£750,000 health boost

by Chris Pollard

A BIG boost is on the way for the new Healthy Hailsham project thanks to a million lottery grant.

However, the director of the Hailsham East Community Partnership, Carolyn Lambert, is still trying to work out why their original bid for a full 1million was cut short.

'I'm totally in the dark about why we've had this reduced offer,' she said. 'We don't know what we're going to do with the money just yet, but reductions will have to be made in our plans.'

The cash will fund various activities in the town which aim to improve people's general well-being. These may include classes in speech, tooth care, exercise and healthy eating.

Other schemes, which will run from the Hailsham East Community Centre and Lagoon leisure centre, may include guidance on sexual health and substance misuse, plus 'stop smoking' sessions and a 'grow a healthy garden' project.

In the original Healthy Hailsham plan, there would have been four main projects: Healthy Families, Active Communities, Grow Healthy and Substance Misuse.

However, since the 250,000 shortfall in funding, the group will have to draw up a list of priorities and reduce or drop some of the less important schemes.

Carolyn said: 'I don't know what it was they didn't like in our original plan, but they're refusing to say and are refusing to budge.'

The money is part of a 6.5million grant for similar projects all over the South East. It was released by the National Lottery New Opportunities Fund on Wednesday.

Chief executive of the fund, Stephen Dunmore, said this week: 'The schemes we're funding will help people to buy healthy foods locally and enjoy new leisure opportunities.

'Preventative health schemes such as dental care for children and information and advice for young people will encourage healthier lifestyle choices for future generations.'

East Sussex County Council received a grant of 999,445 for their Food and Health Partnership organisation, while 787,004 was given to Sussex Rural Community Council for a 'Surf Bus' outreach service.

County gets a million: Page 16.