Southampton Airport has launched a wellbeing fund to support community health in Hampshire.

On August 16, £100,000 was allocated by the airport to establish the Spitfire Wellbeing Fund, dedicated to bolstering health and wellbeing efforts and reducing health inequalities in the community.

The fund will provide financial support to local charities, groups and organisations carrying out initiatives that boost physical activity, enhance mental wellbeing, and promote access to open spaces.

The airport has stated that funding will be concentrated in areas most affected by airport noise.

An independent board comprising representatives from district and city local authorities in Eastleigh, Southampton and Winchester, alongside Southampton Airport representatives in an administrative role, will manage the wellbeing fund.

The Spitfire Wellbeing Fund's Board will review awards, capped at £5,000 per application, on a quarterly basis.

The board will undertake regular reviews to adjust criteria and boundaries in response to potential shifts in the contour map over time.

Included on the website is a full rundown of the application process with both an online form and a downloadable version, as well as detailed funding guidelines.

The partnership behind the Spitfire Wellbeing Fund involves Eastleigh Borough Council, Southampton City Council, Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council, and Southampton Airport.

Gavin Williams, Southampton Airport’s managing director, said: "The airport has always played an active role in supporting the communities it serves. Our people often volunteer their time to support local initiatives such youth projects, or to help restore or tidy and improve local nature areas. They also help raise much-needed funds through events such as our popular runway runs or take time to either host or visit local schools.

"The vast majority of people employed across our operations live locally, so it is incredibly important to each and every one of us that our neighbouring communities continue to share in the many social and economic benefits Southampton Airport delivers.

"And the introduction of this independent wellbeing fund will ensure that even more local groups and good causes will be able to share in our success as we continue to rebuild the connectivity that plays a vital role in supporting the Hampshire region’s economy."