TWELVE community organisations which help improve people’s health and care are celebrating a slice of £41,770.

The cash was made available by Colchester-based charitable organisation, Anglian Community Trust, which was set up in January 2014 by community healthcare provider, Anglian Community Enterprise.

As a social enterprise, ACE can use a percentage of any profit it makes at the end of every financial year to invest in the community.

Colchester Prosthetic User Group was awarded £4,000 to expand a buddy scheme, to help people who are contemplating elective amputation.

Graham Facey, its chairman, said: “The funding will enable us to train some of our volunteers, at least five, so they will be able to offer support to people facing a life-changing decision, and the people who will be looking after them.”

Harwich Education Partnership, which runs a fitness group for adults, was awarded £1,800.

There was £250 for ACE Harwich Health Visitors, who help isolated families meet new friends, build relationships and help improve child development and emotional wellbeing Essex Fire and Rescue Service's Firebreak programme was awarded £16,000.

During the course, 12 students attend a fire station and learn vital life skills while experiencing a number of techniques used by firefighters during their working lives.

Colchester Phoenix Amateur Swimming Club was given £927 to buy equipment to support the work of the club with disabled people wishing to swim.

And men's health charity Chaps was given £4,000 to finance a men’s health day in Clacton.

Kelvedon Netball Club received £1,000 to buy new kit, while £1,500 went to Harwich Festival of the Arts Trust which provides cultural activities over 12 days in north Essex.

Harwich and Dovercourt Cricket Club was awarded £2,000 to refurbish its practice nets.

Lawrie Payne, chairman of Anglian Community Trust, said: “It is important to us to be able to support organisations which in turn support people in the community.

“Those organisations successful in this round of funding all demonstrated a diverse range of means of support for local people and we wish them every success with their projects.”