Charities in Soham and Ely are among groups getting a share of £13,500 to help with voluntary work in projects ranging from counselling for people on low incomes to children’s mental health support.

The money is being given by the Hopkins Homes grants panel, in partnership with Cambridgeshire Community Foundation.

The Hopkins Charitable Fund launched in 2017 and saw the house builder commit to donating half-a-million pounds over five years to charities and good causes in the eastern region.

James Hopkins, executive chairman, said: “Hopkins Homes is committed to playing a part in building communities not just homes. One way we strive to do this is by supporting good causes that help the most disadvantaged in society and the charities and groups that hold the community together.

“I am proud that we are able to support these grant recipients and I look forward to finding out more about the valuable work they do in Cambridgeshire.”

Michael O’Toole CEO of Cambridge Community Foundation, said: “We had a great response to the launch of the Hopkins Charitable Fund and received a lot of grant applications from local groups and charities.

“I am confident that the grants awarded will go a long way to helping some of the most vulnerable people in our area.”

The charity says it tackles hard-hitting issues within the community, offering support to groups working to bring people together and improve lives.

Grants awarded include:

• £2,000 to Cogwheel Soham towards 12 weeks of counselling sessions for people on low incomes.

• £2,000 to Red2Green Ely for their mental health project providing support to isolated people. Drop-ins are held in Ely and Soham.

• £3,000 to the Dodgems Project, that supports 10-18 year old boys who are victims of child sexual exploitation.

• £2,000 to Huntingdon Area Money Advice Service towards admin costs of their debt relief service in Godmanchester and Huntingdon.

• £1,500 to Kings Hedges Family Support Project towards drop-in session for families.

• £3,000 to Meadows Children and Family Wing supporting victims of domestic violence and their children.

Applications for the next round of grants must be submitted by November 1. Eligibility criteria and details about how to apply can be found on the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation website.