More than 60 community groups across Somerset have been handed a Christmas cash boost, with £28,500 awarded to help bring people together over the festive season.

Somerset Community Foundation has shared the funding between 64 grassroots organisations through its Festive Fund, with grants of up to £500 supporting meals, gatherings and activities for people who may otherwise feel isolated or alone at Christmas.

Kirsty Campbell, senior programmes manager at Somerset Community Foundation, said: "We know that the festive season can be challenging, and there are people in our communities who find it particularly difficult. We're delighted that this year we're able to award £28,500 to the groups bringing local people together over Christmas at a time no one should feel alone."

Projects backed this year range from free wreath-making sessions run by Growing Space in Wincanton, to a festive concert hosted by Somerset Opera, and a Christmas dinner organised by Baltonsborough Volunteer Support Group, which is welcoming around 90 senior residents for food, music and games.

In Crewkerne, the funding is supporting Christmas events at Crewkerne Community Kitchen as it prepares to move into its new base in January 2026.

Group leader Jess Wright said: "Christmas can be a difficult time and our Festive Window is something that just brings a bit of joy over the winter months. I'm a model-maker by trade and what we're going to co-create is an aerial view of Crewkerne, as if Santa is flying over, with models decorated by people from different community groups. It's a way for people to sit down and talk about their locality in a really positive way, and we want to reach as many groups as possible.

"This year we're working with Lidl to give toys out at Christmas and we'll have extra special things around the launch of our new space, including a drop-in workshop on how to keep warm this winter. In the new year our Community Fridge and Repair Hub will run from the new base and we'll have Souper Bowl sessions for fresh warm food in the colder months."

The Decorate a House drop-in session ran on 9 December, with the Festive Window launch taking place on 11 December. More information is available on the group's Facebook page.

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Elsewhere in Somerset, the funding is helping FordHaven host an inclusive Christmas party for families from across the county.

Co-founder Roxie Ford said: "We've invited every single family who is part of the FordHaven community, from our youth clubs and holiday clubs to our home-ed groups. So many of the children we work with have special educational needs and everything we do is shaped with them in mind.

"This year, we've planned something truly special. Santa will be there with a gift for every child, we'll have a SEND-friendly disco and there will be a cosy festive spread for everyone to enjoy. Thanks to the funding we've received, we can open our doors to all our families without anyone having to pay a thing."

Somerset Community Foundation is a grant-making charity that supports local charities, community groups and social enterprises, providing more than £4 million in funding to Somerset organisations every year. Anyone who would like to support similar projects can donate via the foundation's website.