A community group which provides support to disadvantaged families in Frome are set to get a bumper load of new books thanks to local housing association LiveWest.

Purple Elephant, who run the Toy Library, Small Steps, befriending service, family activities in school holidays and Frome Children's Festival were given £200 in book vouchers by LiveWest in the hope that having new books will help spark children's enthusiasm for reading.

Sue Willis From Purple Elephant Frome said: "Books are a great way to fire up children's imaginations and to teach them about the world around us. They can also provide support and reassurance for children who are struggling with the challenges of the past couple of years, providing an escape from worries and activities to develop self-esteem. Last year we delivered activity packs to children who were struggling with their mental health and we're hoping to offer that support again, including uplifting storybooks and wellbeing activity books for children who need a helping hand. Thank you so much to LiveWest for enabling us to reach out to more children."

LiveWest, the largest housing provider in the South West has donated nearly £1, 500 worth of book tokens for community groups across Somerset.

Shona Stone, Community Connector for LiveWest, said: "Books are a fantastic way to feed children's imaginations. We understand the importance of children being able to read and wanted to play a part in addressing the issue where lack of funding can be a barrier to some children getting new books."

"As a leading housing association, LiveWest can make a real difference to families and the community who have been hit hard by the impact of lockdowns, rising living costs and impacts to education.

"Giving back to our communities is a vital part of the work we do and we are absolutely delighted to be able to provide the book tokens in our communities where we have homes which will make a positive difference to the children."

LiveWest has also supported Wyndham Park Community Group, Yeovil and Besom, Taunton with tokens for new books.

Wyndham Park Community Group in Yeovil helps to run a number of sessions out of the community hub ranging from mothers and baby sessions to over 55s sessions and the book vouchers will be used for the purchase of books for their groups.

LiveWest have a long standing partnership with Besom, Taunton a group which provides crisis boxes, furniture, white goods and volunteering support to those who need it across Wellington and Taunton. The £200 book vouchers will be used to purchase basic cookery books to give out with their crisis boxes.