The Department of Health has unveiled a £13.5m package to help combat poor health in deprived areas.

The money is intended to “break down barriers” between local services, Primary Care Trusts and local authorities.

£11m will be spent on the Communities for Health scheme, which enables 83 areas to implement local health improvement ideas, such as healthy eating and community activities for young and older people.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health told Leisure Opportunities that this could involve team sports, swimming, running, group activities, bike riding and walking.

£2.5m will be donated to the Healthy Communities scheme, which aims to help local government improve its ability to tackle health inequalities locally.

Dawn Primarolo, public health minister, said: “Poor health intensifies in poor areas. This has a serious effect on people’s lives. To help tackle that, I’m releasing a package of £13.5m to help people in the poorest areas.

“This announcement injects more cash to the front line where it’s needed.”