Wessex Water is offering financial support to grassroots groups in the Shepton Mallet area that bring people together.

The fund, managed by Bath and West Showground-based Somerset Community Foundation, is open for applications on Monday January 6 and the deadline for applications is Friday February 14.

Grants of up to £1,500 are available to organisations that build cohesion in communities, with priority given to smaller groups that work in areas of financial deprivation or rural isolation and/or work to raise awareness of drinking water for healthy living or saving water. 

The fund is also being delivered across other parts of the West Country by Quartet (who cover Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire), Dorset and Wiltshire Community Foundations.

Kirsty Scarlett, Wessex Water's head of community engagement, said: "We want to make sure that we support our communities to help those who need it most.

"We're delighted to be working in partnership with the four Community Foundations across our region who are all well placed to understand and address needs through making grants in their local areas. 

"The Wessex Water Community Fund will prioritise small, grassroots charities and community organisations over larger ones that perhaps have a higher profile." 

Andrew Ridgewell, programmes manager at Somerset Community Foundation, said: "We are thrilled to continue working in partnership with Wessex Water, delivering the Wessex Water Community Fund in our county. 

"This fund will make a big difference to hundreds of people in Somerset and across the West Country."

Last year the Wessex Water Community Fund awarded grants to groups like South West Fishing For Life, based at Wimbleball Lake in Exmoor, for women recovering from breast cancer; Home-Start West Dorset who work to support local families; Devizes Open Doors, tackling homelessness; and Bath YMCA, supporting local young people.

Groups wishing to apply for funding can click on the red button below or call Somerset Community Foundation on 01749 344949 for more information.