Hopes £500k funding will boost community wellbeing

Councillor Howard Brown (middle) said the fund would help groups provide more support to communities (also pictured are Amanda Healy, Durham County Council's director of public health, left, and Michelle Cooper, chief executive at Point North, right)

About half a million pounds is being made available to community groups in County Durham in a bid to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Durham County Council said it was launching the Thriving Together scheme to "boost community resilience" after a survey found only half of adults in its most disadvantaged areas said they had good mental health.

The annual fund will help projects and activities that help to tackle lower-level mental health concerns and social isolation.

Cabinet member for adult and health services Howard Brown said the programme was created to bring people together and offer "targeted support to build stronger, more resilient communities".

"We know that many residents are finding things tough right now, and it's affecting both their mental and physical health," the Reform UK councillor said.

"In our recent Wellbeing Survey, only half of adults living in the most disadvantaged areas of County Durham said they had good mental health."

Brown added local grassroots groups were key to providing support, as "they often connect with people who might not feel comfortable using other services".

"This fund will help these groups offer a wider range of activities and reach more residents across the county, without them having to reapply for financial help each year," he said.

The council is working with community foundation Point North on delivering the programme.

Individual grants range between £5,000 and £25,000.

Community and youth groups, voluntary organisations, sports clubs and church and village halls are among those who can apply by 23 November.

It is hoped the scheme will also raise awareness of available support to reduce feelings of anxiety and prevent suicide.

Funding will also be made available for training of staff and volunteers.