Charitable health boost for the Borough

NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group logo

Charities, community and voluntary organisations are being invited to work with NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group in the plans to improve the health of the people Rochdale Borough.

Health chiefs at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale are inviting charity groups to apply for grants for 12-month projects which can demonstrate health and community benefits through: 

• Promoting and supporting a healthy lifestyle
• Supporting carers
• Supporting people to manage their own health and wellbeing
• Promoting mental wellbeing
• Involving the local community in health and wellbeing development projects
• Promoting local health initiatives

Dr Chris Duffy, Chairman of NHS HMR CCG, said: “We are keen to work with charities to benefit people and hope many local groups apply. We want to encourage and support local initiatives that can, or already do, make a real difference to the community.”

Charities should apply for grants before January 2013 and projects could include the improvement of health advice and activities in cancer support and in alcohol and drug sectors. Other areas include smoking cessation, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory health, older people, mental health and learning disabilities issues, autism, and exercised and fitness. We are also keen to work with organisations who can promote independence. We shall be working in conjunction with Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council throughout the grant process.

The decision-making Grant Panel will feature health experts from NHS HMR CCG, the Charity Service and patient representatives.

Dr Duffy added: “This is a great opportunity to work together with a whole range of voluntary organisations to benefit our Borough. And we’re looking forward to hearing about innovative health projects in which we may become involved.”

Request application packs via email: sue.dilworth@charityservice.org.uk and for application forms and grant guidance notes see www.charityservice.org.uk.