Small projects to tackle medical problems across south London from depression to diabetes have received a £114k boost.

75 applications across 42 different organisations with 12 different projects winning the funding under South London Small Grants 2017.

These include projects to help the treatment of depression of older people and meeting the needs of autistic children in the area.

The grants aim is to encourage innovations that address gaps in the NHS within south London.

Among the grant winners include Jane Berg from Princess Alice Hospice who received funds for the development of a faculty of hospice evaluation champions.

Catherine Gamble, from South West London and St Georges Mental Health Trust, received a grant to improve the treatment of depression in older people residing in care homes.

University Hospital Lewisham, St George’s University Hospital, and Wandsworth CCG also received grants for small projects.

In previous years, the small grants have enabled people across London to access small pockets of funding for research and innovation to try out their ideas, using the grant as a springboard to support their potential.

Tara Donnelly, Health Innovation Network chief executive, said: “Great ideas are at the centre of innovation in healthcare but sometimes they need a small amount of money to help them develop.

“The NHS faces real financial challenges and innovation is vital in order to improve patient care and reduce costs so South London Small Grants play a key role in all of our healthcare.

“These 12 winning projects look like being important innovations that could really make a difference.”

Aurea Jones, Health Education England south London local director, said: “South London Small Grants is all about helping develop innovations that have a funding gap to make sure they happen.

“We had a record number of applications and it was very difficult to shortlist but the winning 12 are excellent projects that should make a real difference to people’s lives.

“I look forward to following the progress of these initiatives closely and seeing how they deliver real healthcare improvements.”