CHARITY groups in Wiveliscombe and Wellington have shared in more than £150,000 of grants awarded by the Somerset Community Foundation to help community groups survive the cost of living crisis.

It gave £5,000 to the In the Mix Youth Project, based in Wiveliscombe, which supports young people and families in need, providing a warm space where young people can eat a meal at no cost.

As well as helping with rising bills, the grant will go toward helping families from low-income households to access different services.

In the Mix director Nick Harvey said: “Many families and young people who are using our service face hardship.

“Young people are affected more than most during this difficult phase of crisis and poverty, and this is having an impact on their mental wellbeing and future life chances.”

Reminiscence Learning, in Wellington, received £3,500 to provide a warm and welcoming space for people living with dementia.

Business support Manger Zoe Priestley said: “Our charity has really felt the financial impact as a direct result of increasing prices from every avenue. 

“However, the costs of our utility bills have proven to be a significant dent in our finances.

“As an essential service, our day centre must remain safe and welcoming, which includes providing a warm and bright premises.

“We have to keep the heating and lights on without fail, which is resulting in huge invoices for us and will only increase again in the winter months.”

The foundation, which works in partnership with Somerset Council and NHS Somerset, made grants in the latest funding round to a total of 44 local community groups across the county to help them cope with rising energy bills and offer more support to people struggling to make ends meet.

To date, it has awarded a total of £350,000 of grants in response to the cost of living crisis, connecting other trusts, businesses, and people.

Foundation programmes director Andy Ridgewell said: “These grants have been made possible thanks to the generous funding received from Somerset Council and NHS Somerset.

“And because we know this winter will be another difficult one for many people, we are offering funding to groups running warm spaces once again, too.”

Somerset executive Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts said: “The support Somerset Council and other funders provide is translated into making a real difference to people’s lives.

“The grants awarded are supporting people of all ages and abilities across Somerset.

“The cost of living crisis has hit our residents hard, particularly the most vulnerable.

“The projects receiving support are helping those who are struggling and are worried about how they will cope in the coming winter.”

NHS Somerset chairman Paul von der Heyde said: “We are delighted to support the Somerset cost of living fund to invest in local community projects at such a difficult time for Somerset residents who are likely to struggling with bills and other costs this winter.”

Applications for grants up to £1,000 can be made to the Somerset Warm Spaces Fund by those who work or volunteer at a community venue, toward the cost of staying open longer this winter to offer a warm place for people experiencing fuel poverty.

Details are here.

Or, people can call the foundation on 01749 344949 and ask to speak to Peter or Kirsty in the grants team (option 5) or email them at [email protected].

Applications must be made by 5 pm on Friday, November 10.