Community Leadership for Health Fund
Championing Healthy Lifestyles in Your CommunityCounty Councillors across Worcestershire are working hard to improve healthy lifestyles as part of the £500,000 Community Leadership for Health Fund. The fund was established by NHS Worcestershire in September 2008 to help Worcestershire County Councillors act as champions for better health and play a role in improving the health of their constituents.
Through the initiative, Councillors have been working to develop and implement projects which encourage local people to eat healthily and move more. As well as supporting initiatives which promote sensible drinking and provide support to help people quit smoking. To date over £70,000 has been awarded to initiatives across the County. These include
• Outdoor trim trail/gym equipment
• Postural Stability sessions
• Cookery sessions and healthy eating workshops
• Sports and leisure activities for young people
• Peer mentor project aimed at young people addressing alcohol and drug misuse
• Snack and chat facilities for older people/vulnerable adults
Each County Councillor has been allocated a share of the Fund based on the size and level of deprivation in their area. Therefore the amount of funding available varies in each electoral division. Anyone interested in applying should contact their County Councillor to discuss their project ideas. Please note that unsolicited applications cannot be accepted. Projects must receive the endorsement of the County Councillor and a short proposal form completed and sent to the Worcestershire Partnership Policy Officer for Health Improvement.
Proposals are considered on a monthly basis by an Approval Panel based on the following criteria. Proposals must
• Have clearly defined aims and objectives
• Meet one or more of the 4 health objectives listed in page 2
• Demonstrate community involvement in the development and delivery of the project
• Address health inequalities
• Complement one or more of the Local Area Agreement health improvement targets
• Demonstrate value for money
• Provide a clear explanation of how success will be measured
• Provide an robust exit strategy
The Fund can support projects delivered by not for profit organisations, including community groups, schools, clubs, strategic partnerships and Parish Councils. Projects must benefit residents in Worcestershire. The closing date for submission of proposals is 1 April 2010; projects can be supported up to 2011.
To find out more about the fund, for contact details of your County Councillor or to obtain a Proposal form, contact: Traci Lloyd-Moore, Worcestershire Partnership Policy Officer (Health Improvement) on 01905 733822 or Email: traci.lloydmoore@worcestershire.nhs.uk. Please also see the attached flyer for more information.