The East Durham Trust is inviting organisations to apply for the cash from the Communities for Health fund, which has been allocated using Department of Health money.

Any community group or centre may be eligible to apply for a grant between £500 and £10,000, if it provides activities or supports one or more of key criteria.

Five east Durham groups have already benefitted from more than £15,000 in funding since the cash became available in September.

These include physical activity, obesity, food and health programmes, cancer awareness, prevention and survivorship, tobacco control and stop smoking services, teenage pregnancy and sexual health, cardiovascular disease primary prevention, reducing alcohol-related harm and domestic abuse.

This initiative enables small community groups to play a fuller part in the delivery of health-related services to local communities.
Funding is available as either capital or revenue funding, or as a combination of both.

Malcolm Fallow, East Durham Trust's chief executive, said "This is a tremendous opportunity for community groups who want to make a contribution to improving the health of people in the community.

"We are happy to consider support for anything from exercise classes to gym equipment and healthy eating courses, provided the groups meet the criteria. Over £15,000 has already been awarded to five community groups, so get in while you can!"

The fund is available on a rolling programme and must be used by March, next year.

If your community group or centre is interested in applying to the Communities for Health grant fund contact Colin Jackson at East Durham Trust on (0191) 5693511 or email colin.jackson@eastdurhamtrust.org.uk.