A CHARITY which supports older people across Northumberland has been given a funding boost.

Age UK Northumberland has received £9,928 donation to deliver a varied programme of tailored support for people diagnosed with long-term conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and lung disease.

The new health and well-being service will be formed as a result of funding from the Ray Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund small grants programme, established by the Vattenfall wind farm near Kirkwhelpington, and managed by the Community Foundation.

Sessions will take place every Tuesday between 11am and midday at Bellingham Town Hall and include exercise, weight management, healthy eating, stress management and breathing techniques.

Anne Robinson, health and wellbeing manager at Age UK Northumberland said: “Our health can play a major part in our overall well-being and by creating a tailor-made programme of support based on individual needs, we know that it is possible to improve the lives of people with long term conditions.”

Paul Jones, Vattenfall’s service leader for the Ray Wind Farm, said: “I’m pleased to see funding from the Ray small grants programme support Age UK Northumberland’s new initiative to help make a real difference to people’s lives.

“I would like to encourage other local organisations to apply for the fund before the deadline of April 30.”

Pete Barrett, senior programme adviser at the Community Foundation added: “We’re delighted to back this new initiative improving health and wellbeing of older people in rural areas and would also like to announce a new round of funding available to community and charitable organisations in the region.”