Healthy heart community projects can now apply for £10,000 grants

Community groups in Scotland that are helping to encourage people to improve their heart health can now apply for a £10,000 grant.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the world’s biggest killers, and the aim of the Healthy Heart grants is to work within communities that may not have access to health initiatives.

The grant is available from Monday for new projects that promote healthy hearts and aim to reduce the risk of heart disease in their community.

Since 2001, Heart Research UK has awarded over 300 community grants, directly benefiting the hearts of over 70,000 individuals and countless wider community and family members across all regions of the UK..

Projects should deliver health initiatives such as cooking skills, healthy eating and accessible exercise and should promote mental wellbeing and encourage people to be active.

The grants are only available to not-for-profit organisations, including charities, community groups, voluntary organisations and sports groups.

Last year, the Scotland grant was awarded to Nutrition Scotland’s new programme, which supported residents at risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in one of Glasgow’s most disadvantaged areas.

The aim was to bring people together with food through cooking and nutrition classes that focused on reducing risk factors of CVD.

Kate Bratt-Farrar, chief executive of Heart Research UK, said: “Through the Healthy Heart grants we hope to encourage people across the whole country to make healthier choices and give them practical help to do so.

“These grants are available to ensure everyone has the chance to benefit from a healthier, happier and longer life.

“We’re looking for new and innovative projects that really have an impact, especially if they aim to improve the health of at risk or hard to reach communities.”

The deadline for applying is May 2 and can be done by visiting the website.