Community groups that are helping local people look after their hearts are invited to apply for a £10,000 grant from national charity Heart Research UK.

The grants are available for new and innovative projects that promote healthy hearts and are aiming to reduce the risk of heart disease in their community. One grant will be awarded to each of the 12 UK regions.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the world’s biggest killers. Since 2001, Heart Research UK has awarded over 300 community grants and claims to have benefited the hearts of over 70,000 individuals.

Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said: “Through the Healthy Heart grants we hope to encourage people across the whole country to make healthier choices and give them practical help to do so. These grants are available to ensure everyone has the chance to benefit from a healthier, happier and longer life.

“We’re looking for new and innovative projects that really have an impact, especially if they aim to improve the health of at risk or hard to reach communities.”

Projects should deliver health initiatives such as cooking skills, healthy eating and accessible exercise and should promote mental wellbeing and encourage people to be active. The grants are only available to not-for-profit organisations, including charities, community groups, voluntary organisations and sports groups.

Exim Dance Company (pictured) was awarded £9,350 by the charity last year to support their work with young people in Plymouth. Exim’s Dance and Wellbeing Programme delivers engaging dance sessions tailored to the age and ability of the 75 group members. The sessions promote and increase physical activity for the young people involved, as well as providing education on topics such as heart health, healthy eating, smoking cessation and the positive impact of physical activity on the body.

The first five grants of 2022 are being funded by instore donations from Subway restaurants across the country. For more information, including application deadlines, visit https://heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-heart-grants/.