NHS Grampian Charity has today [Wednesday 20 November] announced a significant seven-figure funding programme to develop health improvements in Grampian.

The charity’s Lasting Impact programme will make £1 million available to third sector organisations, academics and researchers across Grampian to develop collaborative research projects across a range of health and social care topics.

Lisa Duthie, NHS Grampian Charity Lead, says, “The Lasting Impact programme is an incredibly exciting opportunity to bring community and public sector groups together with researchers to undertake projects with a public health focus.

“Our aim is to create real, tangible improvements in health outcomes for patients in Grampian, particularly those experiencing health inequalities, through research into the prevention, cause and treatment of ill-health, as well as improving wellness in our communities.

“Grampian faces many of the same health challenges as other regions of Scotland and the wider UK, as well as its own unique health challenges, and we are very grateful to our supporters whose generous donations will put improving the health of Grampian at the forefront of these projects.”

The charity will officially open the programme to applicants at its Lasting Impact Symposium on Tuesday 21st January at the Foresterhill health campus. Prospective applicants from the third sector, community organisations, and researchers, are invited to attend the symposium to learn more about health challenges in Grampian and to meet other prospective applicants. More information about the symposium, including the announcement of speakers, will be made on the charity’s social media channels in the coming weeks.

The charity is particularly keen to support projects which focus on improving health outcomes for people in Grampian who are experiencing health inequalities.

Ms Duthie says, “Sadly many people in our communities face unfair and avoidable differences in health and care, and our Lasting Impact programme has been created to support community-driven, research-backed projects which seek to address these inequalities.

“We want to see third sector organisations and those with lived experience of health challenges come together with academic and research partners to develop patient-centred changes to health, wellbeing and care.”

For more information on the Lasting Impact programme or to attend the symposium, please visit www.nhsgcharities.com