Tens of thousands of pounds will be ploughed into four Merton charities after grants were approved by the charitable arm of the All England Lawn Tennis Club.

Grants of up to £30,000 will be given to the Attic Theatre Company, Home-Start Merton, Jigsaw4u and Merton Voluntary Services Council by the Wimbledon Foundation every year for three years.

The money, part of a investment of £450,000, will go towards projects which help to improve mental and physical health.

Ulrika Hogberg, foundation and community manager said: "We have chosen eight engaging and well-designed projects to support through our Health and Wellbeing Fund and we hope each will have a positive and long-lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of our local community."

Charities and community organisations submitted applications for projects which met one or more of the fund’s objectives, including supporting better mental health through social or cultural activities, helping people take better care of their physical health and bringing families and communities together including those more at risk of isolation.

The Attic Theatre Company, one of the four organisations chosen for funding, will use the money for a range of projects, including Attic Roots and Shoots, an arts programme designed to support older people, young refugees and asylum seekers, and disadvantaged young people, the Going For a Song choir, which tackles social isolation and the touring ‘Ma Kelly’ play, which raises awareness of safety issues for older residents.

Louise Hill, Attic Theatre Company artistic director, said: "We're delighted to have been awarded a grant from the Health and Wellbeing Fund for our Roots and Shoots community arts programme.

"This funding will secure the future of our year-round community programme and also allow us to create exciting new artistic opportunities for the residents of Merton."

Home-Start Merton’s Plus Project will involve Cook and Eat sessions, to help parents prepare and cook healthy meals, and the Money for Life programme, which will cover budgeting, banking, shopping and planning ahead.

Jigsaw4u will run a mentoring scheme for vulnerable Year 6 students aged 10 and 11 years in significant need of support during transition to secondary school, due to difficult family circumstances.

Merton Voluntary Service Council will provide peer-support groups drop-in sessions to inform people about self-help, healthy eating and wellbeing activities.

The Health and Wellbeing Fund was launched in March by the Wimbledon Foundation, the charity of The All England Lawn Tennis Club, which was established in June 2013.