Hackney health groups to benefit from £300K cash boost

Community and voluntary groups are to benefit from a £300,000 fund set aside by Hackney Council to boost the ‘health and happiness’ of the borough.

The new grants scheme, the Healthier Hackney Fund, supports projects that aim to improve residents’ wellbeing. Organisations confronting issues such as smoking, mental health, substance misuse and sexual health will all be considered.

Successful bidders will receive a portion of the grant, from £1000 up to £30,000 depending on the project.

Groups will also receive specialist support from the Council’s public health staff to maximise the impact of projects.

Cllr Jonathan McShane, Cabinet member for health, said: “Councils are learning to work smarter and achieve more with the same money. We know that local partners and external organisations sometimes have better ways of doing things, so the Healthier Hackney Fund was set up to make the most of those ideas and the energy and connections these groups have.

“It is a huge opportunity to unite everyone in the borough behind the common cause of improving health and wellbeing and making Hackney a happier, healthier place to live.”