The NHS Rotherham Small Grants Scheme has been running for the past two years.  This year £10,000 has been made available to support local schemes.
 
Local groups and projects have until December to submit bids for up to £500 of funding.  Bids will be examined and awarded by one of two grants panels taking place in September and January.  Priority will be given to projects that best fit the scheme’s priorities, which include: 

• Supporting people with long-term conditions
• Improving health in pregnancy and during the first months of life
• Reducing obesity
• Supporting children with complex needs and mental health problems, and/or their families
• Increase awareness of mental health
• Support to those experiencing mental health problems and/or their carers
• Reducing smoking
• Supporting people at the end of life
• Encourage people to have a say about health services

The scheme has been running for two years and has provided over £15,000 in grants for local organisations.  These have ranged from gardening schemes, through exercise taster sessions, to health awareness projects.  Because of the small grants, we have:
 

• People growing their own fruit and vegetables.
• A children and young people’s group are improving oral care and hygiene.
• Playgroups are more ‘sun aware’.
• Older people keeping well and active (including on the Wii!).
• People who have had a stroke have been able to try out sports and activities to help them regain health and mobility.

Applications are welcomed from a wide range of groups and organisations working in Rotherham and there is no restriction on the number of times groups and organisations can apply. 
 
The grants panel is made up of a member of the NHS Rotherham’s Patient and Public Engagement Team, a representative from NHS Rotherham Public Health and members of the Rotherham Health Network.
 
Start-up grants are also available for groups wishing to start up a health-based organisation or non-profit related idea, project or group.  Applications are sought until 31st December 2011.

All applications are checked to ensure that applications will benefit the people of Rotherham and that the best possible use is being made of public money.
 
For more information on NHS Rotherham Small Grants Scheme please contact Yvonne Nettleton on 01709 302612 or email: ppeteam@rotherham.nhs.uk
You can also find out more at www.rotherham.nhs.uk
 

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