Shepton Mallet groups share £85,164 in grants

By Laura Linham 9th Jul 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 1 hour ago

Shepton Mallet groups, charities and events have shared £85,164 in town council support for the 2025/26 financial year. The total includes £18,808 in community grants and £66,356 through service level and multiyear agreements.

It means money has gone towards everything from cancer support and prostate screening to youth work, the library, the Sunday market, a boxing ring, community woodland training and local arts projects. The figures set out where town council funding is being directed during the current financial year.

The community grants were awarded in two rounds, in May and October. In May, Somerset Prostate Support Association received £1,000 to run a free prostate screening event, while We Hear You was awarded £2,000 to support cancer support for local residents.

Shepton Mallet Community Woodland received £1,999 for tools and volunteer training, and Amulet was awarded £1,539 for its Summer of Cinema. Literally Shepton received £1,500 to set up and run a monthly book club.

Other May awards included £500 for Tadley Acres Association for items for the community garden, £500 for Men's Shed for an extractor system, and £250 for SMart for a Shepton Mallet arts and culture exhibition. The grants were made as part of the council's community funding programme.

In October, Round House Boxing Club received £2,000 to help the new sports association buy a boxing ring and heavy-duty flooring. The Strawberry Line Society was also awarded £2,000 for equipment and signage.

Shepton Mallet Community Woodland received a further £1,995 for essential volunteer training advised by forestry professionals. Wessex Multiple Sclerosis Therapy was awarded £1,500 towards the costs of Shepton Mallet residents accessing its services.

Literally Shepton received another £1,500 towards the delivery of the literary festival, book club and Talk-Kidz event. Other October grants included £300 for 7 Starlings for display boards, volunteer expenses, leaflets and in-kind design time, and £225 for Repair Café to help support its costs.

The biggest single agreement listed is £15,000 for Shepton Mallet Library, described by the council as funding to help ensure the service remains in the town. Other larger commitments include £10,000 for CA Somerset, £10,000 for Black Sheep Sunday Market, £9,500 for the YMCA youth club, £6,000 for Snowdrop Festival and £5,000 for Make the Sunshine.

Further service level or multiyear funding includes £2,500 for We Hear You, £1,500 for Mendip Community Transport, £1,500 for Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association, £1,000 for Shepton Mallet Carnival Committee, £650 for the Lantern Parade and £500 for the Mid Somerset Show.