Community grants up for grabs
27 September 2006

The fourth round of the Asthma UK Challenge Fund was launched today (27 September), giving health professionals and local groups the opportunity to make a unique impact in the community.

The Challenge Fund awards grants to healthcare professionals and community organisations to fund local initiatives that benefit people with asthma.

Previous successful applications resulted in an asthma awareness resource pack for young people in Dudley, an opportunity for young people to play musical instruments to improve their breathing in Malden, Essex and an asthma toolkit for GP practices in Wakefield, Yorkshire.

Since its inception in 2003 the fund has helped support 21 innovative projects.

Simon Selo, Asthma UK’s Assistant Director for Service Development, said: ‘We are delighted to continue investing in this important area of our work. We hope to reach new sections of the community and look forward to receiving applications from an even wider range of health professionals, as well as from black and minority ethnic, and community groups from around the UK.’

Asthma UK is committed to improving the quality of life for people with asthma and to support them to improve their experience of their condition. Applications are welcomed which identify, develop and promote good practice and patient-centred care as well as demonstrate how projects can be sustainable after the grant comes to an end.

The Challenge Fund was made possible due to a generous legacy from Asthma UK supporter Aline Morny, and it was decided that people with asthma should benefit at a local level from this gift.