£1m made available for health projects and partnerships

TWO Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in Leeds have invested a total of £1m in their communities to improve health and wellbeing across the North, South and East of the city.

A new grants programme – the NHS CCG Third Sector Health Grants scheme – will target ways to help to reduce the gap in life expectancy between the most deprived and most affluent communities and reduce health inequalities in Leeds.

NHS Leeds North CCG and NHS Leeds South and East CCG have launched the funds, which will be managed by Leeds Community Foundation.

Andy Harris, clinical chief officer of NHS Leeds South and East CCG, highlighted the range of health challenges, including “high levels of obesity, large numbers of people with alcohol and smoking related illnesses, and higher rates of infant mortality”.

Funding is available to support various projects, such as developing or delivering services, establishing and maintaining partnerships and involving local people in community activities surrounding health and wellbeing.

Activities being targeted include tackling alcohol addiction, providing support for those with mental health concerns and addressing the healthcare needs of children and infants.

Nigel Gray, chief officer of NHS Leeds North CCG, said “The third sector is a valuable ally in the challenges we face as a city, so it is important that we engage with its members and empower them to deliver their innovative ideas to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people in North Leeds.”