Liverpool community groups who want to improve residents' wellbeing through environmental projects have been given a cash boost to kick-start their plans.
Liverpool Primary Care Trust (PCT) is making a total of £100,000 available to groups who can bring health and wellbeing benefits to the local community by using or improving the city’s natural environment. The Natural Choices for Health scheme has been developed in partnership with The Mersey Forest as part of the Decade of Health and Wellbeing. Groups can apply for a grant of up to £7,500.
Gideon Ben-Tovim, Chair of Liverpool PCT said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for community groups to make a real difference to not only their immediate environment but also to the health and wellbeing of people within their communities, and it seems extremely appropriate that we’re launching it during the first year of 2020 Decade of Health and Wellbeing.
“Examples of schemes are anything from community food growing to planting trees, or taking over an uncared for area for the benefit of the whole community - we want groups to be as creative as possible and come up with exciting new ideas. This is a wonderful opportunity for communities and we hope to receive applications from as many groups as possible.”
To meet the criteria community groups must demonstrate that their scheme makes positive use of the natural environment and helps people achieve as many as possible of the five ways to wellbeing, which are:
* Connect…
* Be active…
* Take notice…
* Keep learning…
* Give…
A simple Expression of Interest must be submitted prior to applications and these must be received by 2nd September 2011.
More information about criteria for the scheme and how to apply is available at: www.projectdirtliverpool.com/naturalchoices
The fund was inspired by the work carried out for Liverpool PCT and Liverpool City Council to develop a green infrastructure strategy for the city. The strategy was prepared by The Mersey Forest with input from many organisations and individuals. Liverpool PCT is working in partnership with The Mersey Forest to deliver this programme.
For more information about the scheme or for advice and guidance please call The Mersey Forest Offices on 01925 816 217.
More information about 2020 Decade of Health and Wellbeing is available by logging on to www.2020healthandwellbeing.org.uk.
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