A PIONEERING health initiative is giving community groups the chance to bid for a share of a £7,000 funding pot.

The Our Place scheme is offering organisations in Radcliffe a cash boost of up to £1,500 to fund projects which improve health and wellbeing of the town's residents.

Anyone who lives or works in Radcliffe can vote on how the money is spent at a consultation event at Radcliffe Civic Suite on March 19 at 7pm.

Colin Jones, chairman of Radcliffe Township Forum, said: “We are open to considering a wide range of innovative and creative projects that involve working with local people to improve overall health and wellbeing.

“This can include anything from healthy eating or fitness classes, community events focusing on health and wellbeing or initiatives with local volunteers.”

In the long term it is hoped Our Place will deliver a single care record for patients, initially for those with long-term conditions, but eventually for all, and provide information about what community assets are available.

The Radcliffe Township Forum’s Township Plan 2012-2015 identified improving the town’s health and wellbeing as a top priority.

When Radcliffe first became an Our Place area last April, it was awarded £3,000, which was boosted by a further £17,000 after new proposals were submitted in June.

Our Place ties into the second stage of the Healthier Radcliffe pilot to integrate hospitals, social services, GPs and doctors, community services and the third sector.

The first stage of Healthier Radcliffe, which launched in December 2013, saw six GPs practices open later and for seven days a week thanks to a £260,000 grant.

The closing date for applications for the funding is 4pm on March 6.

Applicants must be able to attend the meeting on March 19 and speak about their project for up to three minutes.

To request an application pack or for more information: call Radcliffe township co-ordinator Christine Maksymowski on 0161 253 7941 or e-mail C.Maksymowski@bury.gov.uk