MENTAL health charity Mind in Taunton and West Somerset has received a £5,000 grant to develop workshops for schools about domestic abuse and the mental health issues it can cause.

The windfall was presented by Taunton Women's Aid, which is making awards of up to £10,000 available for work that supports adults and children in the Taunton area affected by domestic abuse or provides education or training about domestic abuse.

Mind chief executive Andy Pritchard said: “Mind is delighted to be developing this work.

"There has been increasing evidence that the majority of mental health and relationship problems start with experiences in childhood.

"If we can help young people understand their experiences and feelings and the reasons for their life choices, we believe we can start to prevent problems before they start.

"This work hasn’t come too soon and we are grateful that Women’s Aid are funding us to make a start on this much needed preventative approach”

Taunton Women’s Aid trustee Judith Smith said: “Taunton Women’s Aid has supported women and children affected by domestic abuse in the Taunton area for more than 30 years.

"We are so pleased to be able to help other local organisations to carry out work which helps turn lives around.”

For more information about Taunton Women’s Aid or to apply for a grant visit www.tauntonwomensaid.org.uk