TAUNTON charities and community groups are set to benefit from the latest batch of Big Lottery Funding.

Three groups based in Taunton and one that operates from Shepton Mallet have been given the funding.

A total of 114 projects in the South West won a share of the £1,747,852 funding.

Blackbrook Community Primary School has been awarded £9,500 for new outdoor play equipment to be installed. The school says it is to help encourage healthy lifestyles by tackling childhood obesity and improving levels of wellbeing.

Headteacher, Barney Rycroft, said: “We applied for the fund for a playground improvement project.

“We will be getting a climbing frame, some monkey bars, and other climbing and play equipment. It’s all about providing more opportunities and a physical challenge for our older students.”

A charity that helps settle refugee families into the area has received a fund to continue its work. Christian Help and Action for Refugees in Somerset (Charis) received a grant of £3,450 to be used to train a group of volunteers who will support refugee families.

Gordon East, Charis trustee and lead co-ordinator of the resettlement plan, said: “The money will be used to provide cultural training to the volunteers.

“The training will enable the volunteers to help and befriend the refugees, it will involve things like learning where the refugees have come from, and understanding the trauma they might have been through.

“The money will also be used to provide activities and language training for the family.”

The Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre also benefitted from some Big Lottery money. It received £6,406 to use to deliver a dance and theatre show which will involve a variety of community groups on May 4 and 5.

Dion Sears, learning and participation manager at The Brewhouse, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded a grant from the Big Lottery for our project ‘Our Futures Our Home’.

“The Brewhouse is working with dance company State of Emergency to deliver workshops with schools and community groups. The colourful theatre dance show Where is Home? created by State of Emergency is the catalyst for this project.”

Back on Track Somerset will also benefit from £10,000 from the fund. The equestrian-themed therapy programmes will be delivered with this funding for young people who may be living with mental or emotional health issues.