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Contact us ne s merset Visit Government considering www.somerset.gov.uk one Somerset proposals Ambitious plans to improve public services in David Fothergill ‘In my opinion...’ Somerset by replacing the five existing councils with If you can’t find one new single council are now being considered by what you need Council Leader the Government. At Somerset County Council we’re backing One on our website: Somerset – an improved model of local government, GooD neWS - which will end confusion, give greater powers to local Phone 0300 123 2224 Christmas has not communities and free up millions of pounds to be Phone lines are open Monday reinvested in vital public services. to Friday, 8:30 until 5:30pm. been cancelled! The final ’One Somerset’ business case has been Write to us at few weeks ago it was looking really submitted to the Secretary of State and will now be Somerset County Council, unlikely that we would be able to celebrate considered alongside any other business cases from County Hall, Taunton, Christmas with rising coronavirus infection other councils. Somerset, TA1 1DY Arates, difficult, but vital restrictions in place, and no prospect of family and friends being able to For all coronavirus - The next steps will be determined by the related support, phone gather around the dining table or in front of the telly watching elf or the Polar express...again! Government, but there are expected to be further 0300 790 6275, seven days updates and public consultation early next year. a week, 8am until 6pm. So, my personal thanks to all those who followed “ our campaign #MakeLockdownCount. You kept Please phone the numbers We’ll keep you posted on developments in Your below for the following services: to the rules, kept social distancing, washing hands Somerset – or you can follow @one1Somerset on and wearing face coverings as required – YOU Twitter or @oneSomerset on Facebook. To read the Fostering enquiries have made lockdown count and we can all enjoy 0800 587 9900 One Somerset business case, or to find out more our traditional celebrations because of you all. Adopt South West about local government reform, visit BUT let’s not let our guard down, let’s keep to the www.onesomerset.org.uk 0345 155 1076 guidelines and rules until it is safe. Somerset Heritage Centre (01823) 278805 I also would also like to say a special thank you to Somerset Road Safety all our NHS staff, my own Council staff and all the (01823) 423430 key workers who have gone above and beyond in Somerset Waste Parnership their role to help vulnerable children and adults in (01823) 625700 Somerset. You are absolute stars and we are all incredibly proud and grateful for the compassion Other useful numbers and care you continue to show. Citizens Advice Consumer Service Helpline 03454 04 05 06 Thank you Street Lighting Faults 0845 601 0939 There are of course many people who continue to (office hours) and work through the holiday period, keeping children 0845 795 9639 (for out of hours emergencies) safe in our child protection services, supporting very elderly and vulnerable people in our adult ne c uncil Student Finance Direct social care teams, keeping our roads safe in our (Higher Education Students highways team and helping residents with only) 0845 607 7577 questions and support through our contact Wellington Community office centre – and again my thanks to you all. (01823) 667279 To those communities and volunteers who have EDITOR’S INFO District Councils done so much and continue to do so much, a Mendip District Council massive shout out to you all – we can’t do it To get in contact with Your Somerset or to advertise in this without you and I am so proud of the way 0300 303 8588 publication, contact the Communications Team on (01823) Somerset has pulled together. It is a massive One Sedgemoor District Council 355020, or email [email protected] Somerset – One Team effort and I thank you all. 0300 303 7800 We all have a big part to play as vaccinations are We gratefully acknowledge the support of organisations that South Somerset District Council planned, testing is operated and contact tracing advertise in Your Somerset , but Somerset County Council can (01935) 462462 continues – there is a long way to go, but we now accept no responsibility for the products or services Somerset West and Taunton have hope that the pandemic WILL come to an advertised. We advise readers to make their own enquires Counci l end. Perhaps that is the greatest Christmas before purchasing products or services. 0300 304 8000 present we could all have wished for.

Please recycle Pssst.. .Your Somerset costs 6p per copy to produce. Your Somerset » Winter 2020 Coronavirus latest news - 3 CoRonAvIRuS LATeST neWS

‘Let them know!’ If you want to help people to stay safe If you test positive for Covid-19, during this pandemic, then join our growing group of ‘Covid Champions’, please make sure you tell anyone and help your community keep up-to- you have been in close contact date with all the latest information with straight away. about staying safe and healthy. It’s so important to ‘let them Spark Somerset is working in partnership with SASP (Somerset know!’ This will massively help Activity and Sports Partnership) to set-up the Covid Community the nHS and our own tracing Champions Network. You will need to do a short online training service to act quickly. course, then you’ll be able to help your family, friends and your wider community understand the latest guidance around coronavirus, and A close contact is anyone you signpost them to other health and wellbeing support. have been: This can all be done very informally – for example, talking to work ● In close face-to-face contact colleagues, challenging something you see online, or simply with (less than one metre chatting to people when you’re out and about (government apart) for any length of time, restrictions permitting of course!) To sign up or find out more about this includes talking to them becoming a Covid Champion, visit www.sparksomerset.org.uk/ or coughing on or near them projects/covid-community-champions ● Within one to two metres of for more than 15 minutes, including in a car ● Spending lots of time with in your home, for example, a carer, cleaner or maintenance person #stayhomeforsomerset Your close contacts must then self-isolate and get a test. You can everyone who got book a test online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by A big thank you to ho they stayed phoning 119. in touch to tell us w home for last month, including Somerset County Cricket Club’s Captain, Tom Abell.

Covid survey – your results are in... Thanks to everyone who took pa rt in our Somerset Covid-19 Survey. We had great feedback about how over 1,200 responses, which gave us some we can help you with any issues or barriers you’ve faced when it comes to coronavirus.

Catching coronavirus Stay connected Please follow the guidance We asked: We asked: We asked: Do you feel that people are in general What is your What is your main concern biggest adhering to the guidance? of contracting concern of Covid-19? isolating at You said: Nearly half suggested that they home due to You said: Covid-19? thought people weren’t Nearly 70 per always following the cent said, ‘passing it to others You said: Over 80 per cent guidance as strictly as they should be. in my household.’ said, ‘not being able to see frie Some people felt that there was a great deal of nds and family.’ complacency and lack of consideration for other Close contact with people you live with people. We’re all in it together, so it’s important we all It’s really imp is one of the main ways people are ortant to stay continue to follow connected w catching the virus. Everyone in the ith friends and family, the guidance around it’s great for household needs to do all they can to mental health, and social distancing there’s lots o try and reduce their risk. It is vital that f virtual ways you can and remember do this using everyone sticks to the hands, face, video conferencing HAnDS – FACe - apps like Zoo space guidance and practises good m, Facetime or SPACe! hygiene in the home. Messenger. 4 - Feeding families this Christmas Your Somerset » Winter 2020 Feeding families this Christmas - it’s e want to make sure that no family goes hungry at Christmas, or any other time of year for that matter. That’s why we’ve invested over half a million pounds Winto the Somerset Food Resilience Plan, which is there to provide food for emergencies and while families find their feet during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

The Somerset Food Resilience Plan will work alongside the Government's £170m Covid Winter Grant Scheme, which the Government announced would be made available to local councils to support vulnerable families in England. Somerset’s schools will be funded to support families who receive free school meals over the Christmas holidays, which will benefit ❛ around 11,000 children. 4,000 Christmas Since March we’ve been working hand-in-hand with our dinners partners in the district councils, health, care and voluntary ready to go! sectors to deliver well over 1,000 emergency food parcels and distributed nearly 75,000 items of food and essential supplies to communities, care homes and families through the Somerset Community Food Resilience Group. ❛

If you or someone you know is struggling, please phone our Coronavirus Helpline on ❛ 0300 790 6275 and select Option 1.

What is the Somerset Food Resilience Plan? Our communities have done a great job during the pandemic and have proved ❛ that we are stronger when we all work together. So, the Somerset Food ❛ Resilience Plan will build on the success of this partnership working by linking Somerset everything together in a more schools have co-ordinated way to reach the people who need our help most. This could be offered to produce people struggling financially or because they need to self-isolate. 46,000 The funding is being invested in a number of projects that will support meals communities cope with the immediate demands caused by the pandemic. But it will also help us to plan for the future by giving them the tools they need to be able to support themselves going forward. ❛

School caterers cooking up a storm Food banks working with Citizens Advice Some of this funding has also been used A further £100,000 has been allocated to support Somerset’s ❛ to pay school caterers to provide healthy fantastic foodbanks to meet the increased meals ready for emergencies. The demands brought about by the pandemic. meals are then frozen and stored ready This includes funding for two Citizens to be delivered by our various partners, Advice case workers, who will work which includes the Community Council with the foodbanks to offer wrap- ❛ for Somerset’s (CCS) amazing Village around support for people eligible Agents. On top of this, funding is being for food parcels. They will be able used so community groups can produce to signpost them to further services, meals and foodboxes to add to the which can help with organising emergency food capacity. finances, housing issues, mental health and more. Your Somerset » Winter 2020 A big thank you from us - 5 a team effort Here are two amazing projects, which are helping to feed some of Somerset's families that are most in need.

Community Pantries Let’s hear it for Somerset! Based out of the Sydenham Hub in Bridgwater is Somerset’s first community pantry. Looking after our communities is a team effort. over the Organised by Sedgemoor District Council, with support from october half-term so many businesses put their hands up Somerset County Council, the new initiative provides fresh and to offer meals for those in need, so we just wanted to say cupboard food to families for a fraction of the normal price. a big THAnK You! There are limited spaces, but any resident in the Sydenham area can sign up to become a member of the pantry, and they will Tim Potter, family butchers receive a weekly food box worth £25 for just £3.50. Cullens Event Bar & Catering The Bear Inn The food is provided by FareShare SouthWest, a charity which works with supermarkets and food producers to help make sure Dunrite General Services surplus food does not go to landfill when it is still in date. Arthur David, Food With Service Grubs up Sedgemoor District Council’s Liam Sweeney, who has been instrumental in setting up the pantry, said: Chefs Country Cuisine Bread Bar Pizza “It has been a great success so far. A single mother on Taunton Taxi Services universal Credit said the pantry food parcel had not only Taunton Foodbank ❛ allowed her to introduce her son to new healthy foods, but The Sangha House also meant she was able to pay her water bill without going into her overdraft.” The Mad House Portt & Co Somerset Food Resilience Plan funding will be used Little Explorers Childminding to provide set up costs for further pantries across Eat The Bird Somerset. The ambition is to have 20 neighbourhood The Garden Dragon pantries up and running within a year, feeding around Make Lunch 1,000 families a week. The Bridge Restaurant Plantside village Agents The White Willow Lucy's Lunchbox Somerset’s Food Resilience Taskforce sprang into action over the Free My Meal October half-term with CCS Village Agents and volunteers Cambridge Weight Plan delivering nearly 1,000 meals to families in need to help prevent The Spice Merchant holiday hunger. They have also recently delivered nearly a tonne of donated potatoes to people in need, distributed through 10 community groups. Raj Singh, CEO of CCS said: “We have had full support from our all of our community here in Somerset helping us feed individuals and

families throughout the pandemic. Please get in touch and join our *These businesses were all nominated through our

movement, you will be warmly received." Somerset Superheroes social media shout outs. One volunteer said: “I feel for people who are struggling right now. ❛ We know that there were many more of you too, so if I’m a professional person and I’ve retired now, but in the early we’ve missed you out we're sorry and would like to 90’s I found myself in a similar position through no fault of thank you too. If you would like to give a shout out to my own when the business I worked for collapsed suddenly. someone who has gone out of their way to help others, As a single parent I found myself going to bed hungry and it’s no fun.” then message us on twitter or Facebook, or email [email protected] and will give them a #SomersetShoutOut on social our media. How can I get help? If you any need, please phone our Coronavirus Helpline on 0300 790 6275 and select Option 1. 6 - Back to business Your Somerset » Winter 2020

BStepa upc Sokme rsteot businInetersests ed in becoming is here to help a micro-provider? Whether you’re searching for your next If you’re self-employed and interested in offering a job opportunity, starting a new career, service that can help or care for other local people, working on your employment skills or then there is free support available through the just beginning your journey in the Somerset Community Micro-enterprise Programme. world of work, check out the Step up Micro-providers can offer people, Somerset website at www.stepup especially in rural areas, the option somerset.org.uk of flexible, local, independent care It’s a one-stop-shop for people, employers to meet their needs and help them and businesses looking for support and to stay independent. They also give information about employment, skills, people more choice and more control careers and apprenticeships in Somerset. over their care needs and offer access to bespoke care. They offer The Step Up Somerset website has a a whole range of services, including: broad range of employment advice and support, from the latest job opportunities ● personal care to creating a great CV and honing those ● domestic help around the home interview skills. It’s worth keeping as a ● gardening favourite on your computer or tablet so ● social support you can keep up-to-date with the latest opportunities. If you don’t have internet access, For more information about becoming a micro-provider, one-to-one help can also be visit the Facebook group at arranged by phoning the Coronavirus www.facebook.com/somersetmicroproviders Or, to find Helpline on out more about micro-providers in your areas, visit www.somersetcommunityconnect.org.uk or phone 0300 790 6275 . 01823 331222.

SuPPoRT FoR BuSIneSS Debt

Skill up Somerset management Despite having to sacrifice some time and resources, upskilling or reskilling your workforce is an invaluable and financial investment for business owners. Developing a new skill set, or support potentially creating an apprenticeship opportunity, will If you’re concerned about mortgage repayments or paying your enable you to take your business to bills, please ask for help - there’s financial support and the next level and to compete more assistance available to get you through this difficult time. effectively and efficiently in the current challenging ● You can use the government’s benefits calculator at circumstances. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators to check out what benefits www.skillupsomerset.org.uk or email Jane Parker you might be entitled to, for example, Universal Credit and at [email protected] Jobseeker's Allowance ● If you're finding it hard to pay your mortgage, speak to your lender Heart of the South West Growth Hub ● If you’re a local business owner and need advice or Talk to your district council about help with paying your support, the Heart of the South West’s Growth Hub council tax bill can help. Independent ● Contact your broadband, energy, phone and water provider advisors can offer a one- for details of support they can offer to-one session to help you ● Discuss with banks about any outstanding overdrafts access the right assistance and loans required, including local and national training, skilling up and access to To get expert debt advice and fee-free debt management support schemes. For more information, visit assistance, contact the debt charity, Step Change. You can find www.heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk out more on their website at www.stepchange.org or phone 0800 138 1111. Your Somerset » Winter 2020 Climate Change - 7

With a new year coming, are you looking for a new start? Then why not choose a career in care? Whether you've just left college, or you're looking for a career change, working in Somerset's amazing health and social care sector could be just the right move. With more people needing care than ever before, we can offer you good job security and an interesting, rewarding, and meaningful career. Join our team and work with creative, dedicated, supportive Grants to help care professionals who have helped Somerset remain in the top 20 per cent of Local Authority areas in terms of the care received. save money Coronavirus has brought the care sector into full national view, and the entire nation is waking up to how critical our care system is in order for our society to function. So why not consider a and the planet career in care and make a real different to people’s lives? We’re recruiting people from all walks of life and professional backgrounds, so get in touch now. new grants are now available to help businesses To find out more about working in care and to view the current job opportunities, visit www.proudtocaresomerset.org.uk or save money and the environment at the same time. follow us on social media #ProudToCareSomerset This is just one of the initiatives to come out of a brand-new Climate Emergency Strategy, developed by the five councils in Somerset, to help tackle climate change in Somerset. Helping you get better at home

Businesses of all sizes can apply for grants between £500 and £1,000 to help If you’re very ill or need surgery, you need to be in hospital - reduce their carbon footprints through the new Carbon Reduction Grants for but studies suggest that the best place to recover is at home. Business Scheme. The Somerset’s Intermediate Care service is now working Any business making a request must be prepared to match fund the project on even more closely with the voluntary and community sector a 50:50 basis and demonstrate that the grant will be used to either reduce to make this happen safely. energy consumption, help produce energy onsite or aid in reducing, re-using or With the support of organisations like recycling materials. the Red Cross and Somerset Community Connect, we’re now This can include things like: supporting more people with their ● installing more energy efficient lighting recovery at home after a spell in hospital. This enhanced service will ● providing improved insulation also reduce the need for people to be ● purchasing more eco-friendly heating systems ● admitted to hospital in the first place - acquiring low carbon transport freeing up hospital beds for those who ● installing solar panels need them most. ● reducing the carbon footprint of their supply chains The service provides a number of options, depending on the level of support needed. Our professional therapists and Earlier this year people in Somerset were invited to have their say about the reablement staff can carry out any assessments or global Climate Emergency and Somerset’s plans to become carbon neutral by rehabilitation you need from the comfort of your own home. 2030 and adapt to predicted climate change impacts. The idea is to get you back home as soon as you are well enough, and get you the support you need, so that you can get The results of the public feedback were used to develop Somerset’s Climate back to normal as soon as possible. Emergency Strategy. The key themes are energy, transport, built environment, business and industry, natural environment, farming and food, water, waste The Intermediate Care service has been developed by the and communications. Council’s Adult Social Care team in partnership with all the county’s hospitals.

To read the full strategy, or to find out more about Did you know? the grants on offer and green initiatives and Staying in hospital too long can result in poorer health and projects already happening in your community, visit longer recovery times – just 10 days of bed rest for healthy www.somerset.gov.uk/climate-emergency older people can equate to 10 years of muscle ageing and loss of function. Chilton Trinity Spring Travel sensibly this winter Gardens A38 A Guide to Salt FROME BRIDGWATER A362 Only 7g of salt is needed per square A3098 Our fleet of 23 gritters are ready to roll as soon as it gets A39 metre to prevent ice forming – that’s Berkley cold this winter. We will be continuing to treat the extended A39 less than a tablespoon. The salt used Down Newtown by Somerset County Council on the gritting service of last year – that’s’ around 900 miles of roads is covered in molasses. This Sydenham road each time we go out. means that it sticks to the road surface better where it is needed and A362 Northfield A372 protects vehicles against corrosion. What roads do we treat?

To help keep you moving, we treat over a fifth of Somerset’s roads, marked in red on the map. A361 Marston A3090 The priority is to keep the busiest routes clear whenever ice or snow is expected. We try to Hamp Gate Little prioritise roads that link major towns, villages and communities on high ground and the A38 Keyford A36 important routes across the county for long distance travel. We also try and maintain access for emergency services, including fire and rescue, police, ambulance services and routes to M5 hospitals with A&E services, along with principal public transport routes and larger schools. Key This year, selected roads around the improved M5 Junction 25 in Taunton have been added to A38 the programme (although the M5 itself, the A303 and the A36 are looked after by Highways Precautionary salting Cheddar Frome England). Motorway/trunk road Minehead County boundary Wells When do the gritters come out?

We carry out gritting when road surface temperatures are predicted to drop below 1°C and ice A361 or snow is expected. Precautionary gritting normally takes place before ice can form – so Shepton that generally means our teams are out in the evening or early morning. Mallet A39 Glastonbury In the event of snow, we will work alongside the emergency services and our other partners to Bridgwater clear the network as quickly as possible. We can equip our gritters with snowploughs and have arrangements in place with farmers and snowplough operators who are employed to A37 clear snow on our behalf. We always try to clear the primary routes first, then move on to clear other roads as far as our resources allow. M5 Dulverton Why don’t we salt every road in Somerset? ( © 2

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prevent freezing – so please be extra careful if you have to go out. 8 i 2 Priorswood A359 g . A358 h

Only the busiest roads are gritted - most are not - so make sure you plan ahead and drive t carefully, particularly if frost has followed rain. Remember to: ✱ Prepare your vehicle for winter Chard ✱ Allow extra time for your journey Hollands ✱ Give gritters and snow ploughs plenty of room Halcon ✱ Summerlands Carry a shovel and blankets in your vehicle J25 Penn Mill

A38 8 8 A30 For more information about Somerset County Council’s winter 0 Keep up-to-date with the latest on the roads on 3 Preston Plucknett service programme, including a searchable map showing all the A Galmington Twitter! Our highways team provide regular updates roads treated, visit www.travelsomerset.co.uk/gritting and follow Holway on accidents, congestion and road conditions using @TravelSomerset on Twitter. Cromeytrowe the dedicated @TravelSomerset Twitter account. B3170 We’ll also tweet to let you know when the gritters are The Road Safety team also have plenty of advice for road users in out! If you’re not on Twitter, then you can still check A30 the latest at www.travelsomerset.co.uk/gritting A37 the winter months, so make sure to follow @SCC_RoadSafety and YEOVIL visit their website www.somersetroadsafety.org for more. ✱ P Somerset U O L Waste U L NEWS Partnership T Reduce, reuse, recycle for Somerset - WINTER 2020

SAVE WITH SANTA, RECYCLE WITH RUDOLPH!

t has been a tough year for everyone, Wrapping paper Christmas and New Year but simple steps can help deliver a Use paper wrapping paper, 2020/21 collections Iwonderful Christmas and New Year put it in the correct Some collection days, rubbish and whilst creating less waste and making recycling box or reuse if recycling have to change. Make sure easy savings. you can. Glittered, plastic you know if yours are affected. or metallic wrapping cannot Check collection dates with the Make the most of festive food by meal be recycled so put it straight My Collection Day feature at planning throughout the holidays - so you into your rubbish, or better still, do not buy somersetwaste.gov.uk buy only what you need and eat all you it at all. Lots of wrapping paper? Take to If the weather gets severe, check website buy. Check your stocks before shopping a recycling site if you can. Do not put it in and @somersetwaste on social media. and use up those lovely leftovers (see the cardboard skips - there will be special page 4 for more ideas about reducing drop-off points at all sites. Separating Usual Revised food waste). your recycling helped us make sure that collection day collection day last year 90% of the county’s recycling Thu 24 Dec No change Last minute shopping? What about stayed in the UK. Fri 25 Dec Mon 28 Dec vouchers for local restaurants and Mon 28 Dec Tue 29 Dec attractions, or digital subscriptions and Disposing of real Tue 29 Dec Wed 30 Dec memberships as gift ideas? They create Christmas trees Wed 30 Dec Thu 31 Dec little or no waste and will be something Compost at home or Thu 31 Dec Sat 2 Jan for friends and family to look forward to. turn it into a garden Fri 1 Jan Mon 4 Jan wildlife corner if you can. Mon 4 Jan Tue 5 Jan Shop local. It is not just the big national Tue 5 Jan Wed 6 Jan and international retailers who will deliver Subscribed to the garden waste service? Leave the tree Wed 6 Jan Thu 7 Jan to your door. Ask for wish lists and invest in Thu 7 Jan Fri 8 Jan presents of real quality that will last. next to your green bin for collection. Not a subscriber? Christmas trees must be Fri 8 Jan Sat 9 Jan Winter foliage and decorations of paper taken, decoration-free, to recycling sites, Mon 11 Jan Usual collections resume and card - especially home-made - beat they will not be collected from the plastic any day, as does a real tree unless kerbside. No garden waste collections Fri 25 Dec - your artificial one lasts for many years. Fri 8 Jan (inclusive). Fri 8 Jan collections on Sat 9 Jan; usual garden waste collections Recycling sites After the celebrations, reuse and recycle resume from Mon 11 Jan. A good way to dispose of large loads all you can (see page 3 for what is over the festive season. Except for three collected kerbside in your area). days - Christmas, Boxing and New Year - Food that cannot stay in the fridge or all are open on their usual hours. freezer can go in the food waste bin - Socially distance and follow any other or, if suitable, in your compost bin. Save guidance on site and make sure cards - to make gift tags - and wrapping, cardboard boxes are emptied of any ribbons and decorations for next year. other packaging and flattened.

We manage waste services for all Somerset councils. For service information, see the back page or visit: somersetwaste.gov.uk K e

o

r e f o

n p f i

n m FLYING START FOR RECYCLE MORE IN MENDIP e r Recycle More a

o e c

S ! m ig thanks to everyone in Mendip who has small electrical items and these have been What do we collect? Bhelped get the new Recycle More flooding in since the service launched. service off to a flying start. With rubbish collections now every three The district is blazing a trail for the rest of weeks, it is more important than ever to Bright Blue Bag Plastic Bottles the county by being the first to have the make sure you know your collection days Any colour (rinse, squash, lids on). expanded collections. Bright Blue Bags are and dates. now a familiar sight and the new materials Plastic pots, tubs and trays You can use the calendar in your ‘Recycle already a part of its recycling routine. Any colour (rinse, squash, remove plastic film). More is coming soon’ leaflet or check As a result, tonnes more plastic and other quickly and easily online, Metal packaging recycling is being collected from the kerb 24/7 on somersetwaste Tins and cans (rinse and, if safe, crush), empty aerosols, foil. every week - protecting the environment .gov.uk (see page 4). No thanks! and helping tackle climate change. If you have any kind of Flexible plastic such as film coverings, plastic bags, crisp packets, Remember, we are only collecting plastic communal rubbish or pet food sachets. Plant pots, thick plastics, or polystyrene. bottles, pots, tubs and trays, not other types recycling collection, of plastic like film or polystyrene - there is we will be in touch early little demand for these from the companies in 2021 about expanding that turn recycling into new products your recycling. Green box Glass bottles and jars and packaging. Any colour (rinse, lids on). For more information But Recycle More is about more than just about Recycle More visit Cartons plastic. We are also collecting cartons (such somersetwaste.gov.uk/ Including Tetra Paks (rinse, flatten, lids on). as Tetra Paks), household batteries, and recycle-more No thanks! Window glass, broken glass or drinking glasses.

Black box Paper Make the most of your recycling No thanks! Not in the Bright Blue Bag Any colour, including newspapers, magazines, Recycle More is collecting plastic bottles, pots, tubs catalogues and mail. space: Squash, Crush and Flatten and trays; but no other plastics. Cardboard So, please no Any colour, including brown envelopes (flatten ● Squash! Plastic bottles (with the lid Film covering from trays of food boxes, cut up large pieces). off, then put the lid back on) x No thanks! ● Crush! Plastic bags, clingfilm or bubble wrap Tins and cans if it is safe to x Padded envelopes, Jiy bags, books or plastic film packaging. do so x Crisp packets or pet food sachets ● Flatten! Cardboard boxes Plastic plant pots if you can x Polystyrene or expanded polystyrene Food waste bin Food waste x Cooked or raw (line caddies with compostable liners or newspaper). No thanks! Pet litter or poo. Coping with COVID Park considerately Packaging, flowers and garden waste.

Small household batteries Recycling and rubbish collections Recycling sites Cars parked legally, but Bags From appliances and toys, cameras, computers and phones Keep a social distance from collection Visitors must take responsibility for inconsiderately, can make it (separate bags - plastic, compostable, (in a small, tied bag). crews and wash and disinfect container keeping themselves and others safe. difficult or impossible for freezer etc - for batteries, electricals Small electrical items handles before and after putting out Stay up to date on the latest guidance collection vehicles and cothes/shoes) Anything that had batteries or a plug (in an untied bag, not a recycling boxes and bins. by noting signs on site and checking to get to some black sack). If you have COVID symptoms, or live in somersetwaste.gov.uk in advance. properties and a household with someone who does, As a minimum, our standard restrictions roads. Clothes and shoes your personal waste (things like tissues, will be in place over the festive period Only items good enough to be worn again (in a tied bag, not a black facemasks and disposable cleaning and into the New Year: This is worsened as sack. Charity shops and collections still the best option). cloths) need to be handled differently. - no one with COVID-19 symptoms or more people work No thanks! It should be double-bagged in those asked to shield should visit from home, Bedding, curtains or other textiles. disposable rubbish bags and kept - social distance at all times and wear causing missed Vehicle batteries, TVs, monitors or any electrical item larger than separate from other waste in the home gloves collections and a carrier bag. for 72 hours. It should then go into your - maximum two people from the same frustration for all. rubbish bin outside your home and will household per vehicle If recycling crews cannot get be picked up in the usual rubbish - site staff cannot offer help to unload through, nor can fire engines, For more information visit: collections. items so please park considerately. somersetwaste.gov.uk/recycling-collections Wasting food? It’s out of date

s Somerset continues to make food Somerset waste part of its recycling routine, we Waste A are now challenging the county to go Partnership a step further.

Last year you recycled 18,500 tonnes of food, preventing 390 tonnes of CO 2 from being released into the atmosphere. Then, in February our Slim My Waste, Feed My Face campaign saw food recycling jump by 20% (nearly five tonnes extra per day) and during the first COVID lockdown rates were up to 30% more than last year. It is great that more people are doing the right thing with their unwanted food.

But it would be even better if we cut out the waste altogether.

Food still accounts for around a quarter of the contents of Somerset’s rubbish bins.

SWP is backing a nationwide campaign to make wasting food a thing of the past. Throwing food away If we all stopped throwing away food at home for one day, it has consequences – it contributes to climate change could do the same for climate change as planting over half a by wasting energy and the resources it takes to million trees. That really puts things into perspective. produce it. You can visit www.outofdate.org.uk/ for shopping Whether it is leftovers from dinner, an unopened bag of salad hacks, leftover recipes, storage tips and much more. that’s gone out of date, or slices of uneaten bread, we all probably waste more food than we realise, especially over the festive period. Each year, UK households throw away 4.5 million Let’s make 2021 the year your food is tasted and tonnes of edible food. not wasted. BLOOMING SUCCESS ur home composting offer has been a Orunaway success, with more than 400 Do more online of you making use of our discount. Composting cuts CO2 emissions and turns garden Whatever you need us for, it has never and suitable kitchen waste been easier to do things online with SWP. into a free supply of It is quick, simple, and available 24/7 with material that helps your no need for telephone calls or emails, just garden bloom year after year. visit somersetwaste.gov.uk To make it even more Use the My Collection Day feature to attractive, we have check what days we collect your recycling teamed up with and rubbish. Just enter your postcode, find getcomposting.com to your address and click ‘Go’. offer 1,000 compost bins You can even download your collection at reduced prices. calendar as a PDF or straight into the Two sizes of ‘Compost calendar on your laptop or mobile device. Converters’ are included Use the My Waste Services feature to: in the offer – 220 litre and ● Request new or replacement recycling 330 litre – costing £10 and containers £12.50. Delivery is £9.99 per ● Report a missed collection order, not per bin. ● Make a comment ● Request an assisted or clinical collection For full details visit ● And more.... www.somersetwaste .gov.uk/homecomposting 14 - Health watch Your Somerset » Winter 2020 Healthy, Happy and Safe... Look after your mental health his winter it’s more important than ever So, if you’re feeling frustrated, lonely or low, ➪ Give - Help and support others while at to look after your mental health. It’s not it’s important to acknowledge these feelings home Tunusual to feel worried, anxious or even and remember that staying healthy is as overwhelmed during these uncertain and much about your mind as it is about your For more information on staying healthy, challenging times. body. happy and safe at this time, visit www.healthysomerset.co.uk/covid-19 Wellbeing is about how we think, feel and behave. There are five main themes to promote wellbeing. If you try and do at least one of these things each day, you might feel better: ➪ Connect - Physical distancing doesn’t mean social distancing. Think about how you can stay in touch with friends and family ➪ Keep learning - Do things that bring you enjoyment and satisfaction ➪ Be Active - Build physical activity into your daily routine and look after your sleep ➪ Take notice - Of nature and your own emotions. Talk about your worries

Not all abuse is physical

☞ Psychological /emotional ☞ Coercive control ☞ ‘Gaslighting’ (manipulate someone psychologically into doubting themselves) ☞ Physical ☞ Sexual ☞ Financial/economic ☞ Harassment osing a loved one during a ☞ online pandemic can make things much ☞ verbal mLore traumatic, especially when you can’t be with your loved one or share 999 in grief with your family. If you need support through these distressing times, contact The Somerset omestic abuse is often thought of as messages from a partner or being told Bereavement Service. domestic violence, but abuse can take who they can see, or what they can wear. Dmany forms and it can be hard to recognise, They’ve also produced a Bereavement even for those in an abusive relationship. Everyone should have the opportunity to and Coronavirus Guide, which includes lead a happy, healthy and safe life, free from practical and emotional support and Sadly, at Christmas time our domestic abuse abuse. If you, or you suspect that someone information, and a section on supporting service traditionally sees an increase in calls. you know, are living in an abusive children and young people through this So please be extra vigilant and look out for relationship, please get some professional tough time. the warning signs of domestic abuse. help and advice. Phone 0800 49 69 999 or visit www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk. You can find this on our Healthy Some signs will seem obvious - unexplained Somerset website at www.healthy injuries or someone being publicly, In an emergency phone 999. If you’re worried somerset.co.uk or, if you would like sometimes aggressively, criticised by a that an abuser may overhear your call you a paper copy of the guide, please partner or family member. There are some can remain silent, tap the phone and dial 55 phone the Coronavirus Helpline more subtle, hidden signs of abuse, for when prompted by the operator who will then on 0300 790 6275. example, someone receiving constant text send help. Your Somerset » Winter 2020 Health watch - 15

It’s really important to be kind to yourself and do what you can to keep well. Our Healthy Somerset website has been designed specifically to help and has lots of information, Logo by Eleanor advice and guidance to help keep you Healthy, Happy and Safe at this time. Here are just Jones, 17 from Nether some of the things you can find on the site. Stowey.

GO EASY THIS

CHRISTMAS ur Zing Keep yo - eat healthily t can be easier than you think to drink more when you’re at home, especially when it comes to and stay active the festive season. Don’t forget that the recommended alcohol intake for both men and women Iis 14 units a week - that’s about six pints of lager or a bottle and a half of wine. Making small changes to reduce the amount you drink can have big health benefits, including maintaining a healthier weight, helping you to sleep better and support your mental health. The NHS ‘One You’ f you’re looking for some healthy website has lots of information to help you cut back on alcohol use. Find out more at recipes on a tight budget, tips on how www.nhs.uk/oneyou/for-your-body/drink-less Ito grow your own veg or inspiration on what to do with them once you’ve Do you need help with drug or alcohol use? grown them, check out Zing Somerset on our Healthy Somerset website at If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s use of alcohol www.healthysomerset.co.uk/zing or drugs, there are lots of ways to get help. The Somerset Drugs and Alcohol Service (SDAS) is there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and Zing Somerset, our healthy eating and can help anyone at any age. To find out more, phone 0300 303 87 88 or physical activity support service, has visit www.turning-point.co.uk/sdas been working hard to support communities virtually to keep them active and eating well during in these difficult times.

Zing has also created lots of fun challenges, games and activities to keep you and your children entertained over the school holidays, whatever the e understand that the pandemic can be weather. very stressful, but if there was ever a time Wto quit smoking, make it now. A recent review To find out more, visit the website or found that smoking can make coronavirus A neW follow Zing Somerset on social media. symptoms more severe, and increases the risk www.facebook.com/ZingSomerset of death in hospitalised patients. But you don’t https://twitter.com/ZingSomerset have to do it alone. Smokefreelife Somerset www.instagram.com/zing_somerset provides free support and advice through a 12-week programme. You Gay, who used the service during the last lockdown, said: “I was coughing permanently I contacted Smokefreelife Somerset and finding breathing extremely painful and and was supported by Riley. She was very yet still smoking. I was diagnosed with chronic approachable and was there to offer lung disease and then coronavirus happened, information, encouragement, and most of all, I and lockdown came. I decided to take the never felt judged. I had my last cigarette on opportunity to start using patches - still Thursday 30 July and I now consider myself a smoking, but less than half. When I felt ready, non-smoker.”

For more information or to book an appointment, phone 01823 356222 or visit w ww.healthysomerset.co.uk/smokefree 16 - Health watch Your Somerset » Winter 2020

ith coronavirus still very much in allowed to leave home for medical circulation and Christmas fast appointments, and there will be strict aWpproaching, it’s more important than social distancing and hygiene procedures Don’T DeLAY - ever to make sure you get a flu jab if in place to keep you safe. you’re eligible. We all need to work together this year get your flu Just like with coronavirus, you can still to reduce the impact of the winter be infectious without having symptoms. pressures on the NHS to stop them That’s why it is so important to protect being overwhelmed - and you can do jab now your loved ones from flu and support the your bit by having a flu vaccination. NHS by protecting yourself and reducing the spread. Who is eligible? ination You can get the NHS flu vacc This year a record number of if you: ● Are aged 65 and over people have already had their ● Are pregnant ns, for ● Have certain health conditio flu jab. eart example, kidney, liver and h

Will there be enough to go around? disease or asthma ● bilities Thankfully there is no shortage of flu Have learning disa ● 9 shielded vaccines nationally, with enough ordered Are on the Covid-1 ember of their to vaccinate 30 million people. But given patients list, or a m the high demand, you may have to wait to household ● e book your appointment and receive your Live in a care hom ● e, health or social vaccination – but you will get one if you Are a frontline car need it. care worker If you or your child has an appointment, Can my child get vaccinated? then please don’t waste it - make sure Children aged over six months with a you all get these live-saving vaccines. long-term health condition, all children Regardless of what government aged two and three and all school-aged restrictions are in place, you are still children up to Year 7 are also eligible.

For the most up-to-date information on when the vaccine will be available for you, visit www.healthysomerset.co.uk/flu

Talking Cafés on Facebook LIve

ou can still catch up with try one. Our Talking Cafés have our friendly Community and been running locally across Yvillage Agents on Facebook Live Somerset helping to keep our at 11am, Monday to Friday, at the communities connected with the Talking Café. services they need. Talking Cafés cover a whole range But while we can’t physically see of topics, from help with your you, you can still get all the help finances and housing, to advice and advice you need daily through about how to keep safe in these our Facebook Live sessions on our difficult times. You can also get Facebook page information about the adult and (@talkingcafesomerset ). children’s service that are available For more information, or to find out to you - or just come along for a more about how Talking Cafés light-hearted chat. could help you, visit If you’ve never been to a Talking somersetagents.org/talking-cafes Café before, now is a great time to or phone 01823 331222. Your Somerset » Winter 2020 Health watch - 17

Keep active with

onate your Winter Fuel ave you been missing your regular Payment so Somerset’s exercise classes? Have you thought eDlderly don’t have to choose about doing online exercise classes between heating and eating. but not sure how they work? As we head into winter, hundreds of HThen visit the Age UK Somerset website our older neighbours are forced to and have a look at their fantastic range of choose between heating and eating. online classes. They’ve got a variety of The coronavirus outbreak means classes for all levels, from Tai Chi and that this winter will be even more yoga, to strength and balance classes difficult and worrying, as many older and more general fitness sessions. people will find themselves cut off They’re suitable for people over 60, from family and friends, facing who are actively able and can move higher costs to heat their homes. independently . All you need to do is fill Shockingly, in Somerset, 10% of out a quick health and safety households live in fuel poverty, and questionnaire and you can get booking. cold weather is a prime cause of Classes are run through Zoom, an online around 500 preventable deaths a video conferencing platform, which is year - often worsened by living in available on all computers and tablets. older or isolated rural homes. But don’t worry if you’re new to Zoom who, last year, donated over Somerset Community Foundation’s (or have no idea what Zoom even is!?!) – £100,000 to the appeal. Surviving Winter appeal encourages technical support is available! people who don’t need their Winter Help Somerset Community To find out more, or to register Fuel Payment to donate some or all Foundation to help more isolated for a class, visit of it to help local older people. and vulnerable older people this year. ageuksomersetcoronavirus. org.uk/staying-well/exercises Surviving Winter helps around 500 If you would like to donate to /ageing-well-exercise-sessions elderly people living in Somerset Surviving Winter, visit through the cold winter months, www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter thanks to generous local donors or phone 01749 344949. To find out more about advertising in Your Somerset , email [email protected] BRINGING GUARANTEED SPEEDS OF 200Mbps ACROSS SOMERSET

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“A ne w yea r, a new chapter... could you be part “ of my story?

As we head towards a new year, many of us will be thinking about the challenges of 2020, and our hopes and dreams for the next 12 months as we turn the page in to a new year. But for a vulnerable young person in care, you could make all the difference in their next big chapter. recruiting now Fostering in Somerset are

There are over 550 children in Somerset in need of foster Our foster carers receive a weekly allowance to cover the costs homes, and with roughly 200 in-house foster carers, there’s of caring for a child, such as clothing and food. We also make just not enough to meet that demand. additional payments for holidays, birthdays and Christmas. Allowances vary depending on the age of the child and are paid We’re looking for individuals, couples and families as diverse as for each child, so a household fostering more than one child the children in our care. Anyone can be a foster carer – the only would receive multiple fees and allowances. requirements are that you’re over 21 with a spare room in your : home. It doesn’t matter who you love or what your ethnicity or s an example religion is. We know that your relationship status, and whether or A not you have children of your own isn’t important. What matters is that you have the right qualities and the desire to make a real Mr & Mrs Smith are fostering two children, aged eight and difference to a child’s life. 14. They receive £374.21 per week in allowances and £180 per week in fees. They also get additional payments for Find out how you could change a child’s story as a Somerset holidays, birthdays and mileage. County Council Foster Carer, whilst receiving a weekly fee and allowance in return www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk 0800 587 9900 All foster carers are paid a fee to reflect the type of placement and skills they offer, starting at £77 per week. Fees are paid in addition to the allowance received for the child. The fee scheme provides a clear ‘career pathway’ for foster carers to progress through the levels if they wish to do so.

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