GROUPS across Hampshire have benefitted from grants worth £96,421 as a result of tax on sanitary products.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) have supported twelve projects that work with vulnerable women and girls through their Tampon Tax Community Fund.

Raised through the levy on sanitary products, it aims to help women and girls who are experiencing issues such as domestic abuse, sexual abuse and mental health.

Those buying sanitary products are charged at the reduced rate of 5 percent, including panty liners and certain maternity pads.

Southampton charity City of Sanctuary Southampton Group has received £6,098 from the fund for their sewing club, which aims to provide an opportunity to learn new skills for women who may be facing cultural barriers or social isolation.

Another city charity Yellow Door has benefitted from a £10,000 grant, to raise awareness of available services and support women over 60 where domestic abuse has been identified.

Grant Cornwell MBE, chief executive at HIWCF, said: “This funding supports the smaller charities and community groups that are working incredibly hard to make a big difference to the lives of marginalised women and girls.

"We know there is a huge demand for these services, as this programme was once again oversubscribed, with funding only meeting 20 percent of the grant applications received.

"HIWCF are proud to support the work of these small but vital community organisations and we invite local businesses, families and individuals to join with us to help disadvantaged people during their time of need.”

Ten other organisations across Hampshire have also been given support from the fund, including Footprints Project Bournemouth,

Making Space, Break the Cycle Community Interest Company, Vectis Radio Community Radio Station, Wight DASH, SCARF (Supporting Special Children & their Relatives & Friends), Aurora New Dawn, Good Mental Health Cooperative, Home-Start Hampshire and Helping Hooves UK Ltd.