Dinner and Dance
Embracing movement, food, culture and community
The Ladies Dance and Dine project, based in various locations around Ninefields, is an initiative designed to combat loneliness and isolation, improve confidence, and help attendees become more active.
The course consists of 45 minutes of dance and 45 minutes of snack making, using healthy ingredients such as sushi and energy balls. The course is free to attend and has been successful in creating a supportive community among participants.
The project was delivered by Making it Mindful, with funding from Find Your Active given to Epping Forest District Council, ensuring that cost was not a barrier for participants.
Loneliness, social isolation, lack of confidence, and physical inactivity are significant barriers for females in the community, therefore the project aimed to address these issues by providing a safe and supportive environment for women to engage in physical activity and socialise.
The estate has experienced issues with antisocial behaviour and crime, which can contribute to a sense of isolation among residents. Epping Forest District council have been working on projects to bring the community together and reduce these issues, with Dinner and Dance being an example of this.
The concept originated from the voices of residents and was developed through various forums established by the Epping Forest District Council as part of their place-based working approach. This has enabled the delivery of a fantastic project that combines movement and food, promoting both physical and mental wellbeing. The connections formed within the group extend beyond structured sessions and this community-driven initiative prioritises resident voices, ensuring they are heard in various forms and reflects their desires.Emma Alderman, Active Essex Assistant Relationship Manager
Due to the project’s success, participants created their own WhatsApp group to support one another and meet up outside the sessions. The overprescribed sessions showed a clear demand for a combined dance and food activity in Ninefields, and key partners are working together to ensure the project can remain sustainable by encouraging collaboration with local organisations, exploring funding opportunities, and involving the community in shaping the future of the initiative.
