Bids sought for health fund cash

4:03pm Friday 29th August 2008

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WORCESTERSHIRE organisations are being reminded to attend a workshop explaining how they can put in a bid for £1 million for health improvement schemes across the county.

The Worcestershire Partnership announced the launch of the three-year £1 million Health Improvement Fund in June.

Organisations are invited to submit bids of up to £75,000 for projects that help deliver the health targets in Worcestershire’s Local Area Agreement (LAA), namely:

• Increase adult participation in sport

• Reduce the number of people admitted to hospital because of injuries caused by alcohol

• Reduce obesity among primary school children

• Increase the opportunities for young people to take part in positive activities

• Reduce the number of under-18s falling pregnant

• Reduce the number of deaths from circulatory diseases among under-75s

• Reduce the number of people who smoke

Applications may be for capital or revenue, may be for small amounts and can be for one or more years funding (within the lifetime of the 2008-2011 LAA).

Two hundred thousand pounds is available in the first year of the fund and the closing date for applications is October 30.

Dr Richard Harling, director of public health for Worcestershire said: "Better health is a priority for the county. This fund will give local people and communities an opportunity to develop projects to help them to be healthier."

Conservative county councillor, John Smith, cabinet member for health improvement, said: "Local people know what the barriers to healthier lifestyles are and what they need to overcome them.

“Until now, they haven't been able to access funding to help them. This is a fantastic opportunity to get some great projects going and bring a real benefit to the health of our communities."

An information workshop to explain more about the fund and to give help on how to apply will take place on Tuesday, from 1.30pm until 3.30pm in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Worcester.

Places for the workshop should be booked with Trish Tame, on 01905 733735 or trish.tame@worcspct.nhs.uk.