- Improving the health and wellbeing of our local residents
- Apply online by 9am on Friday 7 February 2025
The Cheltenham health and wellbeing community grant fund is inviting applications for community-based projects, aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of local residents and the communities they live in.
Delivered with local NHS partners, the funding supports local organisations that work to prevent health inequalities and help people feel more connected to the communities they live in or identify with.
Some successes from previous years include Creative Age, an arts-based community project for people with dementia and their carers based at Bethesda Church. Leckhampton Rovers Football Club ‘Let’s Get Active’ programme offers free outdoor activities in Burrows Fields, Leckhampton, including running, fitness classes, and cricket.
Cllr Martin Horwood, cabinet member for economic development, culture, tourism and wellbeing, said:
“I am really pleased that for the third year running, we are able to work with the NHS to create this much needed grant fund and that we’re able to increase that funding this year.”.
“I know many people in Cheltenham face both physical and emotional health and wellbeing challenges, but that there are also many pressures on the organisations that support them. That includes health, public and community-based organisations. So, it’s great that this gives us an opportunity to help their work.
“We’re going to work even harder this year to make the grants evidence led. And the public health team at Shire Hall have provided us with valuable data revealing some of the key challenges we face in Cheltenham, including young people’s mental health.
“We look forward to seeing what great local projects come forward that will make a real difference to the wellbeing of people in Cheltenham”.
The six district and borough councils in Gloucestershire have been given access to money from the Strengthening Local Communities Fund to support health and wellbeing, with each area developing a plan for how to direct the funding.
In Cheltenham, the council is working with Cheltenham Integrated Locality Partnership (ILP) that brings health, care and community partners together.
Bronwyn Barnes, associate director for locality development at NHS Gloucestershire, said:
“Through the Cheltenham ILP, we are working together alongside partners to tackle the root cause of health inequalities and improve health and wellbeing in Cheltenham. We also want to empower people in Cheltenham to improve their health and wellbeing.
“I’m delighted that the council has decided to use Strengthening Local Communities funding to offer grants to local community projects. These projects will help people lead more active lifestyles, encourage greater access to the natural environment and promote the health benefits of taking part in cultural activities.”
Last year the council supported 16 projects with a total of £113k worth of grants. This included support for:
- Cheltenham Town Community Trust – Let’s Talk Football: Supporting older adults who are socially isolated, including those affected by dementia and memory loss.
- Art for All: A project helping adults manage their mental health through supportive, tutored art classes.
- Move More – Move More Clubs: Clubs that encourage children to try a variety of activities, develop new skills, and improve their mental wellbeing through sport and play.
Information on the other recipients of last year’s grants is available on the council’s website.
Organisations are being encouraged to apply online by 9am on Friday 7 February 2025.
