People’s Health Trust new funding programme

The People's Health Trust has launched its new Active Communities Funding Programme in 24 local society areas across England, Scotland and Wales. The new funding programme aims to close the gap between communities experiencing the worst health in Great Britain and the majority of the population, and it will fund projects that encourage community activism.

Local charities, community groups and not-for-profit limited companies can apply for grants of between £5,000 and £25,000 to help with capital costs. Projects must make a positive difference to the local community over the long term and the total project cost should be less than £50,000.

The programme focuses on people living in the poorest neighbourhoods because people living there will on average:

• Die seven years younger than people living in richer neighbourhoods.
• Spend 17 years more of their shortened lives with disability than people living in richer neighbourhoods.
• Have higher rates of mental health problems.
• Have a lower quality of life.

The fund aims to put local skills and knowledge to use to make local communities better places in which to grow up, to live, to work and to age. Projects should be designed by local people and bring communities together, creating a sense of belonging and encouraging local people to take ownership of activities and services that take place in their neighbourhoods.

Eligible groups should have an annual income of less than £200,000 a year and a bank account with at least two signatories. There will be a six week opportunity to apply for the Active Communities Funding programme, which is currently open in 24 local society areas. For further information, including an application form, guidelines and deadlines, visit www.peopleshealthtrust.org.uk/index.php/apply-for-funding/active-communities-programme?dm_i=10CZ,105VD,6BNZPE,31Y6Q,1

People's Health Trust is an independent charity that works to address health inequalities across Britain. It distributes money raised by 51 society lotteries through The Health Lottery.