Wrexham Groups Receive Healthy Boost to Coffers

04 November 2008

Wrexham Groups Receive Healthy Boost to Coffers

Eleven groups are set to receive a cash boost after successfully applying for grant money as part of Health Challenge Wrexham Week.

A wide variety of new initiatives will now be made possible across the County Borough thanks to the funding that allowed groups to apply for monies up to £1000 each.

The money has allowed the purchase of activity equipment, the production of healthy recipe booklets, provision of healthy breakfasts, as well as enabling one group to buy ingredients to allow cookery sessions to take place.

The week has been made possible thanks to £25,000 of funding from the Welsh Assembly Government to promote Health Challenge Wrexham. A total of £10,423.71 has been distributed to various groups within the County Borough to help Wrexham become a healthier and fitter place to live and work.

One of the successful groups is the Coedpoeth Development Committee. Jeanette Blackford said that their £1,000 will help purchase tools and equipment to provide a Community Garden Project, on a piece of land next to the new Plas Pentwyn centre. She said: "This is an excellent start to our project. The idea is to involve the whole community and build raised beds to grow vegetables, a wild flower garden and plant some fruit trees."

It is hoped the project, to be run for the community by the community will involve all age groups from local school children to older people. The garden will be easily accessible for everyone and help promote healthy eating and exercise.

Lead Member for Social Care and Health, Cllr Joan Lowe said: "We are working hard with our partners to raise awareness of the issues surrounding health and well-being. We now have more opportunities to reinforce the message that making simple changes to our lifestyles can make a big difference to our health and well-being."

The Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr David Griffiths today presented the cheques to all eleven groups. He said: "This is a great way to enable our communities to help themselves to become fitter and healthier. I wish them all the very best with each of their projects."