Grants of £600,000 to improve people's life

The successful organisations include Handsworth Community Forum, which will get 153,000 over three years for its Making a Difference project.

That aims to get residents involved in the regeneration of the area, as well as developing local services.

Six target areas have been identified, including health, training and education, the environment and activities for children.

It is expected there will be better representation of the public at NHS meetings as a result, and a range of new activities including health walks, dance sessions and "chairobic" fitness classes aimed at older people.

Forum chairman Maurice Littlewood said: "Our new project will give people the opportunity to learn new skills on adult learning courses, or to get their hands dirty by volunteering in our Handsworth in Bloom environment work. We will also be offering help and advice to local people so they can have an influence on how local decisions are made."

A 323,461 grant will help disabled people in Doncaster and Rotherham to live independently.

That money will be spent by South Yorkshire Centre for Inclusive Living.

Chairman Barry Smeaton said: "The Reaching Communities funding will enable us to develop a new and exciting project, Choosing Independence."

At Royston and Carlton, in Barnsley, older people are to benefit from a 127,692 grant to Royston and Carlton Community Partnership for an Older Person's Well Being Project to support those over 50, particularly those who are geographically isolated or lack family and friends.