SNP MSP Sandra White has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Public Health that Healthy Living Centres will receive financial support from the SNP Government while they look for new sources of funding.

The SNP Government last year saved several Healthy Living Centres - which offer a wide range of essential services to communities -  from closure.

In response to a written question tabled by Sandra White MSP the Minister for Public Health, Shona Robison, has indicated that the Scottish Government will provide additional funds of up to £70,000 for Healthy Living Centres across Scotland for the coming year.

Commenting on the Government's continued support for these services Glasgow MSP Sandra White said: "Many Healthy Living Centres have set themselves up as very successful 'community hubs' and this announcement will be very welcome as they move towards self sustainability"

"Centres such as the Annexe in Partick, Glasgow, have become very popular with young and old alike and continue to go from strength to strength and I hope that today's funding boost will also benefit others I have had the pleasure to visit like the Chinese Healthy Living Centre in Maryhill, which is doing a great job in helping Chinese residents become more involved in the wider community"

"They are a great asset to the local community offering a wide range of services from healthy eating classes to adult literacy classes. They are not only about improving physical health but also offer many activities aimed at the overall wellbeing of the community through education and cultural opportunities.

"The SNP's continued support for these projects will be great news for Healthy Living Centres in Glasgow and across the country."

Note:

A copy of Sandra White's question and the Minister's reply can be found below.

23 February 2009 Index Heading: Health and Wellbeing
Sandra White (Glasgow) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to provide further support for healthy living centres in 2009-10. (S3W-20933)

Ms Shona Robison: I am pleased to announce that the Scottish Government will continue the Healthy Living Centre (HLCs) transition fund in 2009-10. The fund will allow further time for HLCs to secure sustainable local funding for their services.

We will provide up to £70,000 per HLC in 2009-10. The fund will continue to be administered by local Health Boards using a rigorous set of criteria, similar to that in 2008-09, including HLCs having very good prospects of achieving sustainability by March 2010.