COMMUNITY groups can now get a helping hand thanks to the new Health Action Zone grants on offer.

Groups, large or small, that have an idea for a practical project to help the community can bid for the extra cash.

Bury and Rochdale was recently awarded HAZ status by the Government to help improve the health of the two boroughs.

Now community groups are being offered the grants as a way of encouraging health improvement in the area.

Groups applying for the grant should have good ideas for schemes that tie in with the HAZ priority areas of ethnic minorities, smoking, young children and the elderly. Organisations considering joint bids will also be considered.

A special session for groups interested in applying for the grant has been organised for November 30 at the Seedfield Resource Centre, Parkinson Street, Bury.

The session will be from noon to 2pm.

For further details ring Jean Margetts on 761 2161.

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