FOUR organisations from across Redditch have been handed a slice of £5.1 million funding.

Community projects in the West Midlands were given the early Christmas present as part of the National Lottery’s Big Lottery Fund, with four in Redditch receiving a combined £38,416.

One of the groups, the Bromsgrove and Redditch Network (BARN) has been given £10,000 for its ‘Get Involved!’ project, which encourages volunteering to increase skills.

Gary Roskell, chief executive of BARN, said: ‘Get Involved!’ is a year-long project to help people to get more involved in their local charities, green spaces, neighbourhoods – whatever is important to them – across Bromsgrove and Redditch.

“It will bring people together, support them to volunteer, and help everyone realise the benefits to themselves as well as those they volunteer for.

“Volunteering can help people gain new skills, meet new people, and it's been proved to have a positive impact on mental and physical health.

“This grant will allow us to reach out more, and is a great opportunity for us to try and get people that have never considered getting involved in local causes a bit of support.

“We can't wait to get started.”

The Forge Mill Needle Museum has also been handed £10,000 for its ‘Building the Community in Redditch’ scheme, which comprises of creative workshops for children and families to encourage positive community relationships.

A council spokesman said: “We are delighted to have been awarded Big Lottery Grant funding and receiving the award is great recognition of the work we are doing in the community.

“We are still finalising the plans for how we intend to use the funding and can’t wait to share them with you in the New Year.”

Elsewhere, youth and community group What’s Your Point received £8,816 for its ‘Health and Wellbeing Group’, which includes weekly sessions for people with mental health issues.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church also received £9,600 for ‘Finding a future of Benny’s’, which allows them to undertake a study to ensure the best use of the church and club.