Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) has today celebrated the success of its Community Health and Wealth Building Strategy (CHAWS) pilot and officially launched applications for its £750,000 Community Health and Wealth Building Delivery Fund.
The announcement was made at an event bringing together councillors, community organisations, partners and local stakeholders to recognise the impact of the initial £50,000 pilot fund and mark the next phase of investment in community-led change across Huntingdonshire.
The pilot, delivered in 2025, supported five locally rooted projects working to improve health and wellbeing, strengthen social connection and build economic resilience. These initiatives demonstrated how empowering communities to lead solutions can deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for residents.
The launch event also brought together local businesses eager to learn more about the programme. Businesses across Huntingdonshire have demonstrated a clear appetite to help build a healthier, more resilient district. As the programme moves into its next phase, the council is inviting direct investment into the Community Health and Wealth Building Fund, alongside wider involvement from employers committed to strengthening local communities. Businesses wishing to play an active role in delivering this ambition are encouraged to come forward and join the programme.
Building on this success, HDC is now opening applications for the main Delivery Fund, with up to £700,000 available over the next three years to support community groups, voluntary and third sector organisations, social enterprises and local partnerships.
The Community Health and Wealth Building Strategy is HDC’s long-term commitment to tackling the root causes of health inequality by ensuring public investment benefits local people, places and potential. The fund will prioritise projects that improve health outcomes, strengthen community connection and support a fairer, more resilient local economy.
Executive Councillor for Communities, Health and Leisure, Cllr Sally Howell, said: “Today is about recognising what our communities have already achieved and backing them to go further. The pilot fund showed the power of local leadership and local ideas in action. By launching the full £750,000 Community Health and Wealth Building Fund, we’re making a clear commitment to invest in solutions that are shaped by communities themselves and deliver long-term benefits for Huntingdonshire.”
The event also highlighted the importance of partnership working, match funding and long-term collaboration with health organisations, anchor institutions and external funders to maximise the impact of the programme.
Applications to the Community Health and Wealth Building Delivery Fund are now open. Interested organisations are encouraged to apply and be part of shaping a healthier, more connected and more prosperous Huntingdonshire.
