GRANTS of up to £1,500 will soon be available for local people to improve well-being in their community.

Healthwatch Surrey is launching a Community Cash Fund for 2016/17 to help individuals and small groups undertake projects to boost wellbeing in their local communities.

Last year, the fund supported six projects including seated dance sessions for older people living alone and a video project made by young people locally about their experiences of mental health issues.

Jacquie Pond, Healthwatch Surrey engagement officer, said: “If you have an idea that will help local people to speak up about local health services that will boost their wellbeing, this is your chance to make it happen. You don’t have to be from a registered charity or group – all projects will be judged on merit.”

Interested groups or individuals will need to complete a short application form by the Friday, September 9, - winners will be announced the following week on Friday, September 16.

To meet the criteria projects need to increase the participation and involvement of disadvantaged communities in health and social care related services.

As well as increase the feedback from hard to reach or seldom heard communities about health and social care services, and improve the wellbeing of hard to reach or seldom heard communities through involvement.

More information about the Community Cash Fund and how to apply can be found at www.healthwatchsurrey.co.uk/community-cash-fund.