PARISH councils, rural organisations and community groups across the rural west area of West Cheshire are being urged to claim their share of a £20,000 health and wellbeing grant.

Aimed at promoting the national ‘2010 Year of Health and Wellbeing’ campaign within rural communities, projects must involve one or more of the campaign’s five themes - Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give.

Evidence has shown that building small actions around these themes into daily life can improve general wellbeing - as well as increase life expectancy by up to 7.5 years.

The funding, made available through Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Rural West Area Partnership Board in partnership with the Chairman’s Discretionary Fund at NHS Western Cheshire, is available for individual community projects up to the value of £2,000 each.

The rural west area covers the villages and towns in the wards of Broxton, Gowy, Mickle Trafford, Neston, Parkgate, Ledsham and Willaston.

Available to parish and town councils or community groups where no local council exists, individuals and local organisations are now being urged to take their ideas to their local council in advance of the January 31 deadline.

Although individuals and groups must apply in conjunction with their local council, everyone is being encouraged to bring ideas forward.

Applications must be submitted by getting in touch with parish, town or borough councils. For details, contact the Rural West Team on 01244 972903 or email ruralwest@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.