Community health projects have been granted £125,000 in funding from the NHS and private sector investors.

Nine groups have received funding from a programme jointly orchestrated by the NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board (ICB) and healthcare property investor, Assura plc.

These projects are designed to address health and wellbeing issues within communities and range from a Wellbeing Café Project aimed at combating social isolation to mentoring for pupils transitioning from primary to secondary school.

Assistant director of community and strategic partnerships at NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB, Andréa Grosbois said: "Congratulations to those who successfully bid for a community grant.

"Putting money into local projects means more people can access additional health and wellbeing support that is right for them, in their own community."

Ms Grosbois further expressed admiration for the innovative thinking she saw in the applications and the impact these projects will have on local community health.

Programme director at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Voluntary Sector Network, Sandie Smith, commented on the selection process, stating:“It has been an honour to review all the applications we received.

"It was a tough process, with the successful applicants showcasing how their projects will make a real difference to local people’s lives.

"We thank all those who applied.”

Assura head of social impact, Karen Nolan, is proud of these community outreach efforts.

She said: “Our community fund is one of our proudest achievements as a business.

"It has allowed us to help support vulnerable people in the communities near our buildings for the last four years.

"We are delighted to be able to support projects that do such brilliant work in providing support to people who need it.”

The Assura Community Fund is managed by the Cheshire Community Foundation, ensuring that the grants make a positive impact on the communities that need them the most.