Voluntary and community group in Harrow can bid for cash grants to help raise awareness of the tuberculosis problem in the borough.

Voluntary Action Harrow Co-operative is providing grants to raise awareness that tuberculosis is becoming an increasingly important issue, especially among the more vulnerable communities.

Harrow has one of the highest tuberculosis rates in the capital.

The curable disease kills nearly one and a half million people worldwide.

Voluntary Action said it is now crucial to inform communities in Harrow that early diagnosis and treatment will not only minimise transmission to others, but is also completely free.

In light of World TB day on March 24, the co-operative will be helping to raise awareness of tuberculosis by administering a grants scheme helping other groups inform, educate and recognise issues in the most needed areas.

The grants programme has specifically been set up to deliver information on how to share good practice and encourage people to recognise symptoms and seek help from their GPs.

Voluntary and community sector groups can bid for amounts between £150 and £1,500.

The deadline for all applications is 5pm, Monday, February 22.

There is also training available on February 16 for anyone wanting to learn more about tuberculosis and how it affects the community.

For further information and an application form visit www.voluntaryactionharrow.org.uk.