GROUPS driving vital health projects to benefit their communities have been given the opportunity to bid for funding to make their own healthy ambitions become a reality.

GROUPS driving vital health projects to benefit their communities have been given the opportunity to bid for funding to make their own healthy ambitions become a reality.

The Healthy Ambitions Suffolk grants programme currently has about �200,000 available each year until 2012 for both new and existing health projects which will benefit people living and working in the county.

Three separate grant schemes are available, with initiatives of all sizes invited to step forward and apply for a share of the funding. The schemes are small grants (from �250 to �900); healthy living grants (up to �4,000) and large grants (up to �15,000).

All of the grants are aimed at community and voluntary groups run and led by local people. This could include residents and tenants groups, allotment societies, self-help groups or any organisations working to promote health and wellbeing.

Sally Hogg, head of improvement partnerships at NHS Suffolk, said: 'We are delighted to announce the launch of the Healthy Ambitions Suffolk grants programme, which will offer vital financial help to a whole range of grassroots organisations from around the county.

'We are keen to hear from any projects which show fresh approaches and new ideas for addressing health issues within our communities. This could include a whole range of initiatives, such as new self-help groups, setting up community allotments or projects to improve mental health and wellbeing.'

Anyone interested in a Healthy Ambitions Suffolk grant should contact The Suffolk Foundation, which is managing the scheme, to discuss their ideas before making an application. Sue Wright, who is coordinating the project, can give further guidance and is available on 01473 734127.