Falkirk organisations to be awarded funding to help tackle health inequalities

Interested organisations are being reminded to submit applications ahead of the summer deadline of Friday 17 June.

Organisations in Falkirk are being invited to apply for a new funding pot worth more than £772,000.

The new fund, launched by Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership, aims to help organisations widen access to community-based services in the Falkirk area which target health and social inequalities or improve health and wellbeing.

With funding available for the next two years, third sector organisations, community groups, and statutory bodies can apply for a maximum of £25,000 per year.

The Partnership is looking to fund projects which take creative approaches to addressing health inequalities and improving the wellbeing of people in Falkirk.

Applications for projects engaging with communities that may be less likely to access local services are encouraged. It is hoped that funding will be used to improve poor health outcomes within disadvantaged areas, and that projects will tackle a range of issues such as:

• Improving the physical and mental health and wellbeing of people in Falkirk
• Supporting vulnerable people to access help and care, particularly people who have been adversely by Covid 19
• Enabling people who provide care for family members or loved ones to take a break from their caring role
• Helping people to continue living in their own home and communities – whether that is through supporting the hospital discharge process, rehabilitation programmes, or general household support.

Patricia Cassidy, Chief Officer, Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership said: “Our colleagues in the third and voluntary sector deliver a vast range of care and support. Their efforts and innovative approach have always been valued by the people who access their support, but even more so during the pandemic.

“The launch of the Partnership’s new Health Inequalities and Wellbeing Fund will support local organisations to further development their services and support options, ultimately enriching the lives of people within our communities.”

Victoria McRae, Chief Executive, CVS Falkirk added: “Falkirk’s charities, social enterprises, and community groups have a strong history delivering projects which are making a lasting, valued, difference to the communities of Falkirk. I look forward to seeing the ideas and new services which flourish from this funding

“We know how creative the third sector can be, making them best placed to know what’s needed in our local communities.  This was true before the pandemic, but especially now, where we’ve all seen the impact on local people’s health and wellbeing, and the inequalities that already existed.”

With applications submitted prior to the spring deadline of Friday 15 April currently being reviewed, remaining interested organisations are being reminded to submit applications ahead of the summer deadline of Friday 17 June.