Your SOMERSET In this edition Sedgemoor Autumn 2019 Improving Lives

Improving lives for young Dementia care with a Connecting our Fostering - help a child in Sharing your information people See pages 4&5 difference See pages 6&7 communities See page 8 need See page 13 See pages 14&15 Stand Up For Care - sign our petition omerset County Council is asking everyone to stand up for care by signing our online pSetition calling for action. The petition, which is gathering support across local government and the care sector, calls for cross-party discussions before Christmas to end the well- documented financial shortfall in social care. Government funding hasn’t kept pace with the growing demands of an ageing population, leaving councils up and down the country struggling to provide the support and care that people deserve. The country needs a plan to fund social care in the long-term and your County Council is proud to be playing a lead role in forcing the issue. Leader of the Council, Cllr David Fothergill, launched the petition this summer and said: “There is nothing more important to Somerset than looking after vulnerable people. “The system for social care is broken – and this council is the one demanding change and is standing up for care.” You can sign the petition by visiting www.somerset.gov.uk/standupforcare - it only takes a few seconds to add your name, but you could be helping bring about change that lasts lifetimes. Earlier this year Somerset helped put care in the spotlight by working with BBC Panorama on its Crisis in Care documentaries. These films were seen by millions and showed the difficult decisions that come with meeting the growing demand for care at a time of limited funding. ▲ Turn to page 2

Somerset Recycle more than ever now! Waste Inside: permits, winter hours, better collections, and your full waste services guide Partnership ▲ From page 1 Contact us The powerful stories of inspiring families, carers, social Visit, David Fothergill care staff and volunteers have www.somerset.gov.uk played a big part in pushing the Council Leader issue right to top of the political and public agenda. Our thanks here’s been a lot of talk recently about social care. That’s go to everyone who took part. If you can’t find Tfine, that’s progress. But now that talk needs to become action. We worked with the Panorama team to help put social Everyday around 6,500 people what you need care in the spotlight. It’s done that and we’ve been thanked by in Somerset receive some sort many for our role in this. of care, thanks to a network of on our website: nearly 300 care providers. Last Across local government and the care sector – and increasingly year our care spend accounted ● Phone 0300 123 2224 amongst MPs and the wider public - there’s a growing for nearly 40 per cent of our Phone lines are open from 8am until understanding of the need for change. Social care funding whole net budget. And, with 6pm on Mondays, and 8.30am to simply hasn’t kept pace with demand and reform is urgently Somerset’s population ageing 5.30pm, Tuesday to Friday. needed. Somerset is right at the forefront of this campaign – faster than the national the funding model is broken. We don’t get enough money to average, the pressures are ● Write to us at provide the care, support, help and advice that our vulnerable being felt here more than many Somerset County Council, County other parts of the country. Hall, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1DY adults deserve. It’s not good enough.

Please phone the numbers This is not about party politics. The below for the following leaders of all the political groups at J25 works services: County Hall have given the petition their backing. Successive underway Fostering enquiries governments have been unable to 0800 587 9900 tackle this issue and that cannot he multi-million-pound Adopt South West continue. A solution has to be found Tscheme to improve the 0345 155 1076 and it has to be one that politicians busy M5 Junction 25 in from all parties can stand behind. Taunton is underway. Somerset Heritage Centre It’s being upgraded to (01823) 278805 We’ve launched our ‘Stand Up For Care’ petition improve traffic flow, ease Somerset Road Safety (www.somerset.gov.uk/standupforcare) to try to force the peak-hour congestion and (01823) 423430 debate. By signing it you’ll be helping not just us as a council, open-up land for employment to the east of the M5. Somerset Waste Parnership but vulnerable people across the country. If we get 10,000 (01823) 625700 signatures we should get a response from Government. This includes widening the With at least 100,000 signatures, our petition will be considered roundabout and the Toneway ● Other useful numbers for debate in Parliament. That’s a huge number, but this is approach to the junction. something that should matter to everyone in every community, Citizens Advice Consumer up and down the country. Service Helpline 03454 04 05 06 Make no mistake, this is a national issue. The Local Government Street Lighting Faults Association estimates that by 2025 the national Adult Social 0845 601 0939 Care funding gap will be around £3.5bn. But it’s a national issue (office hours) and with extra urgency for rural counties like ours because of our 0845 795 9639 demographic pressures. In Somerset, in the next 20 years (for out of hours emergencies) around a third of our population will be aged over 65, compared Student Finance Direct to 24 per cent nationally. We are at the sharp end. Huge (Higher Education Students only) numbers of people will at some time in their lives rely on social 0845 607 7577 care of one form or another. There has been too much delay and Lane closures and reduced Wellington Community Office not enough action and I’m determined to do my bit to change speed limits are needed to (01823) 667279 that, and to take a lead to make this happen. keep people safe while the work takes place, and we thank ● District Councils EDITOR’S INFO everyone for their patience. Mendip District Council The upgrade is expected to 0300 303 8588 To get in contact with Your Somerset or to advertise in this publication, cost around £19.2m, with Sedgemoor District Council contact the Communications Team on (01823) 355020, email funding coming from the 0300 303 7800 [email protected] or write to us at Your Somerset, County Council, Somerset Somerset County Council, FREEPOST NAT 9109, County Hall, Taunton, West and Taunton Council, South Somerset District Highways England and Council (01935) 462462 TA1 4DY. contributions from developers. Somerset West and Taunton We gratefully acknowledge the support of organisations that advertise Council 0300 304 8000 in Your Somerset, but Somerset County Council can accept no To find out more about this responsibility for the products or services advertised. We advise and other key roadworks, as readers to make their own enquires before purchasing products or well as the latest traffic and services. transport updates, visit Pssst... Your Somerset costs 5p per copy to produce. www.travelsomerset.co.uk

2 - In the news Libraries on the road improving lives! Future funding ‘wellbeing’ spaces where you can access a range of health and protects the past wellbeing information and services? You can read or borrow a book from Despite the pressures on our budgets, we have our specialist health and wellbeing renewed our commitment to the South West collections, or come along to any Heritage Trust with a grant of over £8m to protect of our health and wellbeing related and promote our county’s heritage. events and activities, which can be booked free of charge. Home Library Service Don’t forget that there is a home library service available for anyone unable to visit a library for themselves, delivered in partnership Library Pop-up van with the Royal Voluntary Service Look out for our new ‘pop-up’ Library (RVS). van at community events and venues across the county. It’s getting out and Reading book groups about to tell people about the huge There are also a number of shared range of services now available at reading groups taking place at your local library. From health Bridgwater, Cheddar, Glastonbury, Museum of Somerset collections (such as positive mental Taunton, Wells, Wincanton and Yeovil health, autism and dementia) through libraries, run in partnership with The The funding of over £1.6m a year, for the next five to new and emerging technology and Reader, and led by a trained volunteer years, recognises the excellent work carried out by resources for children and young group leader. families, such as robots, coding the trust, and the contribution it makes financially and virtual reality. For more information about any and culturally to Somerset. of these services, visit The Trust is responsible for the running of the Wellbeing Zones www.somerset.gov.uk/libraries, very popular Museum of Somerset in Taunton, Did you know that both Taunton or phone 0300 123 2224 or pop the newly-reopened Somerset Rural Life Museum and Yeovil Libraries have dedicated into one of our libraries. in Glastonbury, and Bridgwater’s Brick and Tile Museum. Be a flu fighter It also runs the Somerset Archives and Local Studies Service, which holds more than three The flu vaccine is the ● living in a long-stay residential million documents dating from 705 AD to the best protection we care home or other long-stay present day. The Trust’s Historic Environment have against this care facility Service protects the archaeology and built heritage unpredictable virus. ● receiving a carer's allowance, or of Somerset, more than 400 acres of landscape For most healthy you are the main carer for an sites and the online Historic Environment Record. people flu is horrible, elderly or disabled person, whose but not life-threatening. But, by getting welfare may be at risk if you fall ill a flu jab you’re not only protecting If you have children aged between yourself, you’re also helping to reduce two and ten (as of the 31 August the risk of the infection spreading to 2019), they will also be eligible for the people you care for and to those a free nasal spray vaccination at who are more vulnerable. the child’s GP or school. Who should get it? If you’re in one of these groups, you The flu vaccine is offered free of will be contacted with details about charge on the NHS to people who where to go, but you can also visit Somerset Rural Life Museum are ‘at risk’. You should get a flu jab your local pharmacy – you don’t need if you: a doctor’s letter. For more information, ● are 65 or over These services were all run by the County Council visit www.nhs.uk/getflujab ● are pregnant before being moved to the Trust in 2014. Becoming ● have certain medical conditions, a trust has allowed the organisation to flourish with for example, chronic (long-term) the help of funds from outside the Council. respiratory diseases, heart and kidney disease, you are seriously Since being set-up, the trust has seen 427,000 overweight with a BMI of more visits to its museums and archive services, 45,000 than 40 or have diabetes children take part in learning workshops, 36,000 people take part in family learning sessions and 114,000 hours contributed by volunteers.

In the news - 3 Improving lives for Somerset’s young people

We want all children and young people in Somerset to have a healthier and happier future – so we’ve got a plan. To create this plan, we spoke to groups of children and young people across the county and worked with our partners in the police and health services. We wanted young people’s voices to be at the very heart of this – so we asked them what was most important to them and what they thought we should focus on to best support them.

You can read the full plan on our website at www.somerset.gov.uk/ourplan

What they told us We need useful training, so that we can get a job when we leave school or college 34 % Help us feel like our voices are PLAY SPORT or do other activities being heard

We know that English and maths are important, Help us to find fun but we need support with 32 % activities that we our life and social can afford skills too have a low level of SELF-ESTEEM We want Make sure our schools and colleges are to get fit safe by tackling bullying and abuse Our parents need support 27 too - so that we can have 36 % quality family time and % have been BULLIED do fun things in the past 12 months are WORRIED about tests and exams

Figures taken from the 2018 Health and Wellbeing Survey for Primary School Children

4 - Improving Lives for Young People in Somerset It’s all part of our plan...

We will listen We will support you Listening to our children and young people is one of the most important things we can do. Parents and families The Somerset UK Youth Parliament If we help to strengthen and support One way we do this is through families the chances of children doing Somerset’s UK Youth Parliament, well at school, taking part in activities ‘which the County Council supports. ‘and being ready for adulthood are much It provides £25,000 to our three higher. Parents can face lots of elected Members of the Youth difficulties and to help tackle these the Parliament (MYPs) to use on Council and its partners in health and initiatives for young people. the police use our ‘Strengthening This is being match-funded Families’ approach. with £25,000 from the There is lots of useful information nationwide #iwill Fund for young people and parents on the (www.iwill.org.uk). Our MYPs Members of Youth Somerset and Young People Health and represent the voices of Parliament from L to R Wellbeing website at www.cypsomerset children and young people in Amelia Saleh, Hanna Wittek, health.org. We want to make sure all the Somerset and regularly go to Charlotte Ward professionals involved in the lives of a Parliament to do this. family talk to each other regularly and How does the Youth recognise earlier on when problems Parliament work? crop up before they reach crisis point. Every year the ‘Make Your Mark’ campaign gives all young people, between 11 and 18 the chance to vote on the issues Working with schools that matter to them. It could be anything from knife crime to votes for over 16s. It’s a Somerset’s ‘Team Around the School’ huge vote, which involves nearly one million young people from across the UK and approach aims to make sure thousands from Somerset. The priorities with the most votes are debated in Parliament education, health, police and social by Somerset’s three MYPs. care professionals work together. All schools can use the approach, To find out more about the MYPs and the campaigns they are working on, which brings together a network of email [email protected] people, who meet regularly to talk about any young people they may be Youth Councils concerned about. Those working with We want to make sure the voices of all children and young people the young people can get the whole are heard – including those being cared for by the County Council. picture and work out together how to provide the best support. It provides Somerset in Care and Leaving Care Councils (SiCC and SLCC) are a strong foundation, which supports made up of 20 young people, aged 10 and upwards from across children, young people and their the county, who come from a looked after background or are families by looking at prevention leaving care. They support more than 800 of Somerset’s children in care to make sure instead of crisis intervention. their views are heard when decisions are being made about their lives and welfare. We will help with health and wellbeing Making music with the Sound and vocal lessons, music events and Mental health support Foundation Somerset (SFS) recording opportunities. There is also Young people in Somerset Each year, the SFS gives 5,000 pupils subsidised training for support staff have created a practical the chance to learn a new instrument. teaching music in schools. guide to emotional This can be an expensive business, so wellbeing for their the children are offered music lessons Making music or just listening to it peers, based on their ‘ can really help children’s health and own experiences. at no charge to families, which includes free instrument hire. wellbeing. It can spark a lifelong Lifehacks is an online passion, bolster self-esteem and resource written by young SFS is the music education hub for open up more social opportunities. people for young people Somerset, supported by the County and is packed with, advice, Council. It provides a wide range of Find out more at ideas and links to support music activities for all children and www.soundfoundationsomerset. mental health. You can find young people, including instrumental org.uk out more at www.cypsomersethealth. org/new_lifehacks Improving Lives for Young People in Somerset - 5 DEMENTIA CARE WITH

Helping people with dementia stay connected with their communities

The number of people diagnosed with dementia is growing. Across Somerset we want to help them and their families access creative support that encourages people with dementia to socialise and be part of their communities. We asked people what kind of support they most valued and, guided by the feedback, we’re investing more than £500,000 into kick-starting and extending projects and groups that run daytime activities for people with dementia, and provide respite for their unpaid carers.

So far, we have awarded more The Council’s scheme than £120,000 to existing or will eventually see £565,000 new projects across Somerset invested in support for dementia

Here’s one example of a new and innovative project we are investing in:

The Filo project - A different kind of day care The Filo Project offers high quality day care for small groups of older people with early or moderate dementia or memory loss, within a home. The home is provided by a host, employed by the project after a careful selection process. In this friendly environment people are given opportunities to build up a relationship with their host and other day visitors, enjoying positive activities that help them feel less isolated.

Recognising the success of it’s work in Devon, Somerset Council awarded the Filo Project a grant to extend into

Somerset. With hosts already in place in South Somerset, the project is now looking to grow across the county.

How it can work - A day with Ruby* Ruby lives in a rural area, which means she can feel “ isolated. At the Filo Project transport is included as part of the care package, so her host Judy* collects and returns her home for each session. Building trust and comfort through a routine of repetition Ruby is enjoying her weekly visits. Hosts usually support small groups of people at one time, offering social connections as part of their visit. Although each visitor will have different dementia or memory loss symptoms, hosts find This is my friends day ways to bring the group together. This week Ruby and the Ruby group have been playing word games. It’s not always easy with memory loss, but there has been a lot of laughter. “ 6 - Dementia Care with a difference A DIFFERENCE...

How it can work - A day with George*

George showed an interest in gardening on his first visit to his host, Margaret’s* house. So together they enjoy time each week pottering and chatting in the garden. George has taken on a mini-project to restore a tired garden bench. It’s given him a sense of independence and achievement. It provides his family with some respite “ from caring and has lifted George’s mood enormously, which has made all the difference.

“The Filo Project is blazing a trail in elderly It’s given me a sense of independence social care... demonstrating that through and achievement developing close, caring and creative George relationships, it is possible to bring the lost and lonely back to life.”- Daughter of client If you would like to know more about the serv“ices available, or are interested in becoming a host in Somerset, visit thefiloproject.co.uk

If you would like to find out more about the other projects we‘re More projects are being funding, or you think you could make use of them, please find rolled out this year, to find details below out what’s happening in your Reminiscence Learning, based [email protected] area, visit the Community in Wellington Connect website at www.somersetcommunity Dementia and Arts Programme run [email protected] by the Creative Innovation Centre connect.org.uk (CIC) in Taunton

The Filo Project [email protected]

Wellington Community Hub Project [email protected]

Active Social Minds - Heads Up [email protected] based in Mendip

Feel Better With a Book - The Reader [email protected] - throughout Somerset

Green Pathways For Life [email protected]

If you or an organisation you work for are interested in providing innovative projects for people with dementia, why not see if you are eligible for a grant. Email [email protected] for more information. *These are not their real names.

Dementia Care with a difference - 7 A v a n il o a Connecting our communities w b l ! e

The Somerset Community Connect website at www.somersetcommunityconnect.org.uk is full of information and advice to help you make local links that will help make life better.

hether you are looking The ‘What’s relevant to me?’ search for groups, activities feature helps you find what you’re after, or community transport, whether it’s for yourself or someone you W might know. or you are struggling with your Carolyn Grout, Village Agent (left) and Elaine Gardner, Carer Agent (right) finances, loneliness, or arthritis - Among the things you’ll find on the the Community Connect website site are: It also has the latest dates and times for provides information that could ❁ A directory of micro-providers - the the Community Connect Talking Cafes, make all the difference. growing network of small-scale, often which are happening across the county. single-person, care providers who can They’re a great place to meet your local It’s a new way to be part of the help with care at home Village, Community and Carers Agents, Community Connect movement, ❁ A list of drop-in events being run by a who know what’s going on locally and can which is all about promoting huge range of community and voluntary connect you to it. They’re also the place to independence and improving organisations in your local area go to speak to social care and health staff, people’s lives by working with our ❁ A directory of home care providers district council representatives and helpful communities - harnessing the skills and care homes people from voluntary groups and charities. ❁ and expertise of a huge range of Information about support for carers Station location for ❁ organisations and volunteers. Help to access equipment through Taunton’s Talking Café NEW It’s problem-solving close to home the county’s two Independence and by understanding what matters to you Advice Centres The Talking Café in Taunton has a new and knowing what’s going on in your home. It’s now based at the Great Western local area. Hotel, right next to Taunton Railway Station. Sessions are held every Monday, between 10am and 1pm (except on Bank Holidays). If you’re in the area just drop in and see what’s on offer. There are 14 other cafes also up and running around the county, from Porlock to Yeovil.

Izzy Silvester, one of the Village Agents who covers Visit the Community Connect West Somerset website to find out more.

8 - Somerset Community Connect Somerset Waste NEWS Partnership Reduce, reuse, recycle for Somerset - September 2019 RECYCLE MORE THAN EVER NOW! id you know that site* (see over the page Dyou can take almost what happens to these anything that can’t go in materials): your rubbish bin to your ● Food and household local recycling site? plastic pots, tubs and With improved opening trays, such as those hours (including all sites for soup, yoghurt, ice open all weekend all cream, meat, ready year round), we’re meals, fruit and seeing more people vegetables, plus those every year using their for washing tablets, local site to recycle all hair gel, moisturiser they can. and other beauty or domestic products Last year, more than 75% of everything taken ● Household batteries, to recycling sites was including those for reused, recycled or torches, remote recovered. controls and radios, and electrical items – Items such as paint, anything with a plug furniture and small or batteries. electricals can all be taken to your local site, ● Tetra Paks and other and more and more plastic-lined people across the beverage cartons, county are taking such as those for used advantage of a visit juice or nut milks.* to gear up for the big Recycle More will improvements in weekly collect all the above kerbside collections each week at the rolling out from next year kerbside, as well as in the new Recycle More everything that is service. already taken. Our Increasing amounts careful research and of plastics taken to large-scale long-term Somerset recycling sites trials show that there will show that thousands of be so much more room you are already in your rubbish bin it will dropping off plastic Take control: Recycle More is on its way then be collected every pots, tubs and trays at but thousands are already dropping off their plastic three weeks. Somerset’s 16 recycling pots, tubs and trays at Somerset’s 16 recycling sites or sharing As well as taking more sites or sharing that that simple routine with friends, neighbours and local groups materials than ever simple routine with before, we’ve already others. two whole elephants! We’ll be sending you full It’s easy, especially if you started upgrading our You’ve already shown Each year, almost 200 details of the Recycle can share the task with recycling sites, including how keen you are to tonnes of plastic – close More enhanced friends, neighbours, later opening hours and recycle more by taking to four million items - collections nearer the relatives or local groups. weekend opening an amazing 50% extra are going through time, but why not join everywhere. More and plastic every month to Somerset's 16 recycling all those already using All the items on the list more of you across your local recycling site sites and off to a UK recycling sites to below can now be ▲ – that’s seven tonnes or processing plant. “recycle more” now? taken to every recycling Turn to page 2

We manage waste services for all Somerset councils. For information, see the back page South Somerset District Council or visit:www.somersetwaste.gov.uk RECYCLE MORE POWERS AHEAD FOR BETTER KERBSIDE COLLECTIONS

mpressive progress is being made on all 2020, if there’s enough reprocessing capacity They’ll also be helping us continue to deliver Ifronts in the transformation of how we collect and demand to keep your kerbside recycling and improve upon our Schools Against Waste and process your rubbish and recycling in the UK, we won’t export it. programme and making sure we can offer across Somerset. on-the-ground support to those that need it. Our partnership with SUEZ has lots of Expert waste firm SUEZ has been chosen as additional benefits for our communities, too. In advance of Recycle More, we’ll be preferred bidder for the Recycle More spending £18 million on a new fleet of kerbside collections of extra weekly recycling Super-efficient new vehicles and £7 million on new equipment and other depot improvements. ▲ and three-weekly rubbish collections, which Turn from page 1 trucks will take 27,000 will start rolling out from mid-2020. extra tonnes of The new vehicles are super-efficient and will Somerset are taking advantage of the huge ‘ help us collect an additional 27,000 tonnes of In the UK, SUEZ employs over 5,000 people, recycling, as well as delivering an incredible range of things that can be recycled at your serves millions of households every day and recycling and bring 30% carbon saving on our current vehicles’ local site – from water-based paint to white shifts 10 million tonnes of recycling and a 30% carbon saving footprint, helping us protect Somerset’s goods. rubbish every year. beautiful countryside. These include a community benefits plan Even if you don’t have transport or others to SUEZ has already helped East Devon residents worth more than , As well as improving our environmental share the drop-offs, you can still check on the successfully switch to three-weekly rubbish £600m across Somers’et as well as a focus on permanent local performance and customer service, we’re impact of Recycle More for yourself right now pick-ups and additional weekly recycling, employment, work placements for 18-24 year expecting significant financial savings of by following these easy tips: just like Recycle More. olds and apprenticeships making up 5% of over £2m each year once Recycle More ̞ Recycle everything as usual, including all Working with SUEZ means that from spring the workforce. is rolled out. card, paper, glass bottles and jars, cans, foil, aerosols, plastic bottles, textiles, clothes and shoes, plus all food waste ̞ Store all plastic pots, tubs and trays, Have you ever wondered what happens to all the recycling you put out? beverage cartons, batteries and electrical items for three weeks to see just how little is id you know that an average Somerset well as how much. The government national quality, with low contamination, and much Somerset's rubbish will become green energy left in your rubbish bin. Dhousehold recycles nearly 500kg of Recycling and Waste Strategy recognised in demand by reprocessor companies. from 2020, instead of ending up in landfill. waste a year? That’s equivalent to five Somerset as a best practice model. More information all recycling sites, and on baby elephants! Some recycling systems put everything in We are committed to do more; the new Recycle More, here: www.somersetwaste. Last year, more than 91% of Somerset's one bin and sort it later. That might seem Recycle More service rolling out across gov.uk. Thanks to everyone's efforts in carefully recycling stayed in Britain, including an easier, but mixing everything up means Somerset from next year will see today's sorting their recycling, last year Somerset impressive 100% of glass bottles and jars more contamination (for example, food in 52.4% recycling rate jump. * Beverage cartons: all sites except Castle offset as much carbon as taking more than and drinks cans and 97% of the paper. with glass bottles) and lower quality, which Cary, Cheddar, Dulverton and Somerton. 25,000 cars off the road for 12 months. is more likely to be exported or dumped. From spring 2020, if there’s enough Half the remaining 9%, such as mixed paper reprocessing capacity and demand to keep And thanks to smart work by our collection and card, and some plastic bottles, went to The UK needs more reprocessing capacity. your kerbside recycling in the UK, we won’t and recycling site contractors, Somerset's Europe. The rest went further afield; half the Helping that, from next year a new plastics export it. recycling goes to well-established, clothing we collect goes to developing plant in Avonmouth will reprocess 1.6 billion Don't be the accredited UK and overseas reprocessor countries for reuse. plastic pots, tubs, trays and bottles a year. Somerset pioneered open, transparent companies that handle it responsibly. We reporting of recycling in 2008. Many have know, because we track where it all goes. That so much of our recycling is reprocessed The new plant is run by Viridor, which followed our lead. You can find the latest last to know... in the UK is down to quality. Our "kerbside manages our recycling centres, rubbish annual report, Beyond the Kerb – Somerset is in the top 20% of counties for sort" collection service means the materials disposal and food waste recycling. It will be Recycling to Resources, here: ur free monthly SORTED e-newsletter is recycling and the top 10% for carbon saving are sorted twice – first by you, then by your powered by the neighbouring new Resource https://www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/beyond- Odelivered to 9,000+ well-informed – because we focus on how we recycle as collection crew. Our recycling is high Recovery Centre, where almost all of the-kerb/. Somerset inboxes with the latest news and simple tips on how to waste less, recycle more and save £££s. Vans and trailers – carry on permitting Sites switch to winter hours

f you have a free van or trailer permit for and efficiently with 1.6 million visits a year. weight, or using a car-towed single-axle All recycling sites start their new winter ISomerset recycling sites that runs out at the trailer of up to three metres' floor length. timetables on Tuesday 1 October. end of September, there is no need to worry Permits are needed if you are bringing in household waste in a van, pick-up, Permits have helped reduce congestion or get a new permit; the scheme is being When open weekdays, all sites will start rolled on unchanged. campervan, mini-bus or similar large and waste crime, maintain safety and capacity vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes gross efficiency, and contributed to a 2,195- work at 9am and close at 5pm until the The only thing different about future permits incident reduction in fly-tipping since end of March. is that they will be a different coloured card 2015-16 as part of Somerset’s long-term with no expiry date. fall in illegal dumping despite nationally Saturday and Sunday hours at all 16 sites rising figures. Whatever its colour, your existing card will remain 9am-4pm year round. remain valid unless any of your key details The scheme has saved £167,000 in the first Summer hours - 9am-6pm when sites are change, such as your address or your three years by helping cut recycling site open weekdays - resume on Wednesday Sign up here now: https://www.somerset vehicle. Only then do you need to apply for waste levels by 9,272 tonnes. a new free permit and destroy the old card. 1 April 2020. waste.gov.uk/ For more information or to apply for a free And keep your finger on our social Following recycling site restrictions by all of permit – with an instant online confirmation For full details of recycling sites, visit: media pulse: https://www.facebook. Somerset's neighbours, the permit scheme that can be used until your card arrives – visit: https://www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/ com/SomersetWaste/ was started to control congestion and ensure https://www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/apply- recycling/centres/ https://twitter.com/SomersetWaste recycling sites continued to operate safely for-a-permit. SEDGEMOOR Somerset Waste Waste Services Guide . 20 19 /20 Partnership

COLLECTIONS Collection times vary. Leave at the edge of Christmas and New Year 2019/20 Missed collections: Contact customer property by 7am on collection day. Sort and Usual collection day Revised collection day services and put out containers for two working roughly separate materials without carrier bags. Mon 23 Dec No change days. In severe weather, put out recycling for up Use only SWP boxes. Contact your district council Tue 24 Dec No change to four calendar days, rubbish up to seven calendar (below) for containers. Wed 25 Dec Fri 27 Dec days; if not collected, put out on next usual Thu 26 Dec Sat 28 Dec collection day. ■ Food waste and kitchen towel , in food bin Fri 27 Dec Sun 29 Dec ■ Paper (newspapers, magazines, directories) Mon 30 Dec No change We may suspend garden, clinical and bulky waste ■ Card (flatten, take large amounts to recycling Tue 31 Dec No change collections to maintain main services in severe site) and brown envelopes Wed 1 Jan Thu 2 Jan weather. ■ Glass bottles and jars (rinse, unbroken, Thu 2 Jan Fri 3 Jan no table or cookware, no window glass) Fri 3 Jan Sat 4 Jan Want a job as a driver, loader, or loader training ■ Food and drink cans (rinse, squash if possible) Mon 6 Jan Usual collections resume to be a driver? Call 0117 916 0760 or 07866797200, text DRIVEKIER to 88802, or search SW England jobs ■ Aluminium foil (clean) No collections Monday 23 garden waste at www.smartsr.co.uk. ■ Aerosols (empty, do not crush or pierce) December to Friday 3 January. Decoration-free real ■ Plastic bottles (no tops, rinse, no pots, tubs, trays) Christmas trees : home compost or take to recycling ■ All textiles, clothes, shoes (bag to keep dry, site; garden waste subscribers can add them to Recycle More extra weekly kerbside recycling – label “textiles”; no stuffed items, such as pillows). a collection. household and food plastic pots, tubs, trays; beverage cartons; household batteries; small Communal collections: Most flat blocks Easter, May and August Bank Holidays: electrical items – and three-weekly rubbish pick-ups have bins to recycle paper, glass and cans, and After single bank holidays, all collections one will start rolling out across Somerset from mid-2020. for rubbish. day later. You will be sent full details well in advance.

RECYCLING SITES Somerset has 14 recycling sites with free entry to Sedgemoor recycling sites take all kerbside ■ Plasterboard (not Cheddar; pre-pay on website) deposit household materials, and two community materials to recycle, except food waste (double ■ Plastic (rigid food & household pots, tubs, trays recycling sites (£2 cash entry). All sites open bag, put in energy-from-waste skip), plus: and plastic bottles) Saturdays-Sundays 9am-4pm year-round; when ■ Residual waste (including window glass) open weekdays, site hours are 9am-6pm April- ■ Asbestos, items containing asbestos (not ■ Soil (charges apply) September, 9am-5pm October-March. Cheddar; double bag, clear plastic, seal, ■ Toner cartridges pre-pay on website, ring site before visit) ■ Tyres (charges apply) Sedgemoor has recycling sites at B ridgwater (open ■ Batteries (car, household) ■ Vehicle parts (not Cheddar; charges apply) daily except Wednesday), C heddar (daily except ■ Beverage cartons and single-use plastic- ■ Wood Thursday-Friday), H ighbridge (daily except Monday- lined paper cups (not Cheddar) Tuesday). ■ Electrical appliances See website for recycling site services in other ■ Fridges and freezers districts. Material charges apply to asbestos, plasterboard, ■ Garden waste (see website or seek advice hardcore, soil, tyres, vehicle parts, gas bottles; card on Ash dieback, and Japanese Knotweed, Christmas and New Year 2019/20: R ecycling payments only. Check SWP website or Somerset Common Ragwort and other controlled plants) sites open on winter schedule, except all close Direct for prices. ■ Gas bottles (charges apply) Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s day. Your vehicle or trailer may need a f ree recycling ■ Hardcore (concrete/rubble; charges apply) Business waste: S ee website for waste site permit, available to Somerset residents only, ■ Hazardous household waste (e.g. garden company directory, and for details of which must be displayed on all visits. Details/apply: chemicals, paint) commercial recycling facilities available, www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/permits ■ Lighting (fluorescent tubes, long-life bulbs) ■ Metals in Sedgemoor, at Bridgwater and Stay safe: suitable footwear, beware obstacles ■ Mobile phones Highbridge. underfoot, control children, stay alert to vehicles, ■ Oil ( cooking, engine) seek and take staff advice. ■ Paint ( water-based only) ! GET IN TOUCH W Contact Sedgemoor District Council about: Your Somerset Waste Board O ■ Collection days and calendars (check representatives N www.sedgemoor.gov.uk ) Sedgemoor District Council R E ■ Kerbside recycling and refuse collections, Cllrs Janet Keen, Gill Slocombe V including new container requests Somerset County Council E ■ Communal recycling and refuse collections Cllrs David Hall, Clare Paul (Vice Chair) N ■ Free clinical waste collections, and assisted A 1 collections for those with difficulty moving Updates and more online H e waste containers Sign up for our e-newsletter at: T g ■ Paid-for garden waste and bulky E a waste collections R p www.somersetwaste.gov.uk O e www.sedgemoor.gov.uk  e 0300 303 7803 www.facebook.com/SomersetWaste/ M S [email protected] E ! e L R id https://twitter.com/somersetwaste C e O u Contact Somerset Direct about: Y O G M s ■ Recycling sites C M E e www.somerset.gov.uk E ic R G rv [email protected] p D e E S 0300 123 2224 S e e st a e W Visit www.somersetwaste.gov.uk K Fostering-Could you mind the gap..? We have over 500 children in care, with more entering our care all the time - and only 200 foster carers in Somerset.

Could you help a child in need? Become a foster carer and help change the lives of vulnerable Somerset children. Give them a better future.

We pay competitive fees to all our foster carers ● All carers will progress up a payment scale, when they build up their experience and complete training ● We offer a range of discounts and extra rewards - from shopping and dining out, to cinema tickets and holidays Could you have coped as ● We pay all fostering a teenager on your own? related mileage ● We also pay retainer fees Louise between placements for Young people leaving care are specialist fostering vulnerable. Louise, aged 17, is schemes Sam and Riley with a ‘Stepping Stones’ foster Sam, 7, and Riley, 11, are carer who provides help, brothers who came into stability and support to young Evie care three years ago after people aged 16 to 21, who Evie is a happy 18-month-old experiencing neglect. Both boys are between leaving care and who has been fostered since couldn’t read or write, but with living independently. Louise birth. She loves to laugh and their foster carer’s help and is learning to cook, manage dance and enjoys playing with support, they’re now doing well her money and apply for her foster carer’s children. at school and learning to swim. college courses.

WE PAY WE PAY WE PAY The foster carer receives a The foster carer receives Stepping Stones foster carer £75 fee and £143.57 allowance an allowance of £163.54 for payments start from £185 per per week, as well as all foster Sam and £203.59 for Riley, week, plus £27.50 for food care related mileage. We even plus carer fees amounting and utilities, which is paid by helped with the cost of Evie’s to £175 per week – and all the young person from their cot! fostering related mileage. allowance. Spread TOTAL £218.57 per week* TOTAL £542.13 per week* TOTAL £212.50 per week* the word * All payments are tax-free and will not affect your benefits, if eligible.

What do I need to be a foster carer? i Phone 0800 587 9900, visit ● The enthusiasm to help turn a child or young person’s www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk, or come life around to an information evening. Dates are available ● A spare room on our website. ● You must be over 21 (but there’s no upper age limit) Help us spread the word: ● You can be single, and it doesn’t matter what sexual Like us on Facebook @fosteringinsomerset, orientation or gender you are. follow us on twitter @fostersomerset

Please note: All names above have been changed and photos used are stock images

Fostering - 13 SHARING YOUR HEALTH AND Making the right information available to the right people at the right time.

The Somerset Shared Care Record (SIDeR) ▲

Digital technology is helping to revolutionise our health care system right here in Somerset. We now have the technical capability to share your health and care information securely between services. Once launched in late 2019, SIDeR will speed up the referral process, save you valuable time and provide you with better care when you visit a health or care professional. SIDeR gives health and care staff access to appropriate information from other services you might have had contact with. At the point you need care, hospitals, GPs, hospices and community and mental health services will all have access from the launch, as well as Somerset County Council social care staff. ➞ Here’s how SIDeR will help the social care teams deliver a package of care to a Somerset patient.

Betty’s Story

1 2 3

Betty goes to the GP because she burnt her When the District Nurse visits Betty at home to The Dementia Team make an assessment in hand. She tells her GP that she left a saucepan change her dressings, she notices that Betty clinic and diagnose Betty with Alzheimer’s. on the cooker and it boiled dry, so the handle hasn’t been taking her medication and seems a bit They recommend some medication and create was hot when she went to pick it up. confused about what time of day it is. She refers a Treatment Escalation Plan. Betty to the ‘Memory Clinic’ Dementia Team at Somerset Partnership.

4 5 6

The Dementia Team make a referral to the social Using SIDeR, the social care team can see Betty’s Using this information, and speaking to Betty and care team to help Betty adapt to living with her GP history, and the District Nurse and Dementia her family, the social care team are able to provide condition at home. Team records. In the past they would have Betty with the right support to help her to live as needed to phone each service to get this independently as possible in her own home. information.

➞ If you have any questions about SIDeR, email the Digital Team at [email protected] or call PALS on 0800 085 1067.

14 - Sharing your health and care information CARE INFORMATION

Your guide to digital health and care services ▲

Nearly a third of Somerset residents have already signed up to use GP Online Services to book appointments, order repeat prescriptions and view their medical records. With GP practices now releasing a quarter of all available appointments for registered patients to book online, make sure you sign up today. Don’t worry you can still book appointments at your local surgery face-to-face or by phone and get access to out-of-hours assistance if you prefer.

➞ Here’s just a few of the ways you can access health service and your medical information at a touch of a button.

NHS App NHS Apps Library ▲ ▲

You can download the NHS ● Choose whether the NHS There are loads of NHS App from the Google Play or uses your data for research approved Apps available to Apple Store. It is connected and planning. help you manage your health to all Somerset GP practices and wellbeing. and allows you to: If you’re looking for a NHS approved App to support you ● Register and access GP with an existing medical Online Services. You can condition you can find them then book appointments at www.nhs.uk/apps-library/ online, order repeat prescriptions and view You will also find a number your medical records. of other NHS approved ● Check your symptoms health and wellbeing apps, using the health A-Z on for example, for things like the NHS website. mental health, support with ● Use NHS 111 online and sleep, mindfulness, healthy find out what to do when For more information, visit eating and help and advice you need help urgently. www.nhs.uk/using-the- for expectant parents. Visit, ● Register as an organ nhs/nhs-services/the- www.nhs.uk/apps-library/ donor. nhs-app/ to see what’s available.

GP Online Services Did you know... are still available and can be You can now get access at accessed on a computer and all Somerset GP practices laptop as well as your smart and hospitals. Search for phones and tablets. This allows ‘NHS WiFi’ on your device you to book GP appointments, (go to settings then order repeat prescriptions and networks) and register view your GP medical record either using a social media on the internet. account or by text message.

➞ The developments discussed here are part of Fit for my Future, Somerset’s integrated health and care strategy. Digitalisation was already a key part of that strategy and your recent feedback has shown that you also consider this a priority. We will continue to keep you updated with our progress.

Sharing your health and care information - 15 Reduce your SCHOOL PLACES – childcare bill apply online and on time hether your child is starting Wschool for the first time, or 30 hours transferring to their next school in September 2020, applications funded childcare need to be made through our website at www.somerset. f you’re a working parent you could benefit from the gov.uk/admissions IGovernment’s 30 hours a week funded childcare - saving you thousands of pounds a year. ● For secondary school places the deadline for admissions If you have children aged three or four, you may be entitled to is Thurs 31 Oct 2019 up to 30 hours of funded early education or childcare a week, ● For primary school places the for up to 38 weeks a year - that’s a whopping 1,140 hours. deadline is Wed 15 Jan 2020 To qualify both parents: Take a look at the website for a copy of the online application ● must be working form, catchment areas and the school admissions policy. If you ● each parent must earn, or expect to earn, the equivalent to have any issues accessing this online, phone 0300 123 2224. 16 hours a week at the National Minimum or Living Wage over the next three months ● earn less than £100,000 a year f you have a child or you are a young person I (under 25) with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities, the Local Offer shows you all the services and support available The to you in your local area, across education, health, social care, support Local services and leisure activities. We are continually reviewing and updating the Local Offer - find all the details at Offer https://choices.somerset.gov.uk/ 025/local-offer/

School Term Dates

You can apply for this offer at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk or by phoning 0300 123 4097. Or, if your child is turning three soon, find out more about when you need to apply by visiting www.somerset.gov.uk/eye30 Apply Don’t miss out on your 30 hours of funded childcare. t oday! Tax free childcare

You can also get up to £500 every three months (£2,000 a year) 2019/20 2020/21 for each of your children to help with the costs of childcare paid Term 1: 2 Sept - 25 Oct 2019 Term 1: 3 Sept - 23 Oct 2020 through an online childcare account. Term 2: 4 Nov - 20 Dec 2019 Term 2: 2 Nov - 18 Dec 2020 For every £8 that families pay in, the Government will pay in Term 3: 6 Jan - 14 Feb 2020 Term 3: 4 Jan - 12 Feb 2021 an extra £2, up to a maximum of £2,000 per child per year Term 4: 24 Feb - 3 Apr 2020 Term 4: 22 Feb - 1 Apr 2021 (or £4,000 for disabled children). Term 5: 20 Apr - 22 May 2020 Term 5: 19 Apr - 28 May 2021 This online payment account is available for children aged Term 6: 1 Jun - 20 Jul 2020 Term 6: 7 Jun - 23 Jul 2021 under 12 (or under 17 for children with disabilities) and can be used to contribute towards nursery, pre-school, childminders For all the latest school term dates and holidays, and after-school care. visit www.somerset.gov.uk/schooltermdates To find out more about all government childcare offers, visit Please note: These are the term dates and holidays for community www.childcarechoices.gov.uk where there is an online childcare and voluntary controlled schools. Academies, free schools, foundation calculator to see which offer best suits you. schools and voluntary-aided schools have the freedom to set their own term dates.

16 - Reduce your childcare bill @ManageAtHome

Choose from a wide variety of mobility and disability aids to help you stay safe and independent at home. Taunton Solicitors £10 OFF Legal Services and Advice ORDERS OVER £100 BUYING AND SELLING SHARED OWNERSHIP with code: PROPERTY HELP TO BUY YOSOAU19 FAMILY LAW & DIVORCE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

LASTING POWERS OF WILLS ATTORNEY PROBATE & TRUSTS Get the ever popular Nitro Rollator for only Visit our website for Discounts and Costs £155.00 £129.17 ex VAT www.tauntonsolicitors.com without code £165.00 2 Hours Free Client car Parking 'ƌŽƵŶĚŇŽŽƌŽĸĐĞ͕ĚŝƐĂďůĞĚƉĂƌŬŝŶŐĂŶĚĨĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ www.manageathome.co.uk ĂŶĚƉƌŝǀĂƚĞŵĞĞƟŶŐƌŽŽŵƐ Terms: Promotion code valid until End November 2019, enter code YOSOAU19 at checkout or for telephone orders please quote ‘Your Somerset £10 Discount’ to redeem, cannot be used in conjunction with any other promo code. Discount is applied against the ‘Including VAT’ price, discount will appear less than £10 if VAT Relief applied. 2 Tangier Central Taunton TA1 4AP For full terms and conditions please visit: www.manageathome.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/ ĂůůŽƵƌŽĸĐĞĨŽƌŵŽƌĞĚĞƚĂŝůƐϬϭϴϮϯϯϱϭϭϮϮ ĞͲŵĂŝů͗ŝŶĨŽΛƚĂƵŶƚŽŶƐŽůŝĐŝƚŽƌƐ͘ĐŽŵ Call us: 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday 0800 910 1054

To find out more about advertising in Your Somerset, email [email protected] Hatch Beauchamp | Taunton | TA3 6SG

15 August 2018

A beautiful country home dedicated to outstanding care at a realistic cost
       O Residential and nursing care O Respite stays welcome      O Beautifully landscaped gardens        O Safe, friendly and homely accommodation       O Daily activities programme Feel free to pop in for a chat with Home Manager


     Amanda or call 01823 481500 for more information www.care-south.co.uk Registered Charity No. 1014697

Bridgwater For all your care needs Taunton DRIVERS Yeovil Our services include: Evercreech Care homes Our homes provide day care, respite stays, Petals dementia care, NEEDED £300 sign up bonus (subject to T&Cs) residential, nursing and end of life care. £100 per week bonus (subject to T&Cs) The Halcon Centre £75 referral bonus Short breaks for people with complex physical disabilities. Bridgwater/Taunton call: Petals Active Living Centres 07807 860 102 Our specialist day care service supporting people to live well Yeovil/Evercreech call: with dementia. We have 4 centres in Somerset. 07866 797 200 Home care services Supporting people to remain independent to stay in their own home. Realise Supporting people with learning disabilities and complex needs to live an independent life. The councils in Somerset fund a home improvement loan scheme If you or someone you know could benefit from any of these services for homeowners and landlords*. please contact us. We have a friendly, knowledgeable team who We understand the expense of maintaining your home. We want to would love to guide you through any queries you may have. help you to take the stress out of funding repairs, improvements or adaptations to your home. 0800 8174 990 | [email protected] We see you as an individual, not a credit score.

www.somersetcare.co.uk For a free, no obligation home visit or more information: Contact Wessex Resolutions CIC on 01823 461099 or visit www.wessexresolutions.org.uk *Subject to eligibility

To find out more about advertising in Your Somerset, email [email protected] 3URYLGHURI KRPHcare and support ZLWKLQ WKH Sedgemoor DUHD

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To find out more about advertising in Your Somerset , email [email protected] WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES

“It’s the best home improvement we have ever made. Our conservatory is now our dining room in the garden.” Mike Millis, Middleton On Sea

LATER THAT DAY SUBSIDIES AVAILABLE *Quote Ref >8

There are many reasons to change your conservatory roof with Green Space UK BEFORE

INSTALLED IN 1 DAY COOLER IN SUMMER “ What a difference a day makes “ You could have fried an egg on the SUBSTANTIAL as the saying goes, and yes, table in the summer, I now look that’s all it took to install.” upon the conservatory as a new SUBSIDIES Mr & Mrs Barber, Wells room. It is quiet, restful and cosy.” Carol Doyle, Surrey AVAILABLE WARMER IN WINTER REDUCES ENERGY BILLS “ There is no doubt that the We’re planning to make insulation conservatory is much warmer “ I’ve already turned the a must have addition to every than previously, and no, the ZSIJWĆTTWMJFYNSLIT\S conservatory across the UK. We are room is not darker either!” Lovely job guys, thank you!” therefore offering a SUBSTANTIAL David Birch, Chichester Anne Bird, Bristol SUBSIDY to a limited number of suitable properties in selected areas. USABLE ALL YEAR ROUND QUIETER IN BAD WEATHER “ The conservatory is now used ê+TWYMJąWXYYNRJNS^JFWX\J 9TąSITZYRTWJFGTZYYMJGJSJąYX throughout all seasons of the year do not have to close the door to that the Green Space system can and is far more comfortable to sit the conservatory when it rains.” offer and see if your conservatory is in whatever the weather outside.” Mr & Mrs Bailey-Webb, Warsash suitable for any potential subsidies, Mr & Mrs Gibson, Portishead contact us now.

For a free quote call: 0800 65 25 157 C O N S E R V A T O R Y R O O F S www.greenspaceconservatories.co.uk

*Finance subject to status, T&C’s apply. Subsidies are limited by area and not guaranteed. Putting off your enquiry could reduce the potential subsidy available to you

To find out more about advertising in Your Somerset, email [email protected]