MutualGain’s Dr Andrew Fisher recently supported Cheshire East Council to deliver a Participatory Budgeting process in Handforth last month which saw £20,000 shared between five groups based upon voting by members of the community. The process was part of a £400,000 investment by Cheshire East Council in improving the health of residents across the borough, and the money goes towards community groups which are looking to tackle issues such as poor physical fitness and mental illness.

Councillor Paul Bates spoke to Wilmslow News and said:

“It has been very encouraging to see how communities and public health colleagues can truly work together for the wider good of our borough.”

“One of the most impressive benefits of engaging with our communities through participatory budgeting has been that residents have fed back to us that they now feel far more informed and connected to the places they live. We have all been able to strengthen our networks, connections and partnerships.”

Lead Associate for Emergency Services, Dr Andrew Fisher said of the process:

There has been a real commitment to learning about grant funded PB across Cheshire East.  As a Cheshire resident I am really pleased to see the form of engagement being used to improve the health and well being of communities.  The events themselves have been a big success with people learning of groups that they did not know existed and of groups that are determined to make living in Cheshire East healthier and safer.  Well done to all.

You can find out more about participatory budgeting on our website here: Participatory Budgeting.