MORE than 25 community groups have benefitted from a share of a council fund aimed at making a difference to residents.

The Colchester Council Community Health and Wellbeing Grant was launched in January 2016 and the groups - which won up to £1,000 each - have praised the effect of the cash.

Groups and schemes such as Genesis Housing Association, Short-Term Wheelchair Loan Charity, Black History Month Colchester and African Families in the UK, took home some of the cash.

Genesis Housing Association used the money to hold a wellbeing week.

Sue Emma Bennett, enhanced support worker at the association, said: "The whole week had an enormously positive benefit on our services and the long-term effects on our residents are still being felt.

"We would like to say another thank you for helping us to receive this funding.

"The positive effects were felt immediately and the wellbeing week is still being talked about by residents now."

Sally Cheves, administrator at the Short-Term Wheelchair Loan Charity, said: “We were delighted to receive the award towards the purchase of four self-propelled ‘plus-size’ wheelchairs together with cushions.

"Having these available for loan to the public has enabled us to assist more people in the community through our wheelchair loan scheme.

"The new wheelchairs have been loaned out on many occasions in the last six months, enabling our clients with specific physical conditions to be more independent and involved in family activities.

"These loans would not have been possible without the generous assistance provided by the Community Health and Wellbeing Grant."

Lawrence Walker, chairman of the Black History Month Colchester committee, added: “Thanks to the award, we were able to launch of Black History Month Colchester at the Firstsite Gallery.

"Together, we managed to put on a fantastic series of cultural displays, activities and entertainment to over 200 participants of all ages and backgrounds.

"This grant will enable us to continue to promote social inclusion and access to public and local services for black and minority ethnic families, and give continuity to the work begun with parents and the community at large to access Firstsite."

Rachel Walton, of African Families in the UK, said: “The grant we received from the Health and Wellbeing Fund has enabled us to promote a series of wellbeing sessions to young people involving physical health and activity, and including healthy cooking and eating and smoking cessation sessions.

"As a result, teenagers had an opportunity to form friendships, further reducing social isolation, and were satisfied with the sessions to want to publicise our forthcoming youth programme."

Annie Feltham, Colchester councillor responsible for business, leisure and opportunities, said: "It’s wonderful to see some fantastic projects delivering real support and benefits for communities across Colchester, thanks to the Health and Wellbeing Fund.

"I’m absolutely delighted that we have been able to help such a diverse mix of organisations who applied for funding.

"From exercise or healthy lifestyle classes, community events and social activities, through to litter picks and clean-ups of streets and open spaces – they will all help residents enjoy a more fulfilling life and enhance the attractiveness of the borough."