There's still time to apply to 1 million pound health improvement fund
The Worcestershire Partnership launched the £1 million Health Improvement Fund in September 2008 to help delivery of the core Health Improvement targets of the 2008-11 Local Area Agreement (LAA). Since then a total of 26 projects around the county have received funding for a wide range of projects that have delivered real outcomes in terms of improving the health and well-being of people of all ages in the community.
The fund's third and final round was launched at the end of November and organisations have up until 29 January to submit their bids.
Local organisations are invited to submit bids of up to £75,000 for projects that will help deliver the health targets in Worcestershire’s LAA, namely:
* Increasing adult participation in sport
* Reducing the number of people admitted to hospital because of injuries caused by alcohol
* Reducing obesity among primary school children (year 6)
* Increasing opportunities for young people to take part in positive activities
* Reducing the number of under 18s falling pregnant
* Reducing the number of deaths from circulatory diseases amongst under 75s
* Reducing the number of people who smoke
Dr Richard Harling, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire, said: “The third round of grants provides another opportunity for local communities to develop their own projects and promote healthier lifestyles. It was clear from the response we received from the previous two rounds of grants that communities are keen to make the most of it.”
Councillor John Smith, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health Improvement, added: “The projects we’ve already awarded grants to are making a real difference to health in Worcestershire. It’s fantastic that local people now have the chance to access funding and overcome barriers to healthy lifestyles.”
The deadline for the next round of applications is 4pm Friday, 29 January 2010. Successful bids will be announced by the end of March 2010.
More information about the Health Improvement Fund and application packs can be found on the Worcestershire Partnership website at:
www.worcestershirepartnership.org.uk/healthandsocialcare