More residents to benefit from Links for Life funding boost
More people across Sunderland will be supported to improve their health and wellbeing, following the City Council's Cabinet approving £1.75 million funding for the Links for Life Sunderland programme.
Links for Life Sunderland connects people to services, support and one another, providing the connections we all need for better health and wellbeing, working with voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to help residents access the support, activities and opportunities that matter most to them.
Since launching in 2023, Links for Life Sunderland has supported almost 15,000 residents through community-based activities like coffee mornings and craft classes, wellbeing support and Digital Health Hubs to help people access services and opportunities online.
The programme, which helps tackle loneliness, improve wellbeing and connect people to the support they need, has now been funded to run for another three years until 2029. The new funding will be directed through a mix of grants, targeted neighbourhood investment, and support for community organisations.
Featuring a community hub model, selected VCSE organisations will act as local coordinators, helping residents access services, supporting local groups and ensuring community voices help shape future delivery.
Councillor Jonathon Emerson, Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Services, said: "Links for Life is about the power of connection. We know that having someone to talk to, feeling part of a community and being able to access the right support at the right time can make a real difference to people's health and wellbeing.
"This investment will help more people across Sunderland connect to local activities, services and one another. Whether that's through a community group, a wellbeing activity, building digital confidence or simply having a conversation that opens the door to support, Links for Life helps create the connections that enable people and communities to thrive.
"The programme has already made a positive difference to thousands of residents, and this continued investment will help strengthen the voluntary and community sector so it can continue providing the support and opportunities that people need to live healthier, happier and more connected lives."
The £1.756 million programme will be funded through a combination of Sunderland City Council funding, a Healthy City Grant allocation and NHS contributions.
The new programme supports the ambitions of Sunderland's Healthy City Plan by investing in community-led approaches that improve wellbeing, strengthen social connections and help reduce health inequalities across the city.
