scale, expert-led online or in person learning event per borough attended by up to 250-300 people or/and a series of learning events that reach 250-300 people in total (e.g. webinars, Q&As, workshops) addressing menopause, urogynaecology, and menstrual health, designed to be accessible, culturally appropriate, and scalable across local populations. Please note we will only provide one grant per borough for this.
  1. School-based menstrual health education programmes to improve understanding among young girls, reduce stigma, and promote long-term well-being and/or – VCSE groups applying for this type of project will need to prove they are already working in schools.

The funding programme will be targeting women who struggle to access traditionally delivered NHS services in the following areas:

  • Addington (Croydon) 
  • Belmont (Cheam & South Sutton) 
  • Benhill (Central Sutton) 
  • Berrylands (Kingston) 
  • Beverley (Kingston) 
  • Cricket Green (Merton) 
  • Croydon North (Croydon) 
  • East Merton (Merton) 
  • Fairfield (Croydon) 
  • Falconbrook (Wandsworth) 
  • Figges Marsh (Merton) 
  • Furzedown (Wandsworth) 
  • Ham (Richmond) 
  • Hampton North (Richmond)
  • Heathfield (Richmond)
  • Latchmere (Wandsworth) 
  • Lavender Fields (Merton) 
  • Norbiton (Kingston) 
  • Petersham (Richmond) 
  • Pollards Hill (Merton) 
  • Queenstown and Battersea (Wandsworth) 
  • Ravensbury (Merton) 
  • Richmond Riverside (Richmond) 
  • Roehampton (Wandsworth) 
  • Roundshaw (Beddington, Sutton) 
  • Shaftesbury (Wandsworth) 
  • St Helier (Sutton) 
  • Sutton central (Sutton) 
  • Wandle Valley (Sutton) 
  • Whitton (Richmond)

The SWL Gynaecology Clinical Network can provide materials such as patient information leaflets, links to reputable resources and power point presentations to support these activities. The team can provide you with a list of local NHS clinicians you can invite to attend your session. You are welcome to use your own clinicians, as long as the clinical information provided during the sessions is in line with NHS guidance. Please note that requests for a NHS clinician with dates and venue should be sent at least 5 weeks in advance. We have very few clinicians available and their attendance is not guaranteed even if requested on time. Please include in your budget £100 to contribute to clinicians’ expenses, as this might be needed.

Download and read the full details and guidance of this funding below.

SWL – Womens health grants fundDownload

There is going to be an online information session for organisations interested in applying to this funding opportunity on 8th October 2025 at 10 am. Book your space by emailing Jessica@wandcareall.org.uk

There will be a training session that all successful organisations and their women health champions will need to attend, run by the SWL ICB, on the 20th November 2025.

Deadline for applications is 20th October 2025 at 5 pm. Decisions on applications will be shared by the 10th November 2025. Apply here.

The Strength Project CIC – The founder, Georgia’s story and vision

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The Strength Project CIC was founded by Georgia, whose professional experience working with survivors of domestic violence profoundly shaped her understanding of the challenges they face. While supporting women in a shelter setting, Georgia witnessed not only the emotional trauma experienced by the survivors, but also the deep, lasting impact on their children.

One story in particular left a lasting impression. After being rehoused, a former resident reached out to thank Georgia, sharing that the support she had received inspired her to enrol in a nursing degree, something she had never believed possible. Seeing the renewed confidence and happiness in both the woman and her children, Georgia recognised the transformative power of targeted, compassionate support.

This moment became a turning point. It confirmed Georgia’s mission: to help survivors not only recover from abuse but to rebuild their lives, break generational cycles, and create a better future for their children.

Meeting the needs of the local community

The Strength Project CIC was established to respond to a clear need within the Wandsworth community particularly the lack of accessible, empowering spaces for both survivors of domestic violence and local young people.

Survivors often have limited access to structured activities that promote healing, confidence, and personal development. Young people, meanwhile, frequently miss out on crucial education around healthy relationships, emotional wellbeing, and constructive conflict resolution.

The Strength Project CIC exists to bridge that gap offering safe, inclusive spaces where individuals can rebuild, learn, and grow.

Workshops that inspire the community

The organisation runs free workshops within the local community, designed to support both survivors and young people:

  • For survivors, sessions focus on confidence-building, goal-setting, and self-care, key tools for recovery and long-term empowerment.
  • For young people, workshops explore emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and the foundations of respectful, healthy relationships. These sessions equip participants with essential life skills that not only support their personal development but help to prevent the cycle of abuse before it begins.

These workshops are more than educational, they are transformative. They give participants the tools to take control of their lives and futures.

Community led change

The Strength Project CIC is rooted in the belief that real, lasting change happens when the whole community comes together. Local residents are encouraged to get involved whether by attending workshops, enrolling their children, or helping spread the word.

Businesses can also play a vital role by offering time, resources, or financial support. Whether through volunteering, sharing skills, or donating equipment, local enterprises can make a meaningful impact on the lives of survivors and young people in Wandsworth.

How WCA supported The Strength Project CIC

Wandsworth Care Alliance has been supporting The Strength Project CIC by having them signed onto our volunteering platform, enabling them to advertise for social media volunteers to help strengthen the impact of her CIC. In addition, we supported Georgia with a successful grant application too.

Building a safer, stronger Wandsworth

The Strength Project CIC is committed to creating lasting change for families across the borough. By supporting survivors, empowering young people, and engaging the wider community, the organisation is helping to build a stronger, safer Wandsworth where everyone can have the resources to heal, grow, and thrive.

For more information on the Strength Project CIC reach out to Georgia on thestrengthprojectcic@gmail.com.

Supporting community growth: Our Roehampton and Wandsworth Care Alliance, fundraising workshop for partner organisations

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On Friday 4th April 2025, Our Roehampton, in collaboration with Wandsworth Care Alliance (WCA), held a successful fundraising workshop for local community groups. Designed to build confidence and skills in fundraising, the in-person event welcomed seven groups, including two new to the network for an engaging afternoon of practical learning, information-sharing, and networking.

Meeting the funders

The workshop began with presentations from two key funders:

  • Sarayu Shah, Community Project Officer at Groundwork London, introduced the Tesco Community Grants scheme and shared how local groups can access this funding to support community initiatives.
  • Harriet Steele, Voluntary Sector Partnership Manager at Wandsworth Council, provided an overview of the Council’s grant funding process. She acknowledged the challenges some groups have faced and encouraged early conversations with Council officers to better understand the application requirements and avoid technical rejections.

Practical skills in Grant Writing

The core of the event was a hands-on training session led by Alison Ewart, a fundraising consultant with WCA. Alison guided participants through the essentials of writing strong funding applications, including how to build realistic budgets. Her practical, interactive approach sparked insightful questions from attendees.

To support their ongoing learning, Alison later shared helpful resources, including:

  • A budget template
  • A list of small funders from the Greater London Authority
  • Ideas for community fundraising
  • A guide to financial controls for small voluntary organisations

Exploring support and building connections

Ravi Vyas, Development Manager at WCA, spoke with attendees about the tailored support WCA can offer. Many groups were not yet familiar with WCA’s services, and the conversation was a valuable opportunity to connect, share ideas, and build new relationships. Participants also enjoyed networking time with each other, helping to strengthen the wider Roehampton community network.

This workshop is a great example of how practical training, meaningful connections, and shared support can empower local groups to build capacity and create lasting impact.

Interested in more events like this? Email Ravi@wandcareall.org.uk to book onto future development workshops.

NHS South West London – Wandsworth Spring Grant Fund 2025 – Empowering communities to shape health and care services

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  • Are you a community leader of a voluntary organisation in south west London?
  • Do you know what matters most to the people you support?  Do you have knowledge about the health and care needs of the communities you work with?
  • Can you run an engaging activity and share what you have heard to shape the future of health and care?

The NHS in south west London is offering funding to support community-led activities and discussions that gather valuable insights. Wandsworth Care Alliance will be administering this grant on behalf of the NHS.

What funding is available?

Fund 1 & 2 – grants up to £550

Fund 3 – grants up to £2,000

Healthy Communities grant (Fund 1) and Digital & Health grant (Fund 2) – up to £550 available

What’s involved?

  • Host an activity and have conversations about health and care topics.
  • Use your knowledge and skills to share what you have heard with us
  • Join a short NHS training session – covering how to record feedback and insight from your community.
  • Share what you heard – take part in an interview after your activity with a local project lead and complete a short feedback form.
  • Join a listening event with NHS leaders – date to be confirmed soon!

This fund is flexible, and its focus is to hear from our most disadvantaged and marginalised communities. It is up to you to decide how and when you collect insight, this could be during your event or in the lead up to your activity. 

The NHS is funding you as a community leader to help us understand the experiences and views of the people you reach and support.

We simply ask that you have these conversations in a way that works for you, then share feedback and insight. You’ll need to complete a short form to help us capture themes along with an interview with a local project lead from Wandsworth Care Alliance. 

What can you apply for?

We would like to understand the views of people and communities on the following topics:  

  • Fund 1: Healthy communities fund – understand what helps people living in Wandsworth to stay healthy and what stops people from seeking support and preventing illness.
  • Fund 2: Digital and health fund – understand how technology can improve access to care and what digital barriers do people face.

Who we’d like to reach?

We’re particularly keen to hear from communities who often face barriers to healthcare.

If applying for a Healthy Communities grant (Fund 1), we’d like to hear from:

  • People from our most deprived areas – see application form for more details
  • People who experience issues or barriers in accessing health and care.
  • People who have lived experience of mental health services or support  
  • Groups supporting social connection, such as outdoor activities and events
  • People from our health inclusion groups – including migrants and refugees, people who are homeless, people facing social exclusion

If applying for a Digital & Health grant (Fund 2) we’d like to hear from:

  • People who face barriers using technology
  • People from our most deprived areas – see application form for more details
  • People from our health inclusion groups – including migrants and refugees, people who are homeless, people facing social exclusion.

Oral health community grant fund (Fund 3) – In-depth focus groups and community research – grants of up to £2,000 available

We are looking for community leaders and organisations to carry out in-depth focus groups and one-to-one discussions about oral health.

Your activity should focus on healthy mouths and teeth, gathering detailed insights from your community to help improve local services.

For more information and to support your application, please download this information pack on oral health grants for Wandsworth: Spring Engagement Grants – Google Drive

What’s involved?

  • Run structured focus groups and one-to-one interviews with:
    • People from our most deprived areas – see application form for more details
    • People from our health inclusion groups – for example people who are homeless or living in temporary accommodation, refugees, migrants, Gypsy, Roma & Traveller communities
    • Children and young people, their parents and carers
    • Older people over the age of 60
  • Join an NHS training session – covering how to record feedback and insight from the communities you work with and reach. 
  • Capture views, experiences and insights using key questions (provided by the NHS).
  • Submit a detailed report summarising your findings. Don’t worry we will help you plan for your report and provide lots of tips and guidance.
  • Join a listening event with NHS leaders – date coming soon!

Who we’d like to hear from:

  • Community leaders and organisations with strong connections to these communities and groups.
  • Those with the capacity to dedicate time to running structured discussions and reporting insights.

What could your funding support?

  • Focus groups and community research
  • Facilitator time for running in-depth discussions
  • Costs related to community engagement and participation.

How will applications be assessed?

You can apply for more than one grant, but applications will be assessed based on:

  • Reach and inclusion – how well you connect with the communities the NHS would like to reach. More information for each grant above.
  • Engagement approach – how you plan to capture insights and feedback from your communities.
  • Commitment to training and feedback – willingness to attend training and a follow-up interview.

Why your voice matters

As a community leader, you have the trust, connections, and insight to reach people in ways others can’t. By getting involved, you’ll help shape health and care services to better reflect the needs of Wandsworth residents.

Key information

  • Application deadline: 19 March 2025 at 17:00 
  • Funding available:
    • Fund 1 & 2: Up to £550
    • Fund 3: Up to £2,000
  • Who can apply: Community and voluntary organisations in Wandsworth.
  • To find out more – join our information session on Thursday 27 February at 1pm, please register sign up here!

How to apply?

Got questions?
Speak to a member of the team at Wandsworth Care Alliance:
Contact: Jessica on Jessica@wandcareall.org.uk.
 

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