Somerset West and Taunton edition - Summer 2020

YourSOMERSET Talking Cafés now online Find out more about fostering Stay Healthy, Happy and Safe Stop the abuse page 6 page 9 pages 10 & 11 page 12 Improving Lives ● In this edition ● Somerset West & Taunton ● Summer 2020 One BIGSomerset coronavirus response One Somerset - One great result! thanks! 6,949 people helped by 1,050 emergency A personal food message from our Somerset Coronavirus parcels the Leader of the Support line. delivered. Council, David Fothergill 88,738 residents 1,000 staff ‘ What can I say? directly contacted to offered to redeploy to You’re amazing! Throughout the fight against check if they needed help. help the support effort. coronavirus, Somerset is showing the spirit and determination to win through. Over 5 million Hendford Court, a pop up Of course, we’ve been helped enormously face masks, gloves, by our brilliant health and social care staff. aprons and hand facility to care for people They all deserve full recognition for their sanitiser sent to care coming out of hospital, set dedication and skills. homes, GPs and up in record time. district councils. ‘They are true heroes. 10,340 Somerset 3,700 vulnerable children And I’m proud of the support and help that businesses shared our own services here at Somerset County and key workers children in Council are delivering. school and early years settings £124.5m before lockdown eased. I want to personally thank all of you, our key of grant funding to help workers, our volunteers, all of you who have £9m funding given to them survive. been checking up on and looking after your neighbours, staff who are keeping our care providers. £2.5m to support nurseries schools and nurseries going, working in our care homes, collecting bins - you name it and childcare settings to remain Somerset is stepping up. open for key workers and vulnerable children. We have a long way to go, and we have to fully follow all the government advice. But this is a personal thanks from me and all councillors across Somerset. Turn to page 2 for the full letter to all residents.

Contact us Visit www.somerset.gov.uk If you can’t find David Fothergill ‘In my opinion...’ what you need on our website: Council Leader ● Phone 0300 123 2224 We have two priorities in duplication in directors, back office systems, Somerset at this time. contracts, even far too many councillors. By Phone lines are open Monday to First and foremost, we continue disbanding ALL of the councils and creating Friday, 8.30am until 5.30pm. to do all we can to combat one single council we can do three things. coronavirus and to rebuild our ● Write to us at economy and our communities First, and most importantly, it will be easier for as best we can. us to deal with any crisis now, and in the future. Somerset County Council, County Hall, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1DY I would like to repeat my personal thanks to With just the ONE Council and not FIVE different ALL those who have worked so hard over the past authorities, we can make faster decisions, get For all coronavirus- weeks and months. It has been heartening to see help quicker to where it is most needed and work related support, phone the NHS and Social Care frontline staff receive more closely with our communities. 0300 790 6275 public thanks, and I will continue to also highlight all those who have volunteered or been Secondly, we can help parish, town and city Please phone the numbers redeployed to support our residents and local councils to get more involved in the way money below for the following services: communities. It has been truly humbling. is spent in their patch – getting local people to influence spending to benefit their own Fostering enquiries That’s why it is so important that all local communities. Surely everyone can agree that is 0800 587 9900 authorities in Somerset should work effectively a good thing? Adopt South West and efficiently. We should miss no opportunity to 0345 155 1076 help our residents, businesses and communities And finally, by cutting out duplication and Somerset Heritage Centre in all the services we provide, not just those at inefficiencies, we can create millions of pounds (01823) 278805 this critical time. That means not just working to reinvest in our frontline services. What would better with the NHS and our partners, but across Somerset’s residents want us to do? Pay for five Somerset Road Safety the entire public sector – we owe it to our chief executive officers – or pay just the ONE; five (01823) 423430 residents. senior leadership teams – or just the ONE; five Somerset Waste Parnership separate back office operations – or just the ONE (01823) 625700 That brings to my second priority – it shouldn’t Pay for around 300 councillors or a sensible, take a crisis to get local government working smaller number? ● District Councils Contacts better together – and that’s why I believe we are staring at a huge opportunity to step up in this Mendip District Council area. I have made no secret of the fact that we 0300 303 8588 have to plan for the future. www.mendip.gov.uk We have a system of district councils and a Sedgemoor District Council county council that has an in-built level of 0300 303 7800 www.sedgemoor.gov.uk EDITOR’S INFO I believe that disbanding all FIVE Councils and replacing them with South Somerset District Council To get in contact with Your Somerset or to ONE will have huge benefits. (01935) 462462 advertise in this publication, contact the www.southsomerset.gov.uk Communications Team on (01823) 355020 We would be able to create savings to invest and email [email protected] millions of pounds in better housing, better social Somerset West and Taunton Council care, better leisure facilities and better roads, and 0300 304 8000 We gratefully acknowledge the support of to turbo-charge a radical and exciting climate www.somersetwestandtaunton. organisations that advertise in Your Somerset, change agenda. gov.uk but Somerset County Council can accept no In the end that is the option – FIVE or ONE? Please recycle responsibility for the products or services advertised. We advise readers to make their own It’s a simple question, and in my view it’s a simple enquires before purchasing products or services. answer – YES! Invest and improve – that’s the message I have taken to government and will work Pssst...Your Somerset costs 6p per copy to try to deliver on your behalf. to produce. 2 - In the news

Stronger, better and ready for anything Coronavirus update It has been a momentous year for Somerset ➟ Funding nearly 80 per cent of the Personal Get all the latest NHS information and advice County Council that has seen us blaze a Protective Equipment (PPE) required by about coronavirus (COVID-19) at www.nhs.uk trail in everything from raising the public schools, nurseries and key workers in /conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 profile of how Adult Cocial Care needs to Somerset change, right down to the way we use robots What to look out for in classrooms. ➟ Setting up and running two new care homes in Yeovil and Wellington Symptoms of coronavirus include, a high We have worked hard to improve lives and temperature, a new continuous cough, our finances, and we have been addressing ➟ Supporting nurseries and childcare loss or change to your sense of smell or tomorrow’s challenges as well as today’s. settings to help them to financially taste. Most people with coronavirus have And it was a good job we did, as who could survive at least one of these symptoms. have foreseen coronavirus? ➟ Running social care services seven days If you have any of these symptoms, The work to build up our financial a week to support our vulnerable residents please use the 111 online coronavirus reserves, which now stand at service available at 111.nhs.uk/covid-19. ➟ Supporting district councils with additional If you cannot get help online, phone 111. £76.2m, means that we are able £76.2m costs to keep the homeless safe Do not go to places like a GP surgery, hospital or pharmacy. to cope with the huge costs of ➟ Supporting our supply chain on major coronavirus. We have been able to building projects Stay at home if you have symptoms fully support our vital frontline services, (self-isolation) protect our residents and invest in help for ➟ Plus a whole host of other costs that add our schools, nurseries, care homes. up to millions and millions of pounds, If your symptoms are mild you must not to which is being invested to help keep leave your home. This is called self-isolation. The figures are astounding. Somerset safe. ● Anyone with symptoms, must self-isolate The current estimated financial £43m A single phone number is available for anyone for seven days from when their symptoms impact of this emergency for us in Somerset who needs coronavirus-related started. support from their councils. The Somerset ● Anyone you live with (or anyone in is over £43m. And although we Coronavirus Support Helpline number, your support bubble) who does not have 0300 790 6275, makes it easier for people symptoms must self-isolate for 14 days will get somewhere around half of to access any local authority help they may from when the first person started having need, including emotional support, during symptoms. the money back from government, it won’t go the current crisis.. How can I protect myself? anywhere near covering the full costs, which For more information about Somerset County Council’s response to the ● Don’t forget – we can all do our bit to include: coronavirus emergency, visit prevent its spread. This includes washing www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus, your hands thoroughly for at least 20 ➟ Paying a 10 per cent increase to all where you can also sign up for regular seconds with soap and warm water, avoid care home providers to help them stay email updates. touching your face (particularly your nose, financially viable through the crisis mouth and eyes), wipe down surfaces and objects regularly and use a tissue when coughing and sneezing, then binning it and washing your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, use the crook of your arm rather than your hand. Where to go for more information As this is a changing situation, please see the NHS website for all the latest updates. In the news - 3

4 - one somerset The One Somerset proposal One Council is better able to listen to our is to disband all five councils communities and respond. (the district councils and the One Council that speaks with one voice to County Council) and set up a government is more likely to be heard. new single council that runs One Council with a commitment to give more all the same services as they spending power to our communities. do now, but better. One Council to end the confusion over which authority carries out with services. The big winner in having a single council is you and One Council to invest more and spend on the your communities. It gives the chance to shake up services you value most. the system and get decisions - and spending - One Council in Somerset just makes sense. made at a very local level. That’s what we want to achieve. It’s pretty easy to see how big savings can be made We want to know what you think about our proposal from FIVE going into ONE - five sets of chief and where you think we should be investing the executives and directors to just one, having a single extra funding that will become available. What is iCT contract instead of five, one call centre and most important to you - areas like climate change many other wats to save millions of pounds. initiatives, community transport, social housing, That money could be reinvested into Somerset parks and leisure - we want to work with you to and give us a great opportunity to do more, just support the local issues that are important to you imagine what we could achieve. and to our local communities. To get the story so far and keep up to date with the latest news, visit the One Somerset website at: onesomerset.org.uk

Your views are important. 5 - one somerset Please take a look at the proposals and answer the questions below: Please enter your postcode to the last number below, for example, TA1 4DY would be TA1 4 We currently have four district councils and a County Council responsible for providing your local services in Somerset. There are proposals to replace all five councils with one new council. This will mean one number to call and one place to come if and when you need to access any council services across the whole of Somerser. Please indicate below the extent to which you agree/disagree with these proposals: Giving you the ability to influence decisions made in your local area is the driving force behind creating one single council in Somerset. How important is it to you that decisions are made at a local level that meet the needs/requirements of your community? We estimate that around £20m extra funding would be available every year, which could be further invested in services if these proposals are agreed. Please tell us where you would like to see this money invested in the future: Please tick in the boxes next to services listed below: Schools and learning Economic development and growth Adult Social Care Waste collection and disposal Leisure Centres New roads and maintenance Planning (infrastructure, house planning) Housing Car parks/street parking Community Resilience (flooding, climate change) Overall, do you support the proposals for developing one single council to deliver services in Somerset? If you have any further comments, please leave them below or include them on a separate piece of paper with your return questionnaire. To keep up-to-date with the progress of the One Somerset business case, or for more information visit onesomerset.org.uk Please return this survey, free of charge, by Monday 31 August to Somerset County Council, Communications, FREEPOST NAT 9109, County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY. Or you can save on postage by completing our survey online at onesomerset.org.uk/haveyoursay

Feeling a bit lost and need some help? Then join our online Talking Café. Talking Cafés – now keeping Somerset connected online Do you need information, advice, and Live sessions are taking place every day from The events have been really popular – so far support? Or perhaps you just fancy a 11am, and are a great way to stay connected, we’ve seen between 50 and 70 joining us live, friendly chat? Good news! You can now use and get useful information, advice, and and hundreds more watching later on. Facebook Live to join people across the support. county for daily Talking Café events. The sessions are run daily from the Talking Café Facebook page (@talkingcafesomerset) Over the last few years our Talking Cafés by Community and Village Agents, who help have been running locally across Somerset local people find the help, information, and helping to keep our communities connected services they need. with the services they need. Talking Cafés were set up in June 2017 as a collaboration LIVE As part of a vital community service we between the Council, Community Council for commission, the Community Council for Somerset and a range of community The sessions cover a whole range of topics, Somerset, Community and Village Agents organisations, to help people find and from help with your finances and housing, have played a vital role in the coronavirus connect to support in their local community to advice about how to keep safe in these response, delivering a whopping 47,963 as part of the Community Connect initiative. difficult times. You can also get information community activities across the county. about the adult and children’s service that Ranging from food and medication deliveries, Usually these events take place at local are available to you - or just come along for sharing advice on benefits and paying bills, venues, like cafés, libraries and village a light-hearted chat. to helping provide hot meals to those in need, halls. But social distancing measures the Agents have been a real lifeline for have unfortunately meant that the face-to- Somerset during lockdown. face sessions have had to be temporarily suspended. But we still want to be there for To find out more about how they you, so we’ve embraced new technology and could help you, visit somersetagents. relaunched digitally using Facebook Live. org/talking-cafes or phone This means that anyone – even the most 01823 331222 or Somerset rurally isolated – can join and pop along for Direct on 0300 123 2224. a chat. Who cares for the carers? We do! We’re so proud of our incredible care equipment (PPE) and the creation of a pop- We want to say a huge thank you to sector, who have been supporting around up care home to house people who test all our residential homes, care providers, 6,500 people across the county with home, positive for coronavirus. mircoproviders, care staff, and adult social residential and nursing care during lockdown. care staff – your work is so important, and we are so grateful to you for everything you do. But what does it mean to work in care? Perhaps we think of care as helping people What about unpaid carers? with their immediate needs – food, drink, There are over 60,000 unpaid carers in staying clean, getting around, and getting in Somerset. If you regularly look after someone and out of bed. Care is all this and more. In a in a caring capacity, Somerset Carers can single day, a carer may act as a friend, chef, support you with advice and guidance. Caring entertainer, cleaner, beautician, accountant for another person is very rewarding, but can and confidante. The work they do is be overwhelming and lonely at times. invaluable, and has been vital to the coronavirus response across the county. Somerset Carers can help link you to groups and events in your area, and find facts and This is why it’s so important to us to continue apSreotuohuppenpledcoora6tuci,n5nrog0tys0s There are information that will help the person you are celebrating the work of all our incredible uionnvpSeaoridm60ce,ar0sr0ee0rts caring for with their particular needs. carers. We’re proud to have been recognised nationally for the support we’ve given to our For free support and information, care providers, which includes a £3m boost in visit somersetcarers.org or phone spending, help with personal protective 0800 316 8600. 6 - Talking Cafe

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Somerset’s volunteers are the best! We’d like to not only give a big shout out to all those who are helping to keep Somerset going through the coronavirus pandemic, but also to those amazing people who volunteer all year round. You have truly made us feel like we’re all in this together and your help has been invaluable. Spark Somerset Volunteer with Route1 Advocacy In March, Spark Somerset launched ‘Coronahelpers’, an online Have you ever thought of becoming a volunteer platform where people could pledge their support, and organisations Advocate or Independent Visitor for children and and groups could let people know what they are doing and how to get young people in Somerset? involved. Hundreds of volunteers signed up to support a range of roles locally, from helping out with new community groups, through to These are fascinating and inspiring opportunities, which can bring supporting some of the more established voluntary sector real benefits to the lives of vulnerable children and young people. organisations in Somerset. It’s not too late to get involved, to find out more visit www.corona-helpers.co.uk/ Advocates work alongside individual children to make sure that their voices and wishes are heard. Each advocacy case is usually short- Are you a support group looking for support and funding? term, and there is no expectation of a long-term commitment to a particular child. Trying to find your way around the possible funding options on offer when all you want to do is help people is tough. So, Spark Somerset Independent Visitors are volunteers who befriend and spend time with has launched a one-stop-shop for all things funding related, and it is a child or young person, who is in the care of the Local Authority, and completely free! Visit www.sparksomerset.org.uk/somerset-funding- are often in it for the long haul. portal to browse hundreds of funding opportunities by category. Your life experiences will be highly valued, and you will be given They have a number of online resources available to help people training and support in developing key skills. Your volunteering can manage coronavirus support groups safely and effectively. They’re be arranged to suit your availability and all expenses are reimbursed. also delivering a free programme of webinars for Somerset voluntary and community groups. To find out more, visit Spark Somerset’s With coronavirus and social distancing measures in place, we’ve had website at www.sparksomerset.org.uk to adapt our services, but our volunteers have continued to be an important lifeline to our children and young people. They have been If you have specific skills, such as experience in marketing, coming up with fun and imaginative activities and keeping in touch finance, HR or law, and would like to share them with a local over the phone and using video calls. We have safely adapted all our charity or community group, please visit www.sparksomerset. practices to make sure this important work continues. org.uk/volunteer/somerset-skills-bank. If you’re interested, please get in touch. You can visit our website at To find out more, visit www.sparksomerset.org.uk, phone volunteering.somerset.gov.uk or email [email protected] 01460 202970, email [email protected] The Somerset Coronavirus Appeal You can also make a difference by donating to the Somerset ‘Your help has been invaluable.’ Coronavirus Appeal. The appeal is helping to raise money for local charities that are supporting the most vulnerable people affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. And, looking ahead, they want to make sure that when the time is right, we can help our communities recover well. For more information on how to donate to the appeal, visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/appeal Set up by Somerset Community Foundation, the appeal will help build the Somerset Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund. Local groups can apply for grant funding by completing a short application form available at www.somersetcf.org.uk/coronavirus 8 - Volunteering

“Could you “ be therainbow in my storm? We’re currently looking for short-term foster carers to provide emergency care for some of Somerset’s most vulnerable children during the pandemic. A new condensed process allows us to quickly train and assess potential foster carers, with many of the usual face-to-face meetings and training sessions taking place online and virtually. For safety reasons, we will still need to do a home visit, but we will follow the latest government guidance and social distancing measures. Although the process can be completed in as little as two weeks, potential carers will need to be devoted and prepared to commit to an intense process, working with their assessing social worker to meet deadlines and requirements. We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone with a DBS in the last 12 months, althougn this is not essential. In return, foster carers will receive support from their supervising social worker, as well as a competitive weekly fee and allowance in line with our standard foster carer payments. Allowances vary, but currently start at £143.57 per week for each child, plus a minimum of £75 per week foster carer fee. Payments are higher for older children and those caring for more than one foster child. What do we offer? What do I need? ♥ A rewarding role working for a not-for- ♥ The enthusiasm to help turn a child or profit organisation. young person’s life around. ♥ Competitive fees and allowances, along with ♥ A spare bedroom, but you DON'T need to mileage payments and additional birthday, be a homeowner. Christmas and holiday allowances for the child. ♥ You must be over 21, but there's NO upper ♥ A pay and progression scheme, which rewards age limit. carers for their skills, experience and learning. ♥ Whether working, in a same sex relationship, ♥ Fantastic training and ongoing support. single or married - it DOESN'T matter. It’s ♥ Increased payments for specialist schemes. what you can offer a child that counts. To find out more or to register your interest, contact Fostering In Somerset on 0800 587 9900 or visit www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk @fosteringinsomerset @fostersomerset

Healthy, Happy and Sa It’s really important to be kind to yourself and do what you can to keep well. Our Healthy Somerset website has lots of information, advice and guidance to help keep you Healthy, Happy and Safe at this time. Here are just so Looking after Drugs and your mental health Alcohol misuse Having good mental health helps us Cut down alcohol to boost your physical relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. and mental health. For a lot of us it has been tough being away from If you drink alcohol at home, it can be our family and friends and not being able to do some of the easier than you think to drink more things we enjoy most. It can sometimes feel overwhelming but making use than you realise. of the support available can help. Please have a look at some of the things available for you to join in with here www.healthysomerset.co.uk/covid- The recommended alcohol intake for both men 19/happy/ and women is 14 units a week - that’s about six pints of lager o and a half of wine. Making small changes to reduce the amoun What can help your mental health and wellbeing? drink can have big health benefits, including maintaining a heal weight, helping you to sleep better and support your mental hea Connect with others: Keeping in contact with people you trust is important for your mental wellbeing. Think about how you can stay in touch with The NHS ‘One You’ website has lots of information to help you friends and family, either over the phone or using video calls or social back on alcohol use. Find out more at www.nhs.uk/oneyou/for- media. body/drink-less/ Open up: It is quite common to feel worried, scared or helpless about the Where to go for help with drug or alcohol use: current situation. Remember that this is a difficult time for everyone and If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s use of a sharing how you are feeling and the things you are doing to cope with or drugs, there are lots of ways to access help despite the restr family and friends can help them too. If you don’t feel able to do that, there in place in response to the coronavirus. are people you can speak to or online support groups. Somerset Drugs and Alcohol Service (SDAS) can help you or so Look after your physical wellbeing: At times like these, it can be easy to fall you know address problems associated with drugs and alcohol into unhealthy patterns of behaviour, which can make you feel worse. Try to The service is aimed at people of any age. eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and get some exercise - try to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs. You can phone them 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 030 87 88 or find out more on their website www.turning-point.co. Look after your sleep: Feeling anxious or worried can make it harder to get a good night’s sleep. Good-quality sleep makes a big difference to how you SOMERSET BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT SERV feel mentally and physically. Try to keep to a regular sleep pattern and avoid looking at screens before bed or drinking too much caffeine. Losing a lo one durin Do things you enjoy: When you are anxious, lonely or low you may do things coronavirus that you usually enjoy less often, or not at all. Focussing on your favourite can make thi hobby, learning something new or simply taking time to relax indoors much more t should give you some relief from anxious thoughts and feelings and can especially wh boost your mood. can’t be with loved one or If you fancy a chat, then please ring Mindline. It is open to people of all grief with you ages who need mental health support.They are a group of staff and To support S volunteers there to listen and support you. residents thro these distres WSaWahsraoawnetewohhenamndameeidhedldeckaeenae8lehikldhrkvepant,siehelsobmttpneyhleyduoaptgt,.reseatur,eahAlyratyatotseniaomshcnttehdpuwiiudvwownsepSliefwdgaelpyieppnltrrehruicabalilodoynilponresCveggckindtiwafharosedttasasyninieonbnmtaornetheelusbofuiremwteeoesrBcwloameidTBttcgfareeoatueaCweudedyrynsencahi.lotnsoanseEa7utgsrttlayprpasttocomfyadnthutaoly times we hav this time. a new Bereav Service and p a Bereavemen Coronavirus Guide with practical and emotional support and information, including a section on supporting children and yo people. You can find this on our Healthy Somerset website at www.healthysomerset.co.uk/covid-19/happy/bereavement-a coronavirus-support/ If you have been bereaved and would like a paper copy of the g please phone the Coronavirus Helpline on 0300 790 6275.

afe... been designed specifically to help and has Logo by Eleanor Jones, 17 from Nether Stowey. ome of the things you can find on the site. QMUI1NI0ZS or a bottle Somerset-Wide Integrated nt you Sexual Health Services With current Government restrictions in place, it has lthier never been more important to have a grasp on all alth. Somerset Integrated aspects of your health and wellbeing. One You Somerset is offering Sexual Health Services a personalised health score through a 10 min quiz to act as a cut (SWISH) continue to baseline for health and wellbeing. Once you have your score, visit -your- provide a free, confidential the Healthy Somerset website to get some support and direction in service. Due to coronavirus, the next steps along your healthy journey. Visit www.healthy alcohol they have made changes to somerset.co.uk/covid-19/ rictions the way they provide some ‘How Are You’ is for people aged 18 or over, and is only designed of their services and are to point you in the right direction. It’s not a medical assessment now offering phone and – if you’re worried about your health you should speak to a health video consultations, along professional. with limited face-to-face appointments, carried out in a safe way. START QUIZ www.nhs.uk/oneyou/how-are-you-quiz/ If you need any contraception, sexual health advice or have sexual health related symptoms, please phone 0300 124 5010 for a phone consultation with a sexual health practitioner. omeone Taking up running can seem like a scary prospect, There is no better time to quit – Smokefreelife l. especially if you feel out of shape or unfit. Public Somerset is here to help. Health England and BBC Sport’s ‘One You Couch to 5k’ 00 303 smartphone app is for absolute beginners and will get you Smoking not only increases your risk of .uk/sdas confidently running 5k in just nine weeks. getting coronavirus, but it can make it a lot worse. Smoking increases the VICE The plan involves three runs a week, with a day of rest in severity of the illness due to the damage between, and a different schedule for each of the nine smoking does to your lungs, and the oved weeks. Starting by running for just a minute at a time, the physical act of smoking itself – ng the programme sets realistic expectations and makes the repeatedly putting your fingers to your outbreak challenge feel achievable right from the start. The app has face - increases the risk too. So, there is ings also been updated to link to the latest advice on social no better time to quit! traumatic, distancing guidelines when exercising. hen you Smokefreelife Somerset is your local stop h your Download the One You Couch to 5K App and start today! smoking service, providing a FREE support to help Somerset's share in Don't forget to remember to share your journey by using residents get smoke-free. And evidence shows that smokers are ur family. the hashtag #Couchto5k. much more likely to quit if they get expert support. Somerset ough We offer 12-week treatment programmes, normally delivered through ssing group support at our Quit Clubs. However, during the pandemic, all ve set up support is provided over the phone by our team of qualified and vement experienced Quit Coaches. They can also advise you on the correct produced and appropriate use of licensed stop smoking medications to ease nt and nicotine withdrawal. oung “ “The Smokefreelife Somerset service helped me to quit smoking when I was pregnant with my daughter. The and- support I received was fantastic – they really built my confidence and I have stayed clear from smoking now for guide, four years!”

‘BEHIND CLOSED DOORS’ Physical and sexual abuse Psychological abuse Control and coercion Emotion Harassment Financial Domestic abuse will affect one in four women, and one Do you think you know someone that is experiencing abuse? in six men, at some point in their lifetime. So, the chances are we all know someone who is suffering behind It can be hard to tell, both abusers and victims often give plausible excuses closed doors. to explain the tell-tale signs of abuse. However, if something seems wrong it probably is. Some signs of abuse will appear to be obvious, such as unexplained injuries or someone being publicly, sometimes aggressively, criticised by a partner or family member.Then these are some more subtle, hidden signs of abuse for example, someone receiving constant text messages or being told who they can and can’t see, and what they can spend or what they can wear. It is a sensitive and difficult task to help someone you know who is suffering domestic abuse. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone and comes in many different forms. Of course, your first reaction may be to jump in and protect that person, Not everyone recognises they are in an abusive relationship, and they may but dealing with it on your own could be dangerous, and could even expose worry about being at home or wonder what they might get wrong this time. them to further abuse.That said, you really can make a difference, and you Victims can even begin to doubt themselves and believe the abuse is their truly may be their only path to a life free from their abuser. fault – or change their behaviour because they are worried how someone at If you’re suffering from domestic abuse or you’re worried about someone home or a family member might react. Don’t forget not all domestic abuse is you know, you can talk in confidence, also to the Somerset Domestic Abuse physical. Service on 0800 69 49 999.You can talk to a health professional, or take a look at the useful advice available online at Our domestic abuse awareness campaign, ‘#NoClosedDoors www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk 2020’, is encouraging men and women to stop suffering in silence and get professional help. Follow our campaign online at #NoClosedDoors2020. 12 -Stop domestic abuse

Registering births, Your library deaths, marriages service - here for you and civil partnerships Somerset libraries are continuing to Our Registration Team is continuing to adapt to the current support people with a vibrant online offer. We’ve got free books, situation and changing government guidelines, but services audiobooks and even magazines and newspapers available to are just starting to reopen. Things are changing all the time, download free of charge. Just visit www.somersetreads.co.uk so to find out how to register a birth, death or marriage, and within a few clicks you will be able to choose from thousands please check our website for the most up-to-date of free titles. information. Staff have also been busy creating some Births fun videos, including story times and rhyme- times for the young ones, as well as some Somerset is home to around 120 tiny new top tips on walks, gardening and book arrivals every week. Due to coronavirus reviews for the not-so-young. You can find we’re really sorry that we’ve not been able them on Somerset Libraries Twitter or to register the birth of your new addition. Instagram pages, or look for Somerset Libraries UK on Facebook. But don’t worry, we're hatching plans to All the videos can also be found online at www.glassbox catch up with issuing certificates to all the taunton.co.uk/videos. new arrivals as soon as we can. And please don’t lose any precious sleep over your Child If you’re not a member of Somerset Libraries yet, Benefit or Universal Credit - emergency or you know of someone who might benefit from legislation is still in place for you to claim, even if we're joining, just visit www.librarieswest.org.uk/join not yet able to register the birth. Go to www.gov.uk/child-benefit/ and join for free. how-to-claim to access forms and information. If you already claim for another child, you can add your newborn by phoning 0300 200 If you borrowed books or DVDs before lockdown, 3100. All you need is your National Insurance or Child Benefit you don’t need to return items until library number. You can book a birth registration online at buildings reopen, which we hope will be very www.somerset.gov.uk/births-ceremonies-and-deaths/register-birth soon. And of course, there will be no overdue charges to worry about. Deaths Stay in Touch! – If you need help or support with joining Somerset As we went to print, phone appointments Libraries or downloading free books, audiobooks or magazines, just are still in place for registering deaths. email [email protected] or phone 0300 123 2224 and The medical authorities are providing a member of staff will be happy to help you. documentation electronically, so all you need to do is phone us on 01823 282251 This year’s Summer Reading Challenge, for children aged to request a registrar appointment. between four and 11, is all online and it’s about funny books, You can find all the latest guidance at happiness and having a laugh! The Silly Squad is a team of www.somerset.gov.uk/register-a-death, along animal friends who love to go on adventures and get stuck into with a bereavement guide, which was produced in all different kinds of funny books. partnership with the NHS, other councils and professional bodies. You can join the Silly Squad on a new adventure by setting Marriages & Civil Partnerships your own personal reading challenge to complete this summer. The new online platform will help you keep track of your books, One of the unfortunate knock-on effects of reviews and the rewards you unlock along the way. lockdown is the number of ceremonies that couldn’t go ahead. For the 1,800 As always, there are loads of brilliant book suggestions to get you disappointed couples, we promise to started, and tips on how you can keep reading even while schools prioritise your bookings to give you your and libraries are closed. There are also heaps of super silly happy ever after before we open the books activities, quizzes, videos, games and more to keep you to any more budding newlyweds. This will be entertained at home! a major undertaking, so please bear with us as we rebook all the ceremonies missed so far, as well To get involved, create your reading profile at as summer weddings where social distancing may affect people’s www.sillysquad.org.uk and start unlocking new challenges and big days. Please check our website or social media for all the latest earning your rewards. Don’t forget to head over to Somerset information. We're posting regular updates on Facebook at Libraries UK on Facebook or @SomersetLib on Twitter to see even www.facebook.com/SomersetWeddingService and answering more fun games and challenges from staff in Somerset libraries. questions to help couples navigate through this difficult time. For more information about planning weddings or civil partnerships, Registration and Library Services - 13 visit www.somersetweddingservice.org.uk

We've got skills they're multiplying FaRdvEicEe 16-25 Covid year olds 19 Somerset Skill Up is an apprenticeship and skills advisory service offering Support for young people Stay safe online free and impartial advice and guidance. It support businesses with the challenges they Helping young people plan their As we rely more on technology to keep us may face with recruitment and skills gaps, next steps connected, it’s important to ‘stay safe’. help individuals progress in their chosen Visit www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-staying- careers, or help people take those first steps The summer months are an important time safe-online where you can get help and advice in gaining or returning to employment. for all young people, but this year is going about: to be very different. Many older students for Opportunities increasingly now include example, will miss out on the opportunity to Staying connected online and distance learning support that gain some valuable work experience or to get can be accessed easily from home. a holiday job. But they may also have more You can easily stay in touch with people that Courses and training include apprenticeships, time to consider what they want to do in the you normally see often, or even reconnecting bite-sized short courses, accredited future, whether that be work or study. with old friends, by phone, video call or social qualifications, and bespoke courses to media. This can really boost your wellbeing. meet your business needs. The Somerset Education Business Partnership If you need help on how to use video calling, is here to offer advice and support to young check out the website and watch the video on For more information, visit www.skillup people aged 16 to 19 (or 16 to 25 if you have how to make a video call. somerset.org.uk, email n.blackwell@ Special Educational Needs or Disabilities or skillupsomerset.org.uk or phone 07857 you’re a care leaver) to help prepare them to Staying safe 670806 return to learning or begin employment. And they work with schools and colleges to help It’s important that you check your computer over 40 young people prepare for a successful or tablet security and privacy settings, block distant working life. unsuitable content and protect yourself learning against fraud. courses By helping students with these important decisions we can make sure that Somerset’s Checking the facts If you’ve got a bit more time on your hands, businesses can access the skills they need to why not start your learning journey now keep our county thriving. To find out more, Not all information online is reliable. Check out and take a course or learn something new? visit www.somerset-ebp.co.uk/learners the site to find how to spot disinformation, such Somerset Skills & Learning (SS&L) is an adult as ‘fake news’. training provider with centres in Taunton, Bridgwater, Yeovil, Frome and Wells. They offer Taking a break apprenticeships, traineeships, qualifications, and training and development courses across It’s important to recognise if you are feeling Somerset. overwhelmed by all the information that can cause you to worry. Due to lockdown, the traditional face-to-face classroom courses have been replaced with a Advice for parents and carers variety of virtual learning options that can be accessed from the comfort of your own home. It is important for children and young people to SS&L have over 40 distance learning courses stay both connected and safe online. Find out available, ranging from courses in mental how to use online controls to protect your health, management and childcare to customer children. service, maths and English. For all this and more, visit www.gov.uk/ For more information or to apply for a course, guidance/covid-19-staying-safe-online visit sslcourses.co.uk 14 - Skill up for business

Take your business ideas to the next level with the Somerset Catalyst Scheme Considering a career change? we are committed to putting the advice, along with the mutual The Venue - YIC Ever thought about setting up in support in place to help businesses support and encouragement that Inspirational o ces, hotdesking business? Got great ideas but get o the ground and reach their these groups provide are proven to spaces and meeting rooms available struggling to commercialise potential here. Somerset Catalyst is be invaluable in creating businesses with exible terms. email info@ them? Perhaps you are already a fundamental part of this work.” capable of considerable growth.” yeovilinnovationcentre.co.uk an early stage business and are to nd out more ready to accelerate your growth? Peter Birkett who has been The Somerset Catalyst instrumental in similar business Programme The Somerset Catalyst scheme schemes, helping start-up • Commences September 2020 could be just what you need. companies to get a rm foothold • Six-month duration and secure signi cant investment • One-to-one expert coaching Funded by the Somerset councils, for growth added: “No ideas are bad • Workshops on key aspects of Somerset Catalyst is part of a wider ones! All we are looking for is business support programme that potential: potential to step into a running a business is rolling out across the county. market and shake it up with a new • Peer support group Its goal is to create the necessary or more e cient way of doing • Pro le raising marketing support positive culture, support system and things, potential to create a new • Business review panels with infrastructure to create economic market or plug a gap in one; growth that will ripple across all its potential for success. industry experts communities and put Somerset on • Help to prepare for and access the innovation map of the UK. “The highly experienced team running the programme and business nance Alex Parmley, Chief Executive of conducting the workshops and South Somerset District Council, coaching has the necessary skills Note: The 2020 programme has explains: “Here in Somerset we and contacts to help get these ideas been adapted to run e ectively know that there’s enormous o paper and into the world with using virtual technologies if social potential to create a vibrant the best chance of success. All we distancing guidelines require this. business community and this is ask for is enthusiastic participation! key to achieving economic growth The sharing of challenges and Start Your Business Journey Today throughout the region. This is why Email info@yeovilinnovationcen- tre.co.uk to register your interest and for further details. Citizens Advice Somerset has launched a new shared website at citizensadvicesomerset.org.uk to provide a single point of access to free, confidential and impartial advice for anyone living in Somerset. It offers confidential and up to the minute advice on a whole range of issues including: * Welfare benefits and Universal Credit * Housing * Employment, including the Job Retention and Furlough Schemes * Debt and money advice * Family and Relationship issues * Discrimination * Access to help with food or fuel vouchers fo*r those facing crisis due to financial hardship The national network of Citizens Advice is made up of over 300 independent charities and is a reliable and trusted source of advice. Thousands of people every year turn to them for help when faced with troubling circumstances. It was no surprise to the teams in Somerset that they have had lots of people contacting them for help since the onset of coronavirus, with so much changing so quickly it is really important that people get accurate advice and support. If you need their services, phone the Adviceline on 0344 488 9623 or visit www.citizensadvicesomerset.org.uk Please don’t hesitate to give them a call or to drop them an email – they’re there to help. Getting Somerset back to business- 15

Stay safe in the sun Being out in the sunshine is not only a fun way for all the family to be more active, it also gives you the Vitamin D your bodies need. But please watch out - sunburn doesn’t just happen on holiday, you can burn in the UK, even when it's cloudy. Aim to strike a balance between protecting yourself from the sun and getting enough vitamin D from sunlight. And please take extra care of your children. If you’re outside for a while make sure they’re in the shade, covered up or wearing sunscreen, as exposing your children to too much sun may significantly increase their risk of skin cancer later in life. Sun safety tips: Protect your face and neck with a wide-brimmed hat. Wear sunglasses with a guaranteed ultraviolet (UV) light filter. Use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (at least SPF 30). Follow the instructions on the bottle and reapply as recommended, particularly after swimming. Wear clothing made of cotton or natural fibres.These have a closer weave and offer more protection from the sun. Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, usually between11am and 3pm.Try to sit in the shade, even at other times of the day. For more advice on how to protect yourself and your children in the sun, visit www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/sunscreen-and-sun-safety 'DKOÄ@U@HK@AKDÄENQÄXNTÄNMKHMD 2FCPC
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Local health and social Your Somerset Councils work in partnership with Social Enterprise care shaped by you lender, Wessex Resolutions, to fund a home improvement loan scheme for home owners and landlords across Somerset.* We are Somerset’s independent health and social care champion. We find out what matters to you and we make sure your views are heard We understand the expense of maintaining your home and want to help you to take the stress out of funding repairs, improvements or by those in charge of health and social care in the county. We can adaptations to your home. also help you find information about local services and support. We see you as an individual, not a credit score. Share your views For a free, no obligation assessment or more information: Contact us on 01823 461099 or visit What do you like about health and social care services in Somerset www.wessexresolutions.org.uk and what could be improved? Tell us about your recent experiences. *Subject to eligibility What worked for you, what didn’t, and why? School hospitals - GP surgeries - dentists - pharmacies - ambulance service - NHS 111 service - Term mental health services - care homes - home care - community support - opticians Dates Has your access to health Get in touch DQGFDUHEHHQDŌHFWHG Call: 01278 264405 by COVID-19? Email: [email protected] Online: healthwatchsomerset.co.uk Complete our survey to help services adapt and improve: flii smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CoronavirusHWS/ The Somerset Care Group is a leading not-for-profit organisation 2020/2021 delivering quality care and support across the south of England. Term 1: 3 September - 23 October 2020 Our services include: Term 2: 2 November - 18 December 2020 Term 3: 4 January - 12 February 2021 Care homes Term 4: 22 February - 1 April 2021 Find companionship, fulfilment and your every care need catered Term 5: 19 April - 28 May 2021 for in our care homes. We provide day care, respite stays, Petals Term 6: 7 June - 23 July 2020 dementia care, residential, nursing and end of life care. 2021/2022 Home care services Term 1: 6 September to 22 October 2021 Our home care services support people to remain independent and Term 2: 1 November to 17 December 2021 Term 3: 4 January to 18 February 2022 stay in their own home. Supporting with domestic tasks, personal Term 4: 28 February to 8 April 2022 care, medication, shopping trips, returning home from hospital Term 5: 25 April to 27 May 2022 and more. Term 6: 6 June to 26 July 2022 0800 8174 990 For all the latest school term dates and holidays, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/schooltermdates [email protected] www.somersetcare.co.uk Please note: These are the term dates and holidays for community and voluntary controlled schools. Academies, free schools, foundation schools and voluntary-aided schools have the freedom to set their own term dates. School term dates - 17

IT’S NOW EVEN EASIER TO CYCLE IN AND AROUND BRIDGWATER Cycling in the Bridgwater area is about to get much easier – thanks to The Bridgwater Way’s brand-new journey planning tool! The Bridgwater Way has updated its popular digital cycle route map, following feedback from the community, and has now added a smart ‘journey planning function’ that allows users to plan a trip by bike in the local area. This means it is ideal for people who want to cycle and walk to avoid using public transport during the coronavirus pandemic. To begin using the map, visit maps.thebridgwaterway.co.uk The Bridgwater Way is a Somerset County Council initiative focused on helping to keep Bridgwater moving as the town goes through a period of significant growth and investment. Funded by EDF Energy, and supported by Sedgemoor District Council, it provides information, advice and tools to help people choose the best ways to travel, and routes to use and help to reduce the need to travel in the first place. For more information about travelling around Bridgwater, or to get the latest news and events taking place in Bridgwater and the surrounding area, visit www.thebridgwaterway.co.uk P Blue Badges – don’t get caught out! PIf you have a blue badge, make sure you = Be prepared – get all your reapply for your new one in plenty of time. supporting documents ready It can take up to six weeks for us to process before you apply. a Blue Badge application even if you’ve had a Blue Badge before, you will still need to The quickest and easiest way to apply or renew provide us with the following supporting a Blue Badge is online at www.somerset. documents with your application. gov.uk/blue-badges There you will find a short, easy-to-follow application form, which What you need also gives you the opportunity to pay a £10 administration charge and upload your All Blue Badge applications must be submitted supporting documents. with the following: Applications requiring further assessment by • An up-to-date photograph showing your our Occupational Therapist may currently take head and shoulders longer. These will be carried out over the phone, while social distancing measures are • Proof of address, such as a Council Tax or in place. utility bill The Blue Badge Scheme provides parking • Proof of identity, like a birth certificate,concessions for people with severe walking valid passport or driving licence difficulties or who are severely sight impaired, and for people with non-visible disabilities, such • Some medical evidence, for example a as autism and mental health conditions. hospital letter or confirmation from your GP Or • Evidence of your qualifying benefit (Attendance Allowance is not a qualifying benefit) To find out if you are eligible for a Blue Badge or to find out more about how to apply, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/blue-badges or phone 0300 123 2224. To find out more about advertising in Your Somerset, email [email protected]

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