Over the past couple of years, WOW events helped bring people together across Herefordshire through shared activities, food and friendly local spaces. Run by community organisations and supported by the Household Support Fund, WOW aimed to reduce isolation and help people feel more connected. While the funding has now ended and WOW has officially come to a close, the impact it had is clear in the stories people shared.

At Paradise Court in Leominster, residents spoke about how much they valued coming together. One person said the sessions gave them “something to look forward to,” while another shared how moving to the area knowing no one became easier after attending, helping them form friendships and feel part of the community.

In Llanwarne Village Hall, WOW funding supported the development of activities that continue today. The Old School Café now runs monthly, providing a welcoming space to tackle loneliness and rural isolation. Local organisers highlighted how the mix of social, physical and creative activities helped encourage people of all ages to take part.

Families attending Dandy Lions Forest School WOW sessions in the city shared how valuable the experience was. One parent said, “My two boys played for the whole time,” while another described how nice it was to chat with other adults while children took part in activities they’d never tried before.

At Colwall Community Hub, feedback focused again and again on companionship. Attendees talked about enjoying a hot meal together, feeling welcomed by volunteers, and how much it meant simply “to see people” and spend time in good company.

WOW may have ended, but many of the friendships, groups and activities it helped spark are still going strong. Thank you to everyone involved in making it such a positive part of community life across the county.