Local voluntary and community organisations have been awarded a share of £2 million by NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, to deliver projects that will improve the health and wellbeing of local people.

Launched in March 2023, the Healthier Futures Fund gave local voluntary and community organisations the chance to bid for funding to tackle key health and wellbeing challenges within their communities, and address health inequalities. The funding has been split across two rounds, with the first round of winners announced today.

Kit Connick, Chief Officer Strategy and Partnerships at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, part of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Integrated Care System, said: “We’re delighted that through our Healthier Futures Fund we’re able to invest in the voluntary sector to support health delivery. Thanks to their strong links with local people, voluntary and community organisations, the sector can play an integral role in improving health and wellbeing.

“Congratulations to our first round of winners. They impressed us with their deep understanding of the health and wellbeing challenges and inequalities faced by their local communities.

“We know they’re already making great steps in improving the lives of the people they work with, and we’re confident their work will continue to add a huge value to breaking down barriers.

“The quality, knowledge and passion shown across all applications was inspiring, which meant our selection process was tough. The final panel, made up of representatives from voluntary organisations, local authority, public health, and NHS, had to make some difficult decisions.

“We appreciate the effort and time that everyone invested when preparing and applying for the fund and look forward to seeing these successful projects get underway.”

Projects awarded as part of the first round include:

John Rooke, Managing Director of the North Care Partnership, said: “The winners know from their own experience what their communities in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough want and need to support their own health and wellbeing. It’s this grassroots level of knowledge that helps local people live healthier and happier lives and prevent serious illness and hospitalisation.

Heather Noble, Managing Director of the South Care Partnership, added: “We look forward to working in partnership with the successful organisations as they work closely with health, care, and other voluntary services in our communities.”

The second, and final, round of winners will be announced in Spring 2024.