Communities for Health Initiative

Middlesbrough Council in partnership with NHS Middlesbrough awarded 29 grants to local community led projects to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents. The Communities for Health Initiatives scheme, funded through Department of Health ‘Communities for Health’ and ‘Healthy Town’ processes aimed at encouraging and supporting community and voluntary groups in Middlesbrough.

Community and voluntary groups were able to apply for a grant up to £5000 for schemes or activities that tackled health inequalities, with particular emphasis on reducing the prevalence of obesity in Middlesbrough. Applicants were required to demonstrate their projects were designed to encourage local people to increase their levels of physical activity and/or improve their diet through healthier eating, In addition to sustainability of the projects.

In year 1 (2009/2010) of the Communties for Health Initiatives Scheme £91,868.19 was awarded to local community groups for projects that ranged from gardening and cooking clubs to chair exercises, dance groups and sporting activities.

For further information about any of the projects, please contact Rayees Rashid or Stephen Newham on 01642 728247 / 728204 or email food&safety@middlesbrough.gov.uk