A share of over £1.3 million has been awarded to Westcountry groups striving to make their community a better place.
The grants, from the Big Lottery Fund, will help a range of organisations from Scout groups to single parents. West Cornwall Women's Aid was one of the biggest winners in the announcement made today, receiving £269,142 to fund a volunteer support programme helping women fleeing domestic abuse.
Colebrook Housing Society in Plymouth has been handed £113,230 to develop their Opportunity Knocks Timebank.
The scheme provides a flexible approach to volunteering hours supporting carers of disabled people in the city.
Helen Fellows from the society welcomed the award: "The Timebank will give carers and disabled people in Plymouth the opportunity to share their skills, knowledge and experience whilst reducing social isolation.
"Volunteering for the Timebank will make people feel more valued and encourage personal development in a friendly social environment whilst helping them with tasks and activities."
An award of just over £80,000 from the Big Lottery Fund will mean restoration and an extension project can begin on the base used by Polkerris Scout Group, near St Austell.
Once the work is completed, the building will be used by the whole community, including youth groups and for workshops and health activities.
Meanwhile Weston Hospicecare, based in North Somerset, will use their £142,950 lottery bonanza to create a local volunteer carer support network.