HEALTH projects in Basingstoke have been given a £140,000 funding boost.

A number of projects that have been developed by the Basingstoke and Deane Health and Wellbeing Partnership have been awarded extra cash from Hampshire County Council’s Public Health Grant fund.

It is hoped that the projects will help to improve services relating to dementia, obesity and mental health among young people.

Suggested initiatives include a training service to teach people how to deliver activities to dementia sufferers, and awareness courses to give residents in Basingstoke an increased understanding of the condition.

In addition, there will also be projects aimed at helping young people in the borough to get fit and healthy while teaching their parents about health and nutrition.

Mental health services are set to be improved with a project which offers support to young people in emotional distress and education for teachers in the borough on the signs to look out for in young people potentially suffering with mental health conditions.

Support will also be offered to homeless people in the borough to enable them to live independently and the borough council hopes that the projects will be implemented by March 2015.

Councillor Cathy Osselton, cabinet member for partnerships at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said: “This is great news for Basingstoke and Deane, and I would like to congratulate all those who have worked together in partnership on these bids.”

Colin Godfrey, chairman of Basingstoke and Deane Health and Wellbeing Partnership, added: “We have focused on projects addressing the priorities for our borough across the age spectrum, and in a way that will reach those who will benefit most.

“Leading a healthy lifestyle is something we must all take personal responsibility for, and these projects increase the range of opportunities available for individuals who want to learn something new or do something different.”