Brackley Women’s Institute one of six groups to receive grants

Six Island community groups have received provincial funding for projects that promote wellness, including the Brackley Women’s Institute.

The institute’s stronger together program received one of the grants after the organization set out this fall to build community spirit, strengthen mental health and provide women with a social outing in the community.

Project co-ordinator Marie Kenny said they were able to bring together an average of 30 women each week to learn about strengthening one’s mental health and well being, followed by hands-on activity where everyone got to show their personal creativity and how they are inspired.

“The ladies were challenged to take a positive outlook on life, even in difficult situations, and learned techniques for mental resiliency, to lean on each other for support and that, ultimately, we are stronger together,’’ Kenny said.

The other five organizations to receive grants include:

— New Islandwide self-care training sessions through the Hospice Palliative Care Association of P.E.I.;

— A population health initiative to increase awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and local resources by the P.E.I. Breastfeeding Coalition;

— A school garden expansion program, including curriculum and a community integration project led by Morell Regional High School;

— An expansion of the LGBTQ+ Youth Group being led by PEERS Alliance;

— A new program provided by the Community of Miltonvale Park, aimed to encourage healthy eating and physical activity for all adults and seniors in the community.

Over the past two years, about 40 projects have received wellness grants.