PROJECTS working in Herefordshire will get much-needed grants to help support local women and girls facing a range of challenges.

The projects will receive grants of between £5,000 and £10,000.

This is the second time Herefordshire Community Foundation has awarded groups money from the Tampon Tax Community Fund to help women and girls experiencing issues such as period poverty, domestic and sexual abuse and mental health.

Collectively as a network, UK Community Foundations is one of the UK’s largest grant-makers and was asked by the Government to distribute the largest share of the funding raised through the levy on sanitary products through its network of community foundations.

A total of £6.9 million has been awarded nationally to grassroots groups in the two rounds of funding.

Philippa Spens, chief executive officers of Herefordshire Community Foundation said: “This funding supports the groups on the ground that are making a huge difference to the lives of women and girls.

"We know there is huge demand out there for these services and are proud to help organisations working in our community to access vital public funding, which otherwise they may miss out on.”

YSS, Herefordshire Homestart and West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support projects have been awarded grants.

Community Foundations are local champions, connecting people and organisations that want to improve their communities.

They invest in local people and organisations tackling some of the biggest issues facing communities today and supporting some of society’s most disadvantaged people.

They provide help and advice to those who want to give at the heart of their communities, both now and in the long-term, by matching donors to important local causes.