A PROJECT to improve health and happiness in West Howe has been given a boost.

West Howe Community Enterprise runs the Inspiring Change shop, which supporters say has become a “focal point” for the area.

It also runs a host of activities to help people improve their health and develop new skills.

Diane Humphries, charity manager with West Howe Community Enterprise, was presented with £1,500 from Bournemouth’s Local Improvement Fund. The fund provides money to be spent on projects recommended by local councillors in consultation with their communities.

Ms Humphries said: “The charity was set up to reduce inequality in West Howe and provide residents with opportunities to live happy, healthy lives with overall good wellbeing.”

It set up the charity shop and a wellbeing cafe. “It’s a place for the community to come and it acts as an information point and offers easy access to other services that we provide,” said Ms Humphries.

“It’s for people to progress in life in whatever ways they need to move forwards and get people’s skills to the job market to try and reduce those inequalities.

“We know there’s a high level of unemployment and it’s about the community coming together to find solutions to those problems themselves. We need the funding to enable the community to help itself.

“We do have some income which we’re always looking for ways to increase what services we can provide to the community.”

More than 600 people have attended workshops on jobs skills and health, including a recently-established pre-diabetic support group.

Ms Humphries said: “We know from feedback from them that it improves their confidence and self-esteem and reduces their isolation and has brought their skills to the workplace as well.”

She added: “The community have really been involved in shaping the project and the volunteers do a great job of helping us.

“We couldn’t do it without them and it’s what the community needs and wants.”

She was presented with the £1,500 by the three Kinson South councillors.

Cllr Roger Marley said: “We would be lost without Diana’s help and imagination creating things that interest the people of West Howe.”

Cllr Norman Decent said of the Inspiring Change shop: “It’s more than just a shop, it’s where people meet as well. I’m amazed at the people that come in and sit down for a cup of tea. It’s a focal point for West Howe.”

Cllr Laurence Fear said the funding was one of several “positive steps being taken not just by us three but by all councillors”.