The successful projects are:

10 Count Boxing Gym CIC

The grant funding will support Chairfit, a free speciliased exercise class in Bentilee for older people and those unable to attend regular exercise classes. The twice weekly classes keep people active and socially connected which reduces the burden on local healthcare services by preventing falls and GP visits. ChairFIt has grown from five to 20 highly engaged members and the funding will enable to project to grow further and pay for equipment.

Breathe Easy North Staffordshire Community Group

The group is launching a new community-based exercise programme to improve lung health, confidence and wellbeing for people living with chronic respiratory conditions. The two weekly exercise classes will be held at accessible football club venues and are designed to help participants to keep exercising after NHS Pulmonary Rehabilitation and to reduce isolation through peer support.

The Portland Inn Project CIC

The Portland Inn Project are transforming a derelict pub in an area of Hanley into a creative community building. Building on last year’s project which revealed a number of community concerns including noise and air pollution, poor housing, flytipping and fear of crime. The project is now planning to deliver a community led programme of events, leading to the development of a Healthy Neighbourhood Welcome Pack and includes a neighbourhood pact for how to continue making improvements in the local area.

Project 93

Project 93 tackles health inequalities for trans and gender diverse people in Stoke-on-Trent. They will scale up their Trans Awareness training, inclusive practice and signposting which was delivered to staff at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust. They aim to target a further 300 health care workers at the Hospital, Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and Primary Care through face-to-face and online training. They will also work with Cancer Screening and Autism Services to increase take up and engagement.

Stoke Your Gratitude C.I.C

This creative project will transform complex health inequality issues into short memorable songs that make learning engaging and accessible. Using entertainment/education methods, the project turns evidence and lived experience into creative storytelling to be shared with Community Health Champions and third sector organisations. The songs aim to address a number of health inequalities arising from economic and environmental factors, access barriers, discrimination and stigma and isolation and mental health.

The South Asian Health Initiative

The project aims to improve health and wellbeing of women in the south Asian and wider community at three venues across the city. Sessions will include strengthening mobility and cardiovascular exercises for various fitness levels as well as workshops covering nutrition, diabetes prevention, weight management and mental wellbeing to support lifestyle changes. The project targets adults at risk of health inequalities, providing culturally appropriate support to encourage long term engagement and will be delivered in both English and Urdu.