Primary Health Properties PLC (LSE:PHP, FRA:PP51) launched a community impact fund as part of its wider environment, social and governance (ESG) initiatives.
The investors in primary healthcare facilities said the new fund is designed to support health and well-being initiatives in the communities served by its medical centres.
PHP has partnered with UK Community Foundations to offer grants to charities and community groups that are focused on social prescribing and community wellbeing projects in two pilot regions in Scotland and Lincolnshire.
It will work with the GP practices in its facilities to promote the fund to organisations delivering social prescribing services to their patient lists and local communities.
PHP said the fund forms part of its 'Premises, Health and People' strategy which has formalised its dedication to responsible business, led by the group's newly formed ESG board committee.
Chief executive Harry Hyman said: "We are delighted to be working with UK Community Foundations, to ensure that our Community Impact Fund can be distributed to those services supporting the primary care and social prescribing provision within those targeted communities. The UKCF's national coverage, their established community relationships and presence in the regions our portfolio covers will ensure that our fund is successfully promoted and delivered to those most in need.
"I'm very pleased with the work successfully carried out by our ESG committee so far, and this is another important initiative which will benefit all of our stakeholders."
Rosemary Macdonald, CEO of UK Community Foundations, commented: "We are pleased that PHP has chosen to work with community foundations to distribute its new Community Impact Fund. Our members have a deep understanding of the needs of their local communities and our colleagues in Scotland and Lincolnshire will be able to identify organisations that will put this important new fund to excellent use, improving wellbeing across their communities."