Derbyshire County Council has awarded six organisations a total of £38,495 to deliver projects which improve the health and wellbeing of vulnerable people.

The grants have been awarded through Derbyshire Health and Housing Group to reduce health inequalities through improved housing standards.

The group invited applications and awarded the funding following a priority screening programme.

Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, Councillor Dave Allen, said: "These organisations provide valuable and necessary support to vulnerable people whose health is affected by the standard of their housing.

"We're pleased to be able to help them continue the important work they do to improve health and tackle inequalities such as the life expectancy gap, which between some parts of our county is as much as 13 years.


"This is completely unacceptable and along with our other anti-poverty work such as supporting credit unions and food banks we're committed to tackling this issue."

The following six organisations have been awarded funding to deliver housing-related programmes:

FairPlay − £5,000

A project to increase independence, provide long-term housing and encourage healthy lifestyles for young people with learning disabilities in north Derbyshire.

Derventio Housing Trust − £6,503

To provide work experience to disadvantaged and homeless people and encourage healthy lifestyles.

North Derbyshire Women's Aid − £7,963

Funding to support an out-of-hours helpline and drop-in service for victims of domestic violence and abuse.

Future's Homescape − £1,362

To provide skills and support to people who need help to live independently.

Erewash Borough Council − £8,000

A 'warmth in the home' project to identify children under five and people aged over 65 in low-income households and carry out heating and insulation improvements.

North East Derbyshire District Council, Bolsover District Council and Chesterfield Borough Council − £9,667

Projects to support homeless and vulnerable people and reduce the number of times they need to visit hospital accident and emergency departments.

Funding is allocated for one year and organisations are required to provide information about what benefits the grants have achieved to ensure they are being used effectively.

(CD/MH)