£1 million Healthier Communities Fund

Press Release: Local MP Mary Creagh was on hand on Friday 13th June 2008 to launch the innovative  Healthier Communities Fund at St George's Church in Lupset. The event, organised by VOX Community Empowerment Network, saw over 100 representatives from community and voluntary groups from across the District come together with local health workers to find out more. The event included the opportunity to ask questions about the Fund to a panel of experts including Alan Wittrick, Chief Executive of NHS Wakefield District Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Director of Public Health, Mike Robinson.

The PCT has put £1m into the fund, which is jointly administered by VOX and Voluntary Action Wakefield District. The money will be made available in grants for local community and voluntary organisations to tackle specific health issues.

Grants from £10,000 to £100,000 will be awarded to those groups who can provide good quality services that contribute towards:

• helping people with long term conditions to remain independent
• preventing and managing childhood obesity.

Mary Creagh MP said, "I think it's absolutely vital that local people and local organisations have an input into helping people make healthier choices and as a result of that, lead healthier, happier and longer lives. I look forward to the impact this new fund will make on reducing health inequalities in Wakefield."

Alan Wittrick said: "It is clear that there are a large number of voluntary sector organisations doing really good work in the Wakefield District who are already contributing to our health objectives. However, the potential to develop this sector even more is clearly visible and the Healthier Communities Fund has been set up to do just that."

For more information about the Fund please contact:

Voluntary Action Wakefield District, 01924 367418, hcf@vawd.org.uk