Organisations within the Wealden district are being encouraged to apply for funding as part of the Tackling Inequalities Through Physical Activity programme.

East Sussex Public Health has released funds to Wealden District Council to deliver a third round of grant funding to support organisations which specifically work towards reducing inequalities and aim to deliver better health outcomes within the district. The funding can support existing projects or new ideas, which provide direct support to the local community. It includes anything from gardening clubs to seated exercise sessions and more.

Previous rounds of funding over the past two years have provided funding to 11 organisations within the district. These include The Good Company People, which increases fitness levels through exercise for over 65s; The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), which provides residents with practical conservation activities to increase mental wellbeing through a Green Gym project, and Rotherfield St Martin which has used the funding to support hydrotherapy sessions helping those with arthritis, stiffness of joints and those recovering from hip or knee surgery.

Vicky Cheeseman, charity manager at Rotherfield St. Martin, said “We were one of the organisations which received funding from Wealden District Council as part of the phase two Tackling Inequalities Through Physical Activity programme. The funding awarded to us has been used to support the physical health of over 50s in fun and inclusive ways. I would encourage any organisations in the Wealden district to apply for the phase three funding.”

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Public Health, Wellbeing and Asset Management said, “This funding is important to tackle the inequalities that we see in physical activity. Research has been undertaken by Active Sussex which found that there are four priority groups at risk of health inequalities.

“We want to give funding to organisations that will reduce health inequalities in the district whilst increasing the opportunity for people to lead healthy and happy lives, create better and stronger communities and social interaction.”

To apply for funding, email wellbeing@wealden.gov.uk.

Allocations will be prioritised in order of the ability to deliver activities and interventions to Wealden. Applications open from 8 July 2024 and must be submitted by 3 September 2024 and can be made for amounts between £1,000 and £15,000.