A RUNNING group which helps people manage mental health problems has been given a £2,000 grant.

Hard Yards Running Group, from Stretford, uses physical activity, peer support and social engagement to help individuals manage their mental health and make positive changes to their lives.

The club received the funding from Trafford Council in the second wave of grants through the Inclusive Neighbourhood Grants scheme.

Russell Nash, from Hard Yards, said: “We are so grateful to receive the grant from Trafford Council.

“These funds will allow us to initially grow the membership of the group and enable us to become sustainable in the longer term.

“Being able to open the group to our community means that more people will be supported to manage their mental health and make positive changes to their lives by engaging in physical activity, being supported by peers and growing their social interactions.”

So far, the Inclusive Neighbourhood Grants scheme has seen the council distribute £20,000 to 19 local community projects across the Trafford borough.

The project offers funding of £500 for local events and up to £2,000 for community projects that bring people together and benefit the residents of Trafford.

The scheme is a rolling programme with £120,000 available throughout the year. There is a deadline for applications every two months, the next of which is May 31.

The second round of funding generated a large number of applications.

Successful submissions included: Broadheath Friendship Group received £1,996 for a support group for older people, Age UK received £1,415 for dementia awareness sessions and for the production of a video, and Ashton on Mersey in Bloom received £500 towards planters and flowers.

For more information about the grants, and to find details on how to apply for funding, visit www.trafford.gov.uk/inclusiveneighbourhoods.