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The places we live and work, from how close we are to a park to how clean the air is, play a big part in our health.
But here in West Yorkshire, the picture isn’t the same for everyone. Even in the same town, some communities are facing much tougher health challenges than others.
A lot of that comes down to things people can’t always control – such as struggling to make ends meet, not having a park nearby, poor public transport, or living in overcrowded housing.
Right now, only 23% of people in our region live within a short walk of green space, and a quarter of our children are growing up in low-income households. It’s no surprise this has a knock-on effect on people’s physical and mental wellbeing.
But there’s a chance to turn things around. Small and medium-sized businesses across Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield are being urged to get involved in making their communities healthier – and there’s funding up for grabs to help them do it.
Big ideas wanted
The Mayor’s big ideas challenge to tackle health inequalities – run by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and delivered by Challenge Works – is on the lookout for local businesses with bold, creative solutions to tackle health inequalities in their communities. And there’s serious support on offer.
Twenty businesses will each receive £20,000 along with expert guidance in things such as investment readiness, commercial know-how and designing solutions that really work for people. Then, three standout winners will be awarded £100,000 each to take their ideas even further and make a bigger impact.
But the clock’s ticking – the deadline to apply is 12 noon on Tuesday, 7 May.
“This challenge is a call to all of the innovative organisations in our region, which are essential to an inclusive, growing economy,” says Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to the Mayor of West Yorkshire. “We cannot wait to see the brightest ideas from our dynamic West Yorkshire businesses!”
Wide-ranging solutions
The challenge is open to small and medium-sized businesses from all corners of the region and all kinds of sectors – whether you’re in food, manufacturing, community work or the environment.
Got a solution ready to connect city centre residents with green spaces? Or maybe you’re a local food supplier who could get fresh fruit and veg into after-school clubs in areas that need it most.
You may even have a clever way to help healthcare staff break down language or cultural barriers when giving out advice and support.
Whatever the solution, it needs to be rooted in West Yorkshire and show how it could make a real difference to local people’s lives.
Apply now
Applications close at midday on Tuesday, 7 May – organisers encourage businesses to get their submissions in as soon as possible.
To find out more and apply, visit: www.wybusiness-skills.com/MayorsBigIdeasChallengeForSMEs/