EIGHT community projects across Barnet will share in £200,000 of grant funding from the council.

The funds, from the council’s £600,000 Big Society Innovation Bank, will be divided between Jesus House and Elevation Networks, London Ambulance Responder Group, Energise Barnet, Barnet Federation of Allotment and Horticultural Societies, Barnet Voice for Mental Health, Age UK, Barnet Community Projects and Life Skills Workshops.

The Cabinet Resources Committee this week agreed to grant funding to an initial nine bids, focusing on support to young people, environmental projects and health care.

The remaining £400,000 will be allocated to other bids over the next two years.

The Innovation Bank offers residents and not-for-profit groups a chance to submit bids for funding up to £50,000 to help turn their ideas into reality.

The Life Skills Workshops received £4,150 in funding and was established by Barnet resident Haley Blackman.

The workshops aim to teach young people and first time tenants how to budget, manage their money and helps with basic life skills.

Miss Blackman, a youth worker and life coach, said: "I do a lot of work with young tenants moving into social housing and it struck me there is a need to help people who have no idea how to pay a bill or put up a shelf.

“I'm delighted my project has been chosen and all the hard work has paid off."

Volunteer Doctor Emergency Responders for Barnet has been granted £28,350 and will recruit doctors and off-duty police officers to work in their spare time to provide emergency medical responses.

Barnet Community decorating project, set up by Barnet Community Projects, was granted £21,000.

The project will provide a low-cost decorating and maintenance service for vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community.