NEARLY £200,000 has been split between eight Sussex charity groups.

A total of £195,565 is being split between charities and community groups with the money coming from The Health Lottery through the HealthWish Community Interest Company.

Moulsecoomb Forest Garden and Wildlife Project received £49,825 for a two-year project to create a community garden and outdoor cooking space on a disused primary school playground.

Nearly £40,000 was awarded to Creative Future to help 75 formerly homeless people living in supported accommodation in the North Laine area in Brighton to develop new skills and live independently.

Brighton Permaculture Trust was awarded £29,549 to develop a green gym in Whitehawk, linked to a community orchard.

Hove Luncheon Club received £27,882 for a two-year project which will provide a weekly club for isolated residents. Bevendean Community Garden was granted £8,030 to help run after-school clubs, while the Millwood Kicks Club in the Tarner area was given £7,410 for self defence lessons.

Chris Lunn, director of HealthWish, said: “The projects, supported using money raised by HealthWish, are extremely valuable to a wide range of individuals across this region.

“We look forward to hearing more about how these initiatives are supporting people to live longer, healthier lives.”

Another £18,452 in funding was granted to the Bootcamp theatre in Eastbourne, which aims to give young people an opportunity to run their own arts and drop-in-centre.

Coastal West Sussex Mind was given £15,500 to benefit new mothers who have been diagnosed with postnatal depression, as well as their families.

The money has been awarded to the eight groups selected by The People’s Health Trust through their Active Communities initiative.

John Hume, chief executive of the People’s Health Trust, said: “We are delighted to be investing in these local organisations with great ideas to make their communities even better places.”