Grant scheme for health and wellbeing projects

A grant scheme which offers funding for projects which improve health and wellbeing in the district is open for applications.

The Wyre Forest Making It Happen Innovation Fund 2019 is open to voluntary and community sector and not-for-profit organisations. They can apply for grants of up to £10,000.

The grant scheme is being co-ordinated by Wyre Forest District Council. Applications will be assessed by an evaluation group which includes representatives from Wyre Forest District Council, Worcestershire County Council (Public Health) and Wyre Forest CCG. The funding will be allocated to projects which meet one of the priorities set out in the council’s Health and Wellbeing Plan or Wyre Forest Alliance Board priorities. This includes work to improve mental health and wellbeing, getting people active, reducing harm from alcohol, raising breast feeding rates and reducing smoking in pregnancy. They are also looking to help schemes which help people access care, manage their conditions and bring together care teams and specialist support.

Following the last round of funding Wyre Forest parkrun was set up. Now more than 200 parkruns have taken place in the forest with more than 150 people joining in the free 5k event every week. Funding was also awarded to Friends of St. George’s Park to set up and run their Let’s Eat The Park project. The community horticulture project is improving local food production and providing positive health outcomes.

Councillor Nicky Martin, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Health, Wellbeing and Democratic Services said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for local voluntary and community groups to apply for money for projects to improve health and wellbeing in the district. We are looking to support fresh and innovative ideas from the heart of the local community."

More information about the fund is available from www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/innovationfund. Applications need to be submitted online by Friday 18 October 2019.