NHS Building the Right Support: Annual Health Checks Fund

This fund provides grants to increase the uptake of Annual Health Checks for individuals aged 14 and over with a learning disability and/or autism living in the former districts of Allerdale, Carlisle and Eden in North Cumbria. The fund aims to improve health outcomes of individuals with learning disabilities by helping meet the national target of more than 75% Annual Health Checks, which equates to at least 150 additional health checks. The program focuses on improving knowledge of Annual Health Checks and Health Action Plans, earlier diagnosis and support to manage health needs, increased engagement at health appointments, and decreasing barriers to taking up Annual Health Checks through reasonable adjustments. Funded organizations are expected to work with individuals, families, carers, and schools to increase uptake from 68% to over 75%, provide education about the importance of annual health checks, promote Health Action Plans, identify barriers to engagement, secure sustained engagement with statutory and community services, and develop sustainable plans to improve uptake beyond March 2026. The fund supports community groups and charitable, not-for-profit organizations that specialize in supporting users with mild learning disabilities and/or autism and can cover the full North Cumbria ICB footprint.