Ten inspiring projects across York have been awarded a total of £57,585 in funding to tackle health inequalities in local communities.
The funding, provided by contributions from City of York Council Public Health through the COVID recovery grant (issued in 2022 to spend over three years) and NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), is managed by York CVS through the VCSE Health Inequalities Small Grants Fund.
This initiative supports local Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations to deliver impactful work that promotes early intervention and prevention. The selected projects aim to help individuals access and navigate health services, improve their experiences with health and social care and support healthier lifestyles.
The projects will focus on delivering positive outcomes aligned with the CORE20PLUS5 framework. This national NHS England approach aims to address health disparities by focusing on the 20% most deprived communities and key priority groups, ensuring targeted interventions for adults, children and young people.
Cllr Lucy Steels-Walshaw, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, at City of York Council, said: “We are delighted to support the VCSE Health Inequalities Small Grants Fund through the COVID recovery grant, which is making a tangible difference by enabling local organisations to address health inequalities across York. These projects reflect the power of community-led initiatives to improve health outcomes and create lasting impact.”
Sarah Coltman-Lovell, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board York Place Director, said: “This funding exemplifies the shared commitment of City of York Council and NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board to investing in innovative, grassroots solutions to tackle some of our most pressing health challenges. Congratulations to all the successful projects – we look forward to seeing the positive change they will bring.”
Alison Semmence, Chief Executive Officer at York CVS, said: “At a time when we know many Voluntary and Community Sector organisations are struggling to find the funds to support those in greatest need, we are very pleased to be able to distribute these grants which will make a difference to so many lives.”
The successful organisations, who have now received funding to deliver their projects, are:
| Organisation name | Project name |
| Home-Start York | Home Visiting Support |
| Next Door But One | POW: Power of Women |
| Refugee Action York | Health & Wellbeing for Asylum Seekers |
| Big Futures Foundation | Counselling and Life Skills Project |
| The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) | Wild and inclusive Fridays |
| Generate | Selkie Swim: Trans-inclusive swimming sessions in York |
| York In Recovery CIC | Nourish & Nurture |
| Eimaan Culture and Community Services CIC | Building Awareness, improving Fitness and Access to healthcare for Underrepresented groups |
| Night-Light Theatre CIC | Create-to-Connect |
| York RLFC Foundation | ‘On The Same Team’- Helping people with Learning Disabilities to live more healthily |
York CVS, in collaboration with City of York Council Public Health and the NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB, is proud to support these vital initiatives, recognising the power of grassroots organisations in driving meaningful change.
For more details on the VCSE Health Inequalities Small Grants Fund and its objectives, visit: https://www.yorkcvs.org.uk/funding-and-grants/vcse-health-inequalities-small-grants-fund/.