West Suffolk Council could award more than £260,000 in grants to mental health, homelessness, and trauma services

Mental health, homelessness, and trauma services are among those which could receive more than £260,000 in grants from a council.

Cllr Donna Higgins, West Suffolk's lead for families and communities, will propose the allocation of £266,733 in grants during a cabinet meeting next Tuesday.

The money would be split into 44 different projects across West Suffolk and run by community groups, charities, and other voluntary organisations.

The scheme with the biggest allocation is Home-Start in Suffolk, with £18,000, which the organisation says will be used to expand its network of trained volunteers and provide in-home support to families facing isolation, mental health issues, and special educational needs.

Elsewhere, Bury Drop In could be awarded £16,000 to fund homelessness support in Bury St Edmunds, and Restore Women’s Aid could receive £15,000 for services to young people struggling with their relationships.

The council report revealed the scheme, which is part of a wider £650,000 package approved in May, was oversubscribed with 77 applications totalling close to £1 million.

The wider package includes a three-year £200,000 investment in Citizens Advice, and £179,200 split among all councillors to spend on community initiatives.