Charities and voluntary groups across Norwich are set to receive a cash boost as the city council aims to maintain a creative, safe, prosperous and clean city.

Norwich City Council's cabinet has been recommended to approve more than �155,000 worth of grants as part of the council's wider voluntary and community sector commissioning programme.

Awards are being made to a range of organisations to provide services and support for vulnerable residents, and contribute to the rich and diverse cultural activity in the city.

Grants include �10,000 each to the Norwich Puppet Theatre, Norwich in Bloom and The Garage Trust. A grant of �6,000 is recommended for the Sexual Violence Alliance, a charitable company that operates a helpline and counselling service for men and women survivors of sexual abuse, and �42,000 is recommended for Pottergate-based charity Voluntary Norfolk. Other beneficiaries include Norwich Door to Door.

Council leader Brenda Arthur said: 'We want to continue to invest in voluntary and community groups to help them deliver important, services for Norwich residents and maintain a diverse, safe and prosperous city.

'Collaboration is very important particularly in difficult times. I am very pleased to be able to recommend these grants for approval at cabinet.'

Last year a new commissioning framework was launched, together with the council's voluntary and community sector commissioning programme 2012-13. The programme demonstrates the continued commitment to invest in the voluntary and community sector (VCS) through grant awards, procured services and partnership activity. This investment amounts to around �600,000. The council also provides a range of grant in kind arrangements to support the sector.

Linda Rogers, Voluntary Norfolk's head of operations, said: 'We are grateful for this grant and for Norwich City Council's continuing support, which will help us to continue to assist the many groups and charities that work within Norwich and whose efforts benefit all its residents.'

The council's cabinet will meet on March 14.

Has your organisation received a cash boost? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk.