A NEW project has been launched which aims to bring together community organisations and residents to help improve the health of people in the borough.

'Waltham Forest Heart in the Community' hopes to provide greater opportunities for collaboration between voluntary bodies.

A series of activities and health awareness events are currently being drawn up as part of the scheme for Cann Hall, Leabridge, Hoe Street, Higham Hill and Markhouse wards.

They will be spearheaded by 24 newly-trained 'Community Health Champions' in Waltham Forest.

The project is the brainchild of development agency Social Action for Health, (SAfH).

It was launched in a ceremony at the Epicentre in Leytonstone attended by more than 100 community figures including Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy and London Assembly member Jennette Arnold.

Visit safh.org.uk for more information.