HEALTHWATCH Hampshire launched has launched its 2018-19 Community Cash Fund.

The fund allows projects and groups across Hampshire to explore people’s experiences of local health and care services with the opportunity to be granted up to £2,000.

This year, the funding is focusing on projects that support people to stay well and prevent ill health both now and in the future. For example, projects that focus on positive lifestyle changes and self-help around drug use, alcoholism, falls prevention, obesity and diabetes.

Steve Manley, Healthwatch Hampshire manager, said: “The Community Cash Fund is such a brilliant project. We recognise that we can’t get out and speak to everyone that we would like to and we also know that people who are already based in local communities know much more than we do about their health needs.

“We love launching it every year as it’s so exciting to think about what kind of projects or community groups might get in touch with their ideas. This year we will award groups with up to £2,000 each that will enable them to make a real difference to their community.”

Healthwatch acts as a consumer champion for the public, patients, health and care service users, and their carers and families. As a community interest company, it uses evidence based on experiences to highlight national and local issues and trends in order to influence policy. By promoting consumer voices, Healthwatch ensures that the voices of people who use health and social care services are heard by the relevant people.

The Community Cash Fund allows this mission to go one step further by allowing people to make a difference.

For more details, visit healthwatchhampshire.co.uk/ccf. The deadline for applications is 5pm on May 31.