Four charity groups in Bradford are celebrating after gaining a share of £112,935 from the Community Health Lottery to reduce isolation and improve social cohesion within communities.

The largest slice of money went to the Bangladeshi Community Association, which received £36,780 towards its two-year project to improve social cohesion in Bowling and Barkerend.

“We are delighted to receive this funding, as it will allow us to deliver our outreach work on a much larger scale,” said project co-ordinator, Jalal Uddin.

“There is a vital need for this project in our community as many groups and individuals can find themselves isolated. We are trying to bring a number of different cultures together and want to use our centre as a hub that everyone can access.”

Some of the funding will be used for projects aimed at women, encouraging fitness levels through a swimming scheme and the increased use of Bradford’s parks and heritage sites.

The association, which is based in Ventnor Street, Barkerend, will also provide more drop-in sessions offering translation services and welfare advice.

Bierley Community Association, run from The Life Centre, Bierley, received £29,376 aimed at tackling isolation among the over 60s.

Rob Normington, Life Centre manager, said the funding would allow it to bring in two senior inclusion workers on the project, developing a number of clubs and craft, computer and exercise groups.

“This funding will prove hugely beneficial to the wider community, as without it, we would not be able to expand and improve the quality of the services we offer to the over 60s age group,” he said.

The Asian Men’s Health Group based in West Bowling received £28,592 to provide a programme of activities for men aged 50 or more to address social isolation and the BEAP Community Partnership, based in Manningham, received £18,187 to bring together people from the area and involve them in community projects.

The grants, using money raised by HealthBloom, were awarded by People’s Health Trust through Active Communities, a funding programme which invests in local people and community groups.

HealthBloom is a Community Interest Company that raises money to tackle health inequalities in Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees.

Chris Lunn, director of HealthBloom, said: “The projects are extremely valuable to a wide range of individuals across this region. We look forward to hearing more about how these initiatives are enabling people to live longer healthier lives.”

Active Communities is for community groups and not-for-profit organisations with an income of less than £350,000 seeking an annual investment of between £5,000 and £50,000, for projects lasting up to two years.

For more information, visit PeoplesHealthTrust.org.uk.