A CHARITY has launched a funding programme for not-for-profit groups to boost small-scale community schemes in North Yorkshire.

The People’s Health Trust said projects that could apply for the Active Communities money could be anything encouraging strong connections between people, and that help people to make their communities or neighbourhoods better.

Using money raised through The Health Lottery, the scheme is looking to invest in projects that support people living in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods of the county.

Maps of deprivation in the county show while there are large concentrations in coastal towns, there are pockets in many of the towns, including Northallerton, Thirsk, Ripon, Colburn and Stokesley.

A trust spokesman said people living in the poorest neighbourhoods in Britain die, on average, seven years younger than people living in the richest neighbourhoods.

He said: "What’s more, they will spend 17 years more of their shortened lives with an extra disability and have a lower quality of life.

"We believe that where people live should not unfairly reduce the length or the quality of their lives.

"We’re looking to support ideas designed and run by local people which help create even stronger links and ties within communities.

"We’re also looking for great ideas from groups of people who have something in common and wish to come together to address something that is important to them."

The funding is available to groups with an income of less than £350,000 a year seeking investment of between £5,000 and £50,000 for projects lasting up to two years.

The closing date for applications is 1pm on Wednesday, February 3. To apply for funding, visit peopleshealthtrust.org.uk