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The funding will support services and community programmes that encourage healthy eating and improve knowledge of and access to nutritious, affordable food.
The successful projects are:
- Community food programmes: £60,000 will be available over the next two years in grant schemes for community-based programmes that encourage healthy eating, cooking skills development, and better access to nutritious and affordable food
- Weston-super-Mare Food Club: £35,000 will support development of a Food Club in Weston-super-Mare, enabling fresh food provision, advice and support and cooking skills development
- Adult weight management courses: £63,000 is being provided to help North Somerset residents access 12-week weight management groups, for those at highest risk of poor outcomes linked to overweight or obesity
- Healthy lifestyle support: £5,440 will be allocated to the North Somerset Healthy Lifestyle Advisor service so that residents can access ongoing support to maintain a healthy weight and to pilot an Eat Well programme in three North Somerset workplaces
Anyone who is interested in attending one of the adult weight management groups can find out more at www.betterhealthns.co.uk where there is also information about how to access the Healthy Lifestyle support provided by the council.
Cllr Mike Bell, North Somerset Council’s Deputy Leader and executive member with responsibility for health, said: “I’m delighted that community organisations will benefit from this funding, which will help local people get support to eat well and access affordable and healthy food. The funding comes at an important time - with food prices and the cost of living rising, these programmes will help to make a difference to people who may be struggling the most.
“We also know that weight management services can help people to lose weight and improve their overall wellbeing. Our investment will help reduce health risks and tackle health inequalities. Taken together, funding for these programmes will help us achieve a more open, fairer and greener North Somerset.”
Dr John Heather, Clinical Lead for Weston, Worle and Villages Locality, and Dr Sarah Pepper, Clinical Lead for Woodspring Locality, said:
“Tackling health inequalities is a key priority for health and care partners locally. We’re pleased to be able to support four excellent community initiatives that will benefit the lives of many local people.”
The funding is part of a larger programme of support from the council and BNSSG ICB to enhance delivery of North Somerset’s joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021-2024. A range of schemes that address health and wellbeing priorities, such as mental health, being active, smoking, and alcohol use will be delivered as part of the strategy. Further details about the additional programmes and services being supported will be announced over the coming weeks.