Efforts to prevent female genital mutilation (FGM) in Birmingham have received a funding boost worth £9,750.
Allies Network, an organisation set up by women to support the Somali community, secured the money from the Big Lottery Fund.
It was one of 204 projects in the West Midlands to share £1.7 million via the Awards For All programme.
Allies Network will use the grant to develop and strengthen its community-based preventative work to protect the rights of children, and will particularly focus on reducing the risk to girls of undergoing FGM.
The charity will work in partnership with community-based health support organisations including Health Exchange and recruit community champions to run workshops and discussion groups.
Nura Ali Dhuhul, executive director of Allies Network, said: “FGM is a crime in the UK. Some communities regard circumcision of their women and young girls as a necessary practice for the wellbeing of their daughters, family, and community.
“We work closely with practising communities to stop FGM and to help them understand that it is illegal and dangerous for women and young girls. FGM is a barbaric act and we are working to end FGM within a generation.”
Lyn Cole, Big Lottery Fund deputy director for England, said: “The work Allies Network is doing to tackle FGM in Birmingham and beyond is really important.
“We wish them every success with their project which aims to raise awareness of this serious issue and put a stop to it.
“Allies Network is just one of over 200 valuable initiatives across the West Midlands sharing in over £1.7 million of grants from the Big Lottery Fund.”
Other groups to receive funding include Big Top Neighbourhood Watch Road Show, in Birmingham. It was awarded £9,931 to run anti-bullying and anti-knife crime road shows for schools.
Friends Of Young Achievers, in Sandwell, received £9,927 to purchase expedition equipment so young people with disabilities can complete the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
And St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, in Evesham, Wychavon, received £4,303 to build an outdoor road safety classroom in its playground which is next to a busy road.