Taunton Town Council has awarded funding to a range of local organisations and community projects, supporting activities that promote wellbeing, inclusion, creativity and community connection.
The funding was agreed at the meeting of the Grants Committee on 1 June, which is available to watch on the council’s YouTube channel.
Councillors agreed grant funding for five organisations delivering projects in Taunton.
Go Create was awarded £2,500 to help maintain weekly adult wellbeing workshops and sessions for home-educated young people. Dovetail Orchestra received £2,500 to deliver a 12-week pilot providing musical opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers.
Community Counselling was awarded £2,325 to provide free or subsidised counselling sessions for Taunton residents, while Catalysability received £1,875 towards a creative programme of visual arts, crafts and life writing for isolated individuals in Taunton. Pleasure Dome was also awarded £1,875 towards a Teddy Bears’ Picnic event at Hestercombe.
The council also agreed a number of Ward Members Initiative Scheme applications, supporting projects put forward by councillors for their local wards.
Funding included £1,000 for dance sessions for disabled people, £600 for the Scouts towards a new lawnmower and sports equipment, and £1,000 for YMCA kitchen services for adults with disabilities, supported through applications from Cllr Smith Roberts.
Councillors Deakin and Pollard secured £6,000 towards Pride in Priorswood, while Cllr Deakin secured a further £1,200 for first aid courses at The Waggon.
Cllr Firmin secured £2,783 towards new sight screens and perimeter netting at Staplegrove Sports Club, improving facilities while helping to protect neighbouring housing from stray cricket balls.
Chair of the Grants Committee, Councillor Amber Packer-Hughes, said:
“Small grants can make a real difference to community organisations, particularly where they help people access support, take part in activities, learn new skills or feel more connected to others.
“These awards support a wide range of projects, from counselling and wellbeing sessions to inclusive dance, music, sport, youth activities and community events. They show the breadth of work happening across Taunton and the important role local organisations play in supporting residents.”
The funding forms part of Taunton Town Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting local groups, community initiatives and ward-level projects that benefit residents across the town.
