South Somerset Also Running Mendip, and That Will Bring

● ● SO● MERSET YIn thois editioun Soutrh Somerset Autumn 2020 Improving Lives b s h u u e p s a i p l n t o h e r s t s

Employment support, pages 6-7 Domestic Abuse, busting the myths, page 13 Happy, Healthy & Safe, pages 14-15

e now know that local have also been boosted by the public U-TURN TO UNIwhTo have Avoted in thReir thousaY nds in ‘Are you looking government in Somerset will bWe reorganised along unitary lines favour of where they would like to see for a new after a U-turn by districts councils the unitary bonus spent. So, a huge who had opposed the idea. thank you for all who took part – and now the results! adventure?’ It’s a big win for Somerset County Council, which has been promoting the Top of the list, not surprisingly, was benefits of unitary authorities and now adults social care – the way we look it is over to government to pick which after our vulnerable people. And as option it prefers. we continue to deal with the effects of coronavirus, this was great to hear. Somerset County Council’s ‘One You also told us that you’d like to see Somerset’ campaign promotes one more financial support for schools and single unitary authority that works with learning, investment in areas that will communities, removes duplication and help to boost our local economy as well waste, and creates savings to invest in as give our children the best possible key areas. start in life, and more investment into things like climate change. Somerset County Council’s Leader, David Fothergill, thanked all those who took part. “It’s been great to hear Now the four district councils have Somerset’s voice, it really does make voted on plans for two unitaries, a difference and influence and often children’s services hived off to a remote change the way we plan and prioritise,” Children’s Trust and on top of it all a he said. new layer of bureaucracy with a Fostering In Somerset are combined authority run by a Mayor for ❛ I really believe it is important all of Somerset. All these will need chief that the public has every chance to recruiting now! executives, expensive directors and big get involved in these conversations back office teams like IT and Finance. and we want to keep giving you the It’s a long way from the simple One opportunities to get involved and For more information, see the back page or visit Somerset approach. have your say. ❜ www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk The County Council’s ambitious plans, ▲ which have the backing of key partners, continued on page 2 Somerset Latest updates! Waste Recycle More and turning your waste Partnership into energy. See centre pages . 2 - In the News Your Somerset » Autumn 2020 services to some form of standalone Children’s Trust – that means having three children’s Contact us directors for Somerset, not one! Visit And then to really confuse the picture, they want to create a whole new layer of bureaucracy above www.somerset.gov.uk those unitaries with a new Combined Authority run by a Mayor for Somerset – so that would mean four chief executives would be needed! A business case If you can’t find that makes hundreds of staff redundant, but then recruits a room full of new Chief Executive Officers, what you need David Fothergill ‘In my opinion...’ new highly paid directors and a £3m new Trust – it’s an unusual approach, that’s for sure. on our website: Council Leader Phone 0300 123 2224 Five into one – or five into Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 until 5:30pm. two. That was the choice that we were all told to Write to us at Somerset County Council, County expect for the future of local Hall, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1DY government in Somerset. Our own plan is to replace all five local councils with For all coronavirus - one unitary council – the district councils oppose related support, phone this and instead wanted to set up two unitaries. Now it turns out the district councils’ proposal is so It’s such a shame the districts ran out of time and 0300 790 6275 complex it is more like five into one or five into four, were unable to deliver on their promise to consult with a Mayor for Somerset above the whole lot! the public on these plans... But we do know now Please phone the numbers that Somerset will join Wiltshire, Dorset, Cornwall, below for the following services: The district councils’ U-turn over unitary led them to come up with an alternative plan that started off North Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset Fostering enquiries in moving to a unitary status with all the benefits 0800 587 9900 seeing Somerset split into two, with one unitary seeing South Somerset also running Mendip, and that will bring. Adopt South West 0345 155 1076 another seeing Somerset West and Taunton take Our job, once the Government has selected over Sedgemoor. But they’ve swerved again, and Somerset Heritage Centre whichever plan goes forward, is to make sure all (01823) 278805 now they also propose to hive off children’s those benefits are delivered. That means giving Somerset Road Safety local people more say over decisions that affect (01823) 423430 them; ending confusion over which council provides current councils Somerset Waste Parnership ❺ what services - removing duplication and inefficiencies and investing where it is most needed. (01823) 625700 ❹ chief executives and finance directors needed for district council plans Our front page highlights just some of the areas Other useful numbers you’d like to see get that extra investment – adults Citizens Advice Consumer ❸ directors of children’s services needed for social care, schools and learning, and climate Service Helpline district council plans change all scoring really high marks. What is 03454 04 05 06 ❷ directors of public health, and two more important is that we remain ambitious Street Lighting Faults directors of Adults Social Care needed for for the new unitary approach and ambitious for 0845 601 0939 district council plans Somerset. I believe the One Somerset plan will (office hours) and deliver significant benefits to residents and 0845 795 9639 (for out of hours emergencies) one of ALL the above needed for the One businesses alike and will work hard on your ❶ Somerset plan behalf to make it happen. See pages 4 and 5 for Student Finance Direct more information. (Higher Education Students

only) 0845 607 7577 ▲ continued from front page Wellington Community Office (01823) 667279 EDITOR’S INFO All the final results will be published and will help develop a programme of consultation that will District Councils To get in contact with Your Somerset or to set out how Somerset County Council can make Mendip District Council advertise in this publication, contact the sure your priorities are delivered. 0300 303 8588 Communications Team on (01823) 355020, Sedgemoor District Council or email [email protected] To take part in this important 0300 303 7800 We gratefully acknowledge the support of debate about the future for South Somerset District Council organisations that advertise in Your Somerset , our county, keep an eye on the website (01935) 462462 but Somerset County Council can accept no onesomerset.org.uk where Somerset West and Taunton responsibility for the products or services all new opportunities to get Counci l advertised. We advise readers to make their own 0300 304 8000 involved will be promoted. enquires before purchasing products or services. The site also has as a huge amount of information and advice 2 - In Pthleea snee rwecs ycle Pssst... Your Somerset costs 6p per copy about the unitary council approach for Somerset. to produce. Your Somerset » Autumn 2020 Coronavirus support - 3

In the Coronavirus What you need to know Get all the latest NHS information NEWS - ready to and advice about coronavirus (Covid-19) at www.nhs.uk/ react conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 C

What are the symptoms? ● Symptoms include a high temperature, a new continuous cough and loss or change to your sense of o smell or taste. Most people with coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms. ● If you have any of these symptoms, visit 111.nhs.uk/covid-19 or phone 119 . Do not visit your

v e all have an important part to play in stopping the GP surgery, hospital or pharmacy unless your feel very spread of this coronavirus. Thankfully the level of unwell or think there is something seriously wrong. Winfections in Somerset remains low, but we can’t get complacent. As we move to the next stage of managing When to self-isolate the virus, our local response will be key to managing any ● i If you have symptoms of coronavirus – even if they future outbreaks and keeping the population safe. are mild - you must self-isolate (stay away from

d others) for at least 10 days from when your symptoms What is our local response? first started and book a test. Every upper-tier local authority has a Local Outbreak ● Management Plan, which sets out how we will manage Anyone else who lives with you should self-isolate for any local outbreaks of coronavirus. In Somerset, our local 14 days from the date your symptoms started (even if response is being led by the Director of Public Health, they don’t have symptoms). Trudi Grant, who is working closely with Public Health ● If you are identified as a close contact of a confirmed England, and environmental health colleagues in the case of coronavirus you will be contacted by NHS Test - district councils, to monitor the local situation and and Trace and asked to self-isolate for 14 days. response to any outbreaks. This year we have already dealt with over 100 outbreaks and situations in Somerset. NHS Test and Trace Service

1 If you test positive, someone from the NHS Test and What is an outbreak? Trace service will get in touch with you and ask you to An outbreak is classed as two or more confirmed cases list all the places you’ve visited and identify all the people of Covid-19 among people who are linked by both time you’ve come into close contact with. It’s important to and place, for example, people who have been in direct provide all the information they need so ‘close contacts’

9 close contact within a specific place, such as a care home can be contacted and asked to self-isolate to prevent or school. A single case is NOT an outbreak. If there are further spread. two or more confirmed cases in the same place, for instance an office or shop, but the cases do not appear I’ve visited a place where someone tested to have had close contact, this would be called a cluster. positive, what do I do? If you discover you were in a place at the same time as a These measures are vital to prevent and positive case, but weren’t identified and contacted by the ‘ NHS Test and Trace Service as a close contact, you don’t control any outbreaks, but rely heavily need to book a test or self-isolate unless you start to on every single one of us for it to be show symptoms. successful . How to prevent catching coronavirus What can I do to help? Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds By responding While there is no vaccine and no treatment for Covid-19, with soap and warm water, keep your distance from quickly to handwashing, physically distancing ourselves and self others (one metre plus), avoid touching your face isolating if we have symptoms or are contacted by NHS (particularly your nose, mouth and eyes), wipe down cases or Test and Trace is our only defence. These measures are surfaces and objects regularly and wear a face covering clusters, we vital to prevent and control any outbreaks, but rely heavily in specified places (if you are not exempt). on every single one of us for it to be successful. can prevent Need more information? outbreaks. For more information on how Somerset is responding to As this is a changing situation, please check out the the pandemic, or to see the latest Somerset Public Health NHS website or www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus for coronavirus figures, visit www.somerset. the latest information, or phone the Somerset gov.uk/coronavirus Coronavirus Helpline on 0300 790 6275.

Stay Safe and keep Somerset Safe t t c p e i a . s o u , s s g

h t e r t s

e s

k g l l e t n w

l h t n i d n

e d a 5 a t e a i a u o a d

s m u b a e r ( s i f e n

1 d c y

h c e n r i

o p n t s b o v t u a e h p i s e o

y t s e s o i o o s

S t e u , a l i l

c t l

n o f e

u t

i d h i t s i a

e u l g e e w s

r o ?

– n u r t

n e l

h h a r i t a

n a c t c e

c o i a h g e

e c

o o c y o u t t t m m s c , e a p e w n s i w e c n u

c n f i

t c

u l

t r s d i a o w d

e e r c r s t b

e o

u i o d m d i a p d i e

e t t r c d l n u r v e t e n p e r r e t

e n h o

v o o u n h r r o i v d n n n s o a u n v o u u a C v f c n R d a o c

c E o c f

e a I e n a n m

u r o o

. n n d

s d p r a u e o i l e

t ) u

m i e t

n v g s w ) v t e s n m e o i

l i m c u e a

a i f o o k a e

N t n t r n b m h h l c

m m a m l m s t h a t , C w e p a t i

n t

o o

l a c o

h L o u s m

t e

n u e : l (

c o m s t b n

f i c o d a t i

o o l e e

t a s o r W e t o c n c r n

a h

l C

– i

d e n h k . y a

t e l r a t c t r t k l

a n t m e y

l o e h p a b

s o c l a t o e e a y l m s r n

h s o h r m

a i e o a

n s w i

t t

i r e

t s r e l r

, n i l l e

u l t d e d s l n m i e

p e s o e s a e

o d o s

g a s a n r n t o c e r l t : h o u w n i n

a i m C o t s l

u t m

s n g o a l p t v h q

m r a e d o o r i y y

r f w i

t d e s m

t e t s n t t n

n e ) y v t

r s s i S d

i a i o i n r h r

e e w a h i i i r y

e s a e

n r l e

e a t n

t a

e h h i f n e h s h r e s a m

n u

h h t

s u t t a

o s n ? h y t v e t n c

t e t p e o u w i e m o f m o o t d r

n e c k c h - t e o o s

r p e m l o t n f i i

o t l r p l t w t

n m a a l x h w g f

b r o n m t a l e i h e h

r y

r a o l t l p i t m t o a o a r f a o u e a a y o n

b a c c c t a

p p i

r l o f a p n i

l o t

t o n m

e a a r d s e r g u o s o w f r f n

r s p

s c k c e g i m a p l l u l

a s c e p

u e t

i l o

e s

a ’

u i u r e n l

r a i r e u

e a e e t d n k t t t e v

r t i e i e y l e v c c l t o i i n v a p t r o r u r c

a e r i l o m r v h e c i o e d a a s l r

l b i g n

r a r

e i u i t e u p e h

n h c h e a m a t s u o

h h e t b o a e

i t d G m n o s D m b C j h l t

r v D f ( n y t t v i u s r

c y e t o i s

o e p o l e i

s o

r m v d n o s , s e n

o t a a

c i l i o l t g

n c r e

o r n s s s

n n

m t

A l t a l r ’ ’ e p e e v n e

u t t i o a p o o

o i . a n t t

w p f p i i v v o l v e r c c r

e s i S a m s e l s s e a e a

a a o s

e r n u s e i i t m h

t n a t p c h h h r i r w e t

h h e c u m s t w c e

c s

t n t e e e e i 0 o o o i k e i o

s l d c c c 2 b n d l d ● ● ● ● W O W A W t a d . ,

c , , i r n n d s e g r d s l e t

e a

t o t k , h

n t n i

t u y s h n e i t s f n a t s t h d s t r i e e c e o i h e

s r o a t i t e

a s y n t

g c r i t m r d u u

w B d h e i

t r m a – s y

n i t e

n o e o o t e e . v v c i o e s a k

e t r s l s a i i

– i r s n a t h i c o l h

t r l w g y r

o e h

l e a p h

t e d u

y t l

a s r c l

e o e g b o e

s e o h T d

o e w s

g i 8 r l n a e

r w c s – l a a z

k , o

g c

. e r

i i o d b a i 7 u , e t e o . e o l f a n o n

e h n s

e l p s

y i e h f l i y ( h c o 2 a

h h

o k e e c

o r i t

l t m h s f f

s i t i v o h

l n t l c s s n h c w o t n p r d t a w , e i o n r

t o

o s

a i t

f l

a , a e o n r

u a c

n p i c l s u p n i S l g t

p h h y a i i s t

t u u l

n c o a o p o a e g o m p n n i r o n s v i

c l

t e e e

e d

c o

o g r n r r ) c e h n e a n o

s n c d a

h i n t y i n c r “ d i f e n p r s e u r r i t T k

t i e e r u r

a i m a ! v e s t n u o r e r r . u y t

e t f a n

a n r ” s o e t r y s r

n t e n t m r o e t . g s

C r o i o u h o e i

u e e

l s

o m e C

o n t e v

r o u r

d c a f

p e r t

o t s i r r

y u y t w r f p o

u i ,

l i t r y

o r o a m t e t e b o P n

s s e t p

d f S o

e o r v c

n e i f y a e i e a o w n

m g s

y t t e

n l w

t n o y o s n r e e p n d

v p

l r y

n e e

o k e s t s t r

, o b m a u i a t

i e r . r i e ? o

g c w s o i

s c s a n t e e d c o n ’

h l f o s i i r u l

s v o v s w l d

n n i n o d

a s i C n b o l i i w u e

w e n C

o a o t n a i e i e s c e

h h e n l

h t c w s

t o

e u

n W e u

o h f s o h c e i n c n h n l a

s h c a i

t t n o i c

i y t n

n s g a t o m c

, p n w

u a t e r a

c m T

r o i m d u u e h

s e o a d o

e s s e , t o u e l t d x c

e e e . e e v e a

o i v r r n e s n r e s e t w

e h r o m s c n v o s v f l d n i m

v r

e r .

a e l

a i l o C

e c a , s

m s c e o

o a a

d i

i a e h t l o c i w

9 y n h h d p o e y s t u e s l r

o t e r c i e r

e y t

a h s l o

g n i

r 6

c r n s t h i a t i a l w m ’ t e p a s S

v v l y t

a n d d

c 2 e l e a e l

o a c c n v

c y i

p i a p i

l ( c n i

e u s S d h r e a

W g b

l h n ’ u e

o s r w e

c e d a c

s S a m t h

d l c v t e

n s . e

s n r p

h o

l h t u v

t n e n c l i n n t t l a v a

v f a r t i e p e i

t a p

o s C e a u o u o n r n f

e x t a h .

c u h u l e e c a e v f i t s y e .

t h s

t t o e e a o t o

n l a i

l y y

. h

n n o r o e

b r n a s o

a t p t e c h c s e

r g o b i w d

s s p y

t d e u

. m

m t

t e l l l s b

o h s

u n l t i d a g n i i i i s s )

r v y l f n o r e t c

l i n n p l a

e s s r o i a n c m r l

c c c s r i l r r e r a h h a a w I c W o t e i s n u n ’ n

n e

a e o r e n n n n i

w e e a w k a

h i y u s t

a o n

y t n

m h i i s v v h g S u u u a l p

e c a e e c

e e s a a e o

h l a l n o u i o o o o e h u o h o

n t “ “

p t W p c t w d c s m p S c i u m g f v W g s b W W I T O w w

e e

n n

4 - one somerset 5 - one somerset

k e !

t d n

u r d

t ” n o . a s u . e o ’ a e o

a o

t s , o e o t

g s d t

, t r s

y e k a r e

i a s - e d g e

e e t u h t n g t s w . i i r e a o e a l o h

t n a e w . m o g n o i

d t h t n s d r c t o h u

e a m

o e e - m o m c i w

t t

S . c e

l , v

d m r a o t m p u

n s c s

n a e s n ’

c e o i e

m a e f

r n u e

o w s d

r v e v r o

e r t k e d p r n O a e a i d c e

b u s

n p a a

r v o h l i a

f d m u

a r y e t r

m g n l o ’

n d k o o c a i u o l n o u

n o o n i i s t o

s o o t

o n

l o h a s d e k o

s y r

u s i a l h o

r d o n

w i

r u c e o , s e s

o o d t o e e u o o r

l e e e d f e g f t l n n t h y d o

s %

t n k s n a r a p y

i t d e i

n o r e

, f f h b o .

d f a k e a

e 4 t d e v i o t I i o l t e t r

t l k h w

i a n p

. n

w t t p r m a s s o s

a h s u , s n l o

u o a p f

a i d k e b e

e s d m r o : S e e o h k

e a g n

n r b e n

t i i s r e

e r o t e o

0 % w t w w h a d e a o h i f y

c n

b n i o 0 t j 7

x , t r f

n t a t o e

n o t e ? d s o 5 i

e r u ,

o n s a

r a ) s c Y e

y o h t n o

o t 2 b o e a

o t r o n t u v

f f t h i

t l a n

c h n u e t F y g r t n e

o s n t

l n o t e e

s w i e

o e u p o r

s v a d c c

n e y

e i w t g a e y A o

p m r n y e n n d r r

e o r i a e y n n r i e o

e t v p e a e m e

i t t t d o t a i i t

n v o e i p h l e f m o

p h m r n t f e o n t p

e l w e s

y a

s r r d

s r e d t a r a l r w r s n . e p g i o 2 d h t

e a a s m e

l o a

e h

e e t v e s i o s o h 9 y n e c i t r d t

r v o b

l t

v h o l

s ( m e e h

l w e p s s t

u d e

u o w a e r l

y d o

e a k e d l e

a t a , h t s s s s p n p i J i s s

u l

i h

v s a

c n t a e h

c v a d W w

e i e t t n i o u i

n e e m

i a

e a w I t t l . y n

a l o r y

t t u o d n

u i

b l g s

l u i i h e

m l e o

l o s s n o

r o u e o t

l l n

t i e

n o o s o n r

t g l o l t a m i e t t a r

o a h i l a r u l y S o u a v u h n n m c

e d s

n h e y t

g o t s

m u

a w h l h r g a n o o k r e r

p i

u h g t N l o r w e e w e o e d c : a c o u h

n o

p a y p r w i t o u p s o e d c C E N A S p o d g u i e a r l p p n a c i o e r o l o

o v p S A n h h h a r p h o a

h h o O w T

s s h s p f o T t t T ● ● ● H O A ● ● Y T O “ ● ● s , r e

e g e . e b s ” n

t t d n . t e h h t i e d t n a t t r e e e n l v n 0

h r e r e e l h a

t h a u a i e m g t 1 g s t l a r t a s

h t p s

m n h d

r n r t r t u c g i

s i o e t i n

‘ n s h n i n e o n

h r i o C d n s i r d p n e u s g l f

. n

g a

u u e e E a n r p t i n e m i , l n d t

y r e t p y

e s e v i t r o r .

a e f r l u e c r o g

n e

l h l t s e e d o v a o b e t v s h o t m n o i i e n a S s a

a n b t G

s h

c e p

d t t m

g e , h

o m y c

m y g r s e .

r o e

t l t g r r

s r e r s g , o b

l i o n o s r m , e

t p g c t

t x m m l i i m o e s e f

n i d t i

o u e a s a s g

s e f l o r a v w f r a

f e f o o i t

r c n o

d e y

n e

s n W m e l o r

a s c i

e I s

t t I

t n r

g i

r a

n i s

o a k a s e v P e

o .

, s . e m

r &

d n r n y o r k t a t y a t c t

h h S h s

n u t r

e r

o o s t n a e o t e e i – n w e t s h

e s a

a o p

r g a d h

l s a t S t e s v

r s o h

u s d t e

h r r e h a r

u a e l n a

e a

d l e g r c e s m s n n n u e : u e i h n a h a h i s v t c B m n c n n a c s

n n

r i e

t a

s i

i c i a

e a r

l w i l a

e m

l e m n u i t v d

s d o g s l c o e s y b a n s a t e l o w

r o d l y o e u

e n

o o i u i r n v a

t y t o u u e i r a o e m a v o o p i S k o c w b S

a C o c

r s

o r t

t o o h t o e n r A r o e

w t f s e k i o

e G a t b t m o

e o e t t R

o s o e w r

t n o r

s m o n h r s h

y b e ,

r a s f i d i e o w t t

a t y

u g r o y o u

d u s b m t s e g e l i h f l O

f u

f i n

e t h w n

o n

d S a n t a v , r

s t i a I E e t a r

n p c r o i o ?

t . n n a r n

e i d s m s d l e M y r e

t C e e i n y e i l y n t i n

e s a o

r e v ( m t s i a r n n t c s

o i x

n u a e d e a

p p A c l a t c d f b s e a a i m

o i n W d i i x

o m t o

e t c r h e u p

i e n u w

n f i i i f ” t s i n e h o s r

o c . o f d u h s r . n s S u l d n s a

n e w e n n n v

s c

e )

e s C e g o r s i d

T e o a s e u

n l

” f a s u

i u l

v n y

y i o l s v d

. a c

t a t h . . o s i y t e a t ,

e e

e ’ l e t r o o r t t g

k l n e e n l a

m m o i

e l m h s s b h h r e r n e n c

i o s t n

a G v e g s m r e t t t m e p a

t a i

r i e o i

e p m m c a p b r

a d d m n a a e e r r t t o s e i f e l p i u n h

u o

o o m n u r o w h n r f f x o i e s h o s o o u i e

i m o p f e

r o f c t e r j l w i y I C A R S h I f p e a C f n a n T i e e h e

a s . t d h i h

s m t t c l

r i o f i t

e u

o c

o S d

a o

p n

e h e

“ “ e

h “ p u

e t

l h

u i

o h

t s

A s

c T

O W 6 - Employment support Your Somerset » Autumn 2020 Step Up for employment support Skills Redundancy and Employment Support raining Are you facing redundancy, or been recently made redundant, T and not sure what to do next? Being made redundant can be Step Up very stressful, but it can also offer new opportunities, like the Employment Step Up chance to retrain or work for yourself. rogression If you need help navigating your way through the redundancy P process, there is lots of free advice and guidance available for employment support on our website at www.stepupsomerset.org.uk or by phoning UP Step Up 0300 790 6275 and select the ‘other’ option . Get support online at www.stepupsomerset.org.uk There’s lots of helpful information, including: ● or phone the Coronavirus Helpline on 0300 790 6275 advice about your rights if you’re made redundant p Up ● signposting to short-term support, such as claiming and select the ‘other’ option. benefits ● information and links to popular job search sites We understand that this is a worrying time for everyone, with an ● access to support on completing applications, CV unstable job market and uncertainty around the future of the furlough writing and attending job interviews scheme. But it’s more important than ever to make sure you get the ● details on the types of jobs available in Somerset and right advice. what skills you might need ● where you can get access to free IT if you’re over 16 Step Up Somerset is a one-stop-shop for and need to apply for a job or take part in an online people, employers and businesses looking interview for support and information about employment, skills, careers and apprenticeships in Somerset.

Whether you’re looking for work, you’re worried about money or you run a business and need advice and support, let us help to point you Develop your skills in the right direction. Whether you’re looking to learn new skills to increase your employment s Step Up opportunities, or need to develop or t

e update skills in your existing role, it’s

p all on the website at

www.stepupsomerset.org.uk u

p It provides: ● a number of options available in Somerset for re-training or to enhance your skills, by putting you in touch with other specialist organisations ● details about the skills needed to access specific types of employment and how to access training ● information about support for apprentices through the Somerset Skill Up Service, an apprenticeship and skills advisory service offering free and impartial advice and guidance Your Somerset » Autumn 2020 Proud to care - 7 h e a l

Help with t money h worries Losing your job brings with it a whole heap of money worries. If you’re concerned about paying your bills or mortgage repayments, there’s financial support and assistance available to help you through this difficult time.

● You can use the government’s benefits calculator at www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators to check out what benefits you might be entitled to, for example, Universal credit and Jobseeker's allowance ● If you're finding it hard to pay your mortgage, speak to your lender ● Talk to your district council about help with paying your council tax bill ● Contact your broadband, energy, phone and water provider for details of support they can offer ● Discuss with banks about any outstanding overdrafts and loans Whether you've just left college or you're looking for a career change, why not consider a career in care To get expert debt advice and fee-free debt management and make a real different to people’s lives? assistance, contact the debt charity, Step Change. You can find out more on their website at www.stepchange.org or phone 0800 138 1111. With more people needing care than ever before, this growing sector comes with good job security and a number of interesting and rewarding career paths to choose from. You may decide that you want Workforce support to care for people with disabilities or older people, or you could choose Step Up Somerset to work with people who use mental health services or people with Step Up Somerset offers employers learning disabilities. information about redundancy support available for their workforce and staff development, You’ll need basic skills, such as English and basic numeracy, apprenticeship, and industry but the most important things are your values and personality. We need placement opportunities for young compassionate, creative, committed, brave and caring people. So if you people. It can also provide businesses ﬁt the bill - get in touch now. And, if you think care work is just for older with a useful platform to promote any people - think again! You can start your career in care from the age of recruitment or development events 18, and many younger care workers support people of a similar age that they may be running. who have interests in common, such as going to the cinema, playing games, and even clubbing!

We are incredibly proud of our care sector here in Somerset - every day, Support for businesses thousands of people across the county receive care or support in one form or another. You’ll be working with creative, dedicated, supportive care professionals who have helped Somerset remain in the top 20 per cent of Local Authority areas in terms of the care received. The Growth Hub If you’re a local business owner seeking advice and support, Interested? the Heart of the South West’s Growth Hub can help. The Growth Hub works with businesses across Devon and Somerset to To ﬁnd out more about working in the care sector and to view the promote local training, workshops and services. Our advisers current job opportunities, visit www.proudtocaresomerset.org.uk are armed with information about local and national business support schemes, services and events.

Visit www.stepupsomerset.org.uk today to find There are also opportunities for your next opportunity in Somerset. If you don’t a career in foster care... see the have access to the internet, help will be available back page for more information. in your local area soon through face-to-face hubs. 8 - Somerset’s micro-providers Your Somerset » Autumn 2020 Somerset’s micro-providers Meet the hidden heroes of Somerset’s growing independent care mar ket

You’ve probably heard of independent retail - small, often boutique-style shops, which offer specialist products and services – but what about Talking Cafés on Facebook live independent care? Well here in Somerset, bespoke, independent care is Don’t forget our an emerging part of our care market. We have a growing network of Talking Cafés are micro-providers, who are self-employed care and support workers still available supporting almost 4,000 people across the county. through Facebook Live, weekdays f from 11am. Just because we can’t see you in person, it doesn’t mean we’re not still there for you. If you’ve never been to a Talking Café before, now is a great time to try one. Our Talking Cafés have been running locally across Somerset helping to keep our communities connected with the services they need. But while we can’t physically see you, you can still get all the help and advice you need daily through our Facebook Live sessions on our Facebook page (@talkingcafesomerset) . The sessions, which are run by our friendly Community and Village Agents, cover a whole range of topics. From help with your finances and housing, to information about adult and children’s service available to you. Or you’re welcome to just come along for a light-hearted chat.

But what do micro-providers do? For more information or to find out more about how Talking Cafés Micro-providers can offer people, especially in rural areas, the option of could help you, visit somersetagents.org/talking-cafes or phone flexible, local, independent care to meet their needs and help them to 01823 331222 . stay independent. They also give people more choice and more control over their care needs and offer access to bespoke care. They provide a whole range of services, including: Local health and social

● care shaped by you personal care ● domestic help around the home ● gardening ● social support

Where can I find a list of my local micro-providers? To find out more about micro-providers in your areas, visit www.somersetcommunityconnect.org.uk Or, get in contact with your We are Somerset’s independent health and social care champion. We local Village Agent through the Community Council for Somerset, by find out what matters to you and we make sure your views are heard visiting somersetagents.org/find-an-agent or phoning 01823 331222. by those in charge of health and social care in the county. We can also help you find information about local services and support. How do I become a micro-provider? Our care sector already creates 19,000 jobs, and that figure is set to rise. Becoming a micro-provider can be an exciting new career, or second What do you like about health and social care services in Somerset career option, for people with a passion for making a difference in their and what could be improved?Share yourTell us about views your recent experiences. community. Could that be you? For more information about becoming a What worked for you, what didn’t, and why? micro-provider, visit the Facebook group at www.facebook.com/ somersetmicroproviders or email communityenterprise hospitals - GP surgeries - dentists - pharmacies - ambulance service - NHS 111 service - @somerset.gov.uk mental health services - care homes - home care - community support - opticians If you’re interested in working in care, see the Proud to Care article on page 7 for more information, or visit www.proudtocaresomerset.org.uk

DQGFDUHEHHQDŌHFWHG Call: 01278 264405 Did you know? Has your access to health Community and Village Agents have played a vital role in the Email: [email protected] in touch coronavirus response, delivering a whopping 63,453 Complete our survey to help Online: healthwatchsomerset.co.uk community activities across the county. Ranging from food and by COVID-19? medication deliveries, sharing advice on benefits and paying services adapt and improve: bills, to helping provide hot meals to those in need. smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CoronavirusHWS/ flii ?The Agents have been a lifeline for Somerset during lockdown. Somerset Waste News Partnership Reduce, reuse, recycle for Somerset - AUTUMN 2020 Making energy from your waste omerset’s move away Sfrom landfill has passed another important Produces milestone. 282 Gigawatt hours of Construction of a new £317m electricity Viridor Resource Recovery every year Centre (RRC) at Avonmouth in Bristol has just been completed.

It turns all of Somerset’s household rubbish from kerbside collections (the bits we cannot reuse or recycle) into electricity, along with around 60% of the non- recyclable rubbish from the county’s 16 recycling sites.

Construction of a new £317m Viridor Resource Recovery Centre (RRC) at Avonmouth in Bristol

The Viridor RRC consists of We want everyone to reduce The process is extremely composting facilities at the £252m Avonmouth Energy the waste they create and efficient, safe and regulated Dimmer near Castle Cary Recovery Facility (ERF) and reuse things wherever they by the Environment Agency, and Walpole near Bridgwater, a £65m plastics recycling can. When things have to be with emissions closely the landfill site and anaerobic and reprocessing plant thrown away, we are making monitored and meeting strict digestion plant, also at which is currently under it easier for everyone to standards. Walpole. construction. recycle as much as possible. The Avonmouth plant will The ERF is already taking Waste that can be recycled produce up to 282 Gigawatt Together with the Somerset’s rubbish and should has a clear purpose – to be hours of electricity every year, introduction of be fully up and running by the used again instead of enough to power 77,000 expanded collections end of 2020, diverting 320,000 constantly manufacturing new homes . The heat and much of that come with Recycle tonnes of non-recyclable raw materials to create the the electricity will be used to More, the Avonmouth products we need. waste away from landfill each power the RRC, with any ERF is a big leap forward year, including around 100,000 remaining electricity made tonnes from Somerset. The ERF gives purpose to the available to the National Grid, in the way that waste that cannot be contributing to UK energy Somerset recycles It is a cornerstone of SWP’s recycled. At the plant, it is security. and treats its waste. long-term plans to help burnt at high temperatures Somerset residents waste less, under carefully controlled Viridor also runs SWP’s 16 recycle even more and move conditions to generate low- recycling sites, the waste away from landfill. carbon heat and electricity. transfer stations and

We manage waste services for all Somerset councils. For service information, see the back page or visit: somersetwaste.gov.uk A blooming lovely offer Green light for Recycle More

a free supply of compost that will keep your You can buy online through A new era in Somerset recycling will start in We have a great deal garden blooming year after year. getcomposting.com. Find full details of the Mendip this October. to help your garden offer, plus tips on composting and grow- Launching to To help you make the most of your garden, your-own, on our website more than Somerset Waste Partnership’s Recycle More service will be launched to grow, from your flower we are offering 1,000 compost bins at a somersetwaste.gov.uk/home-composting 51,000 homes more than 51,000 homes across Mendip over the course of two weeks, beds to your fruit and special discounted price. across Mendip starting the week beginning Monday 26 October. Most people in Somerset are recycling. We are making it easier for Two sizes of compost "converters" are veg patch . everyone to recycle even more and help protect your environment included in the offer so there is an option and tackle climate change. Somerset Waste Partnership has teamed up to suit most gardens. The smaller 220 litre with getcomposting.com to provide an compost converter is only £10, and the Recycle More is being introduced in four phases between now and exclusive offer on home compost bins. larger 330 litre is just £12.50. early 2022. Only Mendip will be getting the new service in 2020, with Delivery is £9.99 per order, not per bin. South Somerset due to follow in late June 2021. We cannot do the Composting at home cuts CO2 emissions You could join together with a neighbour whole county at the same time because we need to upgrade our and turns garden waste, suitable kitchen or friend to get the most from the offer by depots as we go (so they can handle the extra recycling) and we want waste and even some card and paper into splitting the cost of delivery. to be sure we can give help and guidance to anyone who needs it.

With Recycle More we will collect more from your kerbside. As well as all the things we already collect, these extra items will be picked up every week: ● Plastic pots, tubs and trays e have been busy information and Reduce waste and ● Food and drink cartons Doing making it easier to updates. W Small household batteries do things online at SWP. ● stay safe this Autumn ● Small electrical items (such as toasters, kettles, more Use My Account to Why not set up an online download a collection phones and laptops) account with us using day calendar into your ● Use the flesh and seeds from Halloween pumpkins to make tasty treats, from soups and pies to toasted Recycling more means less rubbish, so this will be collected every three online the My Account button computer or mobile snacks. Check the great ideas from campaigners weeks rather than fortnightly. This was trialled successfully in Somerset on our homepage device, or print one Hubbub at hubbub.org.uk/how-to-eat-pumpkin . and is used by millions of people in other parts of the country. somersetwaste.gov.uk out for the fridge door. Householders will need to do things a little differently, sorting recycling You can use it to request You can also use the into different containers, including a new Bright Blue Bag . Everyone will services, report My Waste Services be written to before anything changes. Remember unless you live in problems and check menu on our Mendip, nothing will be changing this year so please carry on recycling your collection days homepage to request as you are. and dates 24/7 without services and report needing to email or problems, and the My phone. It also gives you Collection Day button to a record of all your check collections days dealings with SWP and or download the Why sort recycling the latest service calendar. Why Recycle More? at the kerb?

omerset has a recycling record ven the best depot sorting technology cannot compete with the Need more recycling FR Sto be proud of. Last year we Ecombination of householder sorting, supported by collection o E n E recycled more than 135,000 tonnes saves around crews as they load on to the truck. lin and in doing so saved 67,500 tonnes containers? e of carbon. But still more than half £2m Well-sorted, clean materials are in demand from the ● Avoid single-use plastic supermarket products, and get e want everyone to make the most of weekly recycling the contents of the average a year processors who turn them into new creative to make spooktastic costumes from old products and packaging. Wcollections and it helps if you have the right containers. Everyone clothes. Somerset rubbish bin could can have a green and a black recycling box and a food waste bin. have been recycled. ‘Contaminated’ recycling has less value, increases costs, and in extreme ● Save money and make healthier alternatives, such as You can order new or replacement containers FREE online cakes and biscuits, for trick or treat instead of costly We want Recycle More to boost cases can mean whole loads being using the My Account or My Waste Services buttons on the shop-bought sweets. Free recipes from the Love Food recycling across the board, reducing rejected and sent for disposal rather somersetwaste.gov.uk homepage, or call your district council. Hate Waste campaign at lovefoodhatewaste.com the waste in Somerset’s rubbish bins than recycling. by 15% – saving materials, energy ● Avoid bin blazes - drench fire or barbeque embers, or and cutting everyone’s carbon Our Beyond the Kerb report shows that 90% let them cool completely, before throwing away. footprint. of Somerset’s recycling stays in the UK and more than 50% stays in the county (somersetwaste.gov.uk/beyond-the-kerb) ● Soak fully-spent fireworks in water and put them in your Recycle More is also due to cost rubbish. around £2m less per year – savings Somerset ● Misfired or partly-spent fireworks must be soaked in a for all members of the partnership container of water overnight, until properly sodden, to spend on other vital services. Waste and the manufacturer or supplier should be Partnership contacted for guidance on disposal. SOUTH SOMERSET Somerset Waste Waste Services Guide - 20 20 /21 Partnership

COLLECTIONS Sort materials into recycling containers without using Christmas and New Year 2020/21 After single bank holiday – Easter, May, August – carrier bags. Leave at the edge of property by 7am Usual collection day Revised collection day collections one day later. on collection day. Use only SWP boxes/bins. For Thu 24 Dec No change extra or replacement boxes/bins, see Get in Touch, Fri 25 Dec Mon 28 Dec Missed collections: report to SWP using your online below. Mon 28 Dec Tue 29 Dec My Account - see Get in Touch, below - and put out Tue 29 Dec Wed 30 Dec containers for two working days. In severe weather, ■ All food waste , paper kitchen towel Wed 30 Dec Thu 31 Dec put out recycling for up to four calendar days, ■ Paper (magazines, directories) Thu 31 Dec Sat 2 Jan rubbish up to seven calendar days; if not collected, ■ Card (flatten, tear, fit in box, or take to recycling Fri 1 Jan Mon 4 Jan put out on next usual collection day. Garden and site), brown envelopes Mon 4 Jan Tue 5 Jan bulky waste collections may be suspended to ■ Glass bottles, jars (rinse, unbroken, no table or Tue 5 Jan Wed 6 Jan maintain main services. cookware) Wed 6 Jan Thu 7 Jan ■ Tins and cans (rinse, crush if safe) Thu 7 Jan Fri 8 Jan Recycle More extra weekly recycling will start in ■ Aluminium foil (rinse) Fri 8 Jan Sat 9 Jan South Somerset in summer 2021 . Plastic pots, tubs ■ Aerosols (empty, do not crush/pierce) Mon 11 Jan Usual collections resume and trays; cartons/Tetra Paks; small household ■ Plastic bottles only (rinse) batteries and small electrical items added to weekly No garden waste collections Fri 25 Dec - Fri 8 Jan recycling collections. Rubbish collections move to ■ Textiles , clothes, shoes. Check website. (inclusive). Fri 8 Jan collections on Sat 9 Jan; usual three-weekly. You will be sent full details and your garden waste collections resume from Mon 11 Jan. new recycling container, a tough reusable Bright Communal collections: most blocks have bins for Christmas trees : decoration-free, real trees can be Blue Bag, before any changes begin. Recycle as paper, glass, cans, and for rubbish. composted at home or taken to a recycling site. usual until then (see page 3). Garden waste subscribers can add to their collections.

RECYCLING SITES Somerset's 16 recycling sites open Sat-Sun 9am-4pm website or contact the County Council for details ■ Oil ( cooking, engine) year-round; when open weekdays, site hours are (see Get in Touch, below). ■ Paint (water-based only) 9am-6pm Apr-Sep, 9am-5pm Oct-Mar. South South Somerset recycling sites take all kerbside ■ Plasterboard ( pre-pay online) (not Castle Cary, Somerset has recycling sites at C astle Cary (open materials to recycle, except food waste (double Somerton) daily except Wed-Thu-Fri), C hard (daily except bag, put in energy-from-waste skip), plus: ■ Plastic ( food and household pots, tubs, trays, Wed), C rewkerne (open Sat-Sun-Mon), S omerton bottles) (daily except Mon-Tue), Y eovil ( daily). See website ■ Asbestos, items containing asbestos (double ■ Residual waste (including window glass) for recycling sites in other districts. bag, clear plastic, seal, pre-pay online, ring site ■ Soil (charges) before visit) (only Yeovil) ■ Toner cartridges On all visits, your vehicle or trailer may need to ■ Batteries (car, household) ■ Tyres (charges) display a f ree recycling site permit, available to ■ Cartons ( not taken at Castle Cary or Somerton) ■ Vehicle parts (charges) (only Chard, Yeovil) Somerset residents only. Details: ■ Electrical appliances ■ Wood somersetwaste.gov.uk/permits ■ Fridges, freezers ■ Garden waste (see website about injurious or Christmas and New Year 2020/21: recycling sites are Take care: check all safety restrictions, wear suitable invasive plants, ash dieback, persistent open on their winter schedule, except all close on footwear, beware obstacles underfoot, supervise herbicides, and other exclusions) Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. children, stay alert to vehicles, seek and take staff ■ Gas bottles (charges) advice. ■ Hardcore (charges) Business waste: see website for waste company ■ Hazardous household waste (e.g. garden directory and details of commercial recycling Charges apply for disposal of asbestos, chemicals, oil-based paint) facilities available, in South Somerset, at Chard, plasterboard, hardcore, soil, tyres, vehicles parts ■ Lighting (fluorescent tubes, long-life bulbs) Yeovil. and gas bottles. Card payments only. Check SWP ■ Metals ■ Mobile phones

GET IN TOUCH Set up an online account with SWP using the ■ Communal recycling and refuse collections Your Somerset Waste Board representatives My Account button on our homepage ■ Clinical waste collections, bulky waste South Somerset District Council somersetwaste.gov.uk – It means you can manage collections, and assisted collections for those Cllrs Sarah Dyke (Chair), Tim Kerley almost all waste services online 24/7 without using with difficulty moving waste containers (for Somerset County Council email or waiting on the phone. You can order joining or renewing garden waste collections, Cllrs David Hall, Clare Paul (Vice Chair) replacement containers, check collection dates order via somersetwaste.gov.uk or contact the and other information, report missed collections district council) Updates and more online after 6pm on the due day, buy garden waste sacks southsomerset.gov.uk Sign up for our e-newsletter at: 01935 462462 and request a collection, arrange a paid-for bulky somersetwaste.gov.uk waste collection, request an assisted collection, [email protected]  arrange a clinical waste collection, send a facebook.com/SomersetWaste comment, complaint or compliment, and more. Use your online My Account or contact Somerset County Council about: You can also do this using the ‘My Waste Services’ twitter.com/somersetwaste menu on our homepage. ■ Recycling sites somerset.gov.uk Use your online My Account or contact South [email protected] Somerset District Council about: 0300 123 2224 ■ Collection days and calendars ■ Kerbside recycling and refuse collections, including new container requests

Visit somersetwaste.gov.uk Your Somerset » Autumn 2020 Domestic abuse support - 13 Domestic abuse busting the myths

There are many dangerous myths surrounding domestic abuse, so we want to challenge some of those deep-seated misconceptions. Below are s o m e o f t h e Myth: Domestic abuse is often a one-off most common misunderstandings about domestic abuse: incident Fact: Often an abusive relationship has a cycle of ongoing incidents of

a controlling, coercive or threatening Myth: Domestic abuse is rare b 5 behaviour, violence or abuse between Fact: Often it goes on behind closed Myth u people who are, or have been intimate doors and goes unreported. And

s partners or family members. It will sadly, it’s not uncommon. One in

e usually get worse over time. 1 four women, and one in six men, will experience domestic abuse Fact Myth: Survivors often provoke assaults and in their lifetime. therefore ‘ask for it’ Fact: Domestic abuse cannot be justified in Myth: Domestic abuse always involves any way. Nobody is responsible for physical or sexual violence making someone abusive towards Fact: Wrong! Domestic abuse comes 6 them. Abuse that has been going on in many forms, including: in a relationship for a long time, ● Coercive behaviour or control sometimes decades, often becomes 2 ● Psychological abuse normalised by a survivor, even to the ● Financial/economic control point of believing they deserve to be ● Emotional abuse hurt. This can lead to someone ● Harassment and stalking rationalising and defending their ● Online or digital abuse abuser’s behaviour.

Myth: It only happens to women It happens to men too! Anyone Fact: If you or you think someone you can be subjected to abuse, know is experiencing domestic regardless of gender or sexuality. abuse, visit www.somerset 3 And it doesn’t just happen survivors.org.uk or phone between couples, other family 0800 69 49 999 . members can be abusers too.

Myth: An abusive relationship doesn’t always affect the children Fact: It is estimated that 90 per cent of In an emergency you should always dial children whose parents are in an 999. If you’re unable to speak because abusive relationship witness the you’re worried you’ll be overheard, listen 4 abuse. When a child witnesses to the questions, respond by coughing or domestic abuse it is also child tapping the handset if possible, and when abuse. The trauma can have a prompted, press 55. long-lasting emotional and psychological effect on them. 999 Drugs and Alcohol misuse ut down alcohol to boost to sleep better and supports Somerset Drugs and Alcohol Cyour physical and mental your mental health. Service (SDAS) can help you or health. The NHS ‘One You’ website has someone you know address If you drink alcohol at home, it lots of information to help you problems associated with can be easier than you think to cut back on alcohol use. Find drugs and alcohol. The service drink more than you realise. out more at www.nhs.uk/ is aimed at people of any age. The recommended alcohol oneyou/for-your-body/drink- intake for both men and less women is 14 units a week - Where to go for help with drug SDAS that’s about six pints of lager or alcohol use: You can phone them 24 or a bottle and a half of wine. If you are concerned about your hours a day, seven days a Making small changes to own or someone else’s use of week on 0300 303 87 88. reduce the amount you drink alcohol or drugs, there are lots Or find out more on their can have big health benefits, of ways to access help, despite website at www.turning- including maintaining a the restrictions in place due to point.co.uk/sdas healthier weight, helping you coronavirus. Healthy, Happy and h e

a The best time for l t Look after your h ‘Better Health’ here’s never been a better time to mental health kickstart your health, with the free NHS Better Health app. It has eTverything you need to help you lose those lockdown love handles. From a meal and activity planner and tips for healthy eating, to a weight loss calculator and personal planner, so that you can record your activity and progress.

oronavirus has had a big impact on Grief and bereavement support Gaining weight is often a gradual process - everyone’s lives. For many of us, the During the coronavirus outbreak many people it can happen over a number of years as a gradual easing of lockdown brings much have to deal with so much loss. And losing a result of modern-day life-and just the odd Clonged-for opportunities (even if at a social loved one in lockdown can make things much unhealthy habit. The scary truth is, extra distance) to see our friends and family, play more traumatic, especially when you can’t be weight causes fat to build up around vital sports or get back to work. with your family or friends to share in that grief. organs, making it harder for the body to fight If you need support, please contact the But for many of us, even the happy, much against diseases like cancer, heart disease, Bereavement Support Helpline on 0800 3047 anticipated changes can be difficult for our and now coronavirus. 412 . They are open Monday to Saturday, from mental health. You might be feeling anxious, 9am to 5pm . worried or down. You might be lonely, concerned Download the Better Health app now and about money, or the health of you and your take part in a 12-week weight loss plan. family. Thank you for contacting me so quickly, I felt so It is ok to feel like this - these are “ bereft and alone." normal reactions to uncertainty and to For more information, visit www.nhs.uk/ challenging events. better-health . To find out what support is available locally, visit www.healthy Just as it took us time to find ways of coping somerset.co.uk during lockdown, don’t worry if it takes you a bit of time to reconnect with life. Here are some I am very appreciative ideas to help you look after yourself and others of the support from your as this new sense of ‘normal’ begins. “ service and would like to pass on to the volunteer Looking after your wellbeing that she was fantastic." Wellbeing is about how we think, feel and behave.

Here are some tips to help put into practice things that will support wellbeing:

♥ Connect with people who make you feel good – by phone, online or letter ♥ Share your worries with people you trust – or if you are feeling isolated, there are helplines and online support available ♥ Exercise every day, and try to go outside ♥ Keep to a routine and eat sensibly, drink plenty of water and keep taking any prescribed medication. Maintain a regular sleep pattern ♥ Keep your mind active and spend time each day doing activities you enjoy For more information and resources ♥ Help others. Often the small things make about staying healthy happy and safe, the biggest difference visit www.healthysomerset.co.uk/ covid-19 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, advice and guidance to help keep you Healthy, Happy and Safe at this time. Here are just some of the things you can find on the site. Logo by Eleanor Jones, Safe... 17 from Nether Stowey. FLU JAB extended

This year the free NHS flu vaccination programme is available to: Find out who ● People aged 65 and over ● Pregnant women is eligible for ● People with certain health conditions, for example, kidney, liver and heart disease or asthma a free vaccine ● People with learning disabilities ● Children aged over six months with a long- this year. term health condition, all children aged two and three and all school-aged children up With coronavirus still very much in circulation, to Year 7 it’s more important than ever to make sure ● People who are on the Covid-19 you get a flu jab if you’re eligible. shielded patient list, and members of their household Just like with Covid-19, you can still be ● Carers or people who live in care homes infectious without having symptoms – so ● Frontline health and social care workers please help to protect your loved ones from flu and support the NHS by protecting yourself. The vaccination programme is being rolled out with the highest risk patients being offered This year’s immunisation scheme the vaccine first. Later in the season anyone will be the largest in history. aged 50 and over will also be included. We all need to work together this year to reduce the impact of the winter pressures on the NHS to stop them being overwhelmed - For the most up-to-date information on when the vaccine will be available and you can do your bit by having a flu for you, visit www.healthysomerset.co.uk/flu vaccination.

Parent f you’re expecting a baby or have a The maternity toolkit also has a ‘parent hacks’ young family, you might be suffering guide, which gives useful tried and tested top hacks - from information overload. If you’re feeling tips, and includes information on support Ioverwhelmed and not sure what information available, including some which are not widely our digital to trust, then take a look at our new online known about. toolkit is maternity toolkit. The platform can be accessed 24 hours a here to help It offers a wealth of trustworthy information about pregnancy and parenthood, from day, seven days a week, from the comfort pre-conception information and pregnancy, of your own home or through your right through to infant feeding and smartphone when you’re on the move . transitioning into parenthood. The Somerset Maternity Toolkit can be found This digital guide is designed to support at cypsomersethealth.org/maternity_toolkit you every step of the way as you start your parenting journey. It then leads 2Somerset is4 aiming for co/untywide7 baby supportively onto the parent carer toolkit, friendly status. For more information, which is for parents and carers of school visit The Baby Friendly Initiative at age children and young people. www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/about 16 - Registration services Your Somerset » Autumn 2020

Registering births, deaths, Somerset Climate Emergency marriages and civil Community Fund partnerships In February, the Leader of the Council, David Fothergill announced that £1m would be To find out how to register a birth, death or marriage, made available for town, parish and city please check our website for the most up-to-date councils to support local communities. A information, as things are still changing all the time. new grant scheme is now available to help local communities take positive action to help Somerset become carbon neutral and Births mitigate the impacts of Climate Change. Good news! You can now officially register your new From October, town, parish and city councils arrivals in one of our offices across Somerset are invited to bid for around the county. We’re between £5,000 and £75,000 for innovative doing this in phases to make projects that can make a real difference in sure all the babies born during reducing carbon emissions and can “Last year lockdown get their birth contribute to making Somerset resilient to certificates as soon as the effects of Climate Change. was the 11th possible. Book your warmest year appointment online at For more information about the Somerset www.somerset.gov.uk/births- Climate Emergency Community Fund on record in ceremonies-and-deaths/register-birth. In the meantime, you can scheme, eligibility criteria and the the UK ” still apply for Child Benefit or Universal Credit while you wait to application process, visit register your little bundle of joy. Go to www.gov.uk/child- www.somerset.gov.uk/climate-emergency benefit/how-to-claim to access forms and information. If you already claim for another child, you can add your newborn by Please note that all applications must be phoning 0300 200 3100 . All you need is your National Insurance submitted by your parish, town or city or Child Benefit number. council, so if you’ve got a great idea for what your local council might do, get in touch with them now. Deaths In the sad event that you need to register a death, phone “The top 10 warmest years on appointments are still in place. The medical authorities will record have all happened within provide us with the necessary in the last 20 years ” documents electronically, so all you need to do is phone us on 01823 282251 to request a registrar appointment. You can find all the latest guidance at Missing your local library? www.somerset.gov.uk/register-a-death , along with a bereavement guide, which was produced in partnership with the NHS, other councils and professional bodies. Then try ‘Order-and-Collect’ With ‘Order-and-Collect’ it’s even easier for you to borrow a great selection of books and other items from one of Somerset’s libraries. Marriages Just let us know online, or in person, the kind of things you like to read, and staff will hand pick a selection of up to ten books, dvd’s or talking & Civil books for you to collect at a time convenient to you. Partnerships Why not take the opportunity to revisit some of So far, the Registration Team your old favourites, discover have moved around 2,000 some new titles, or if you’re ceremonies that couldn’t go struggling to choose – our ahead due to lockdown. The library staff are more than team are still working hard to happy to make some postpone any further 2020 recommendations for you. ceremonies, and book in any For more information, or to new couples ready to take the plunge. If you would like to postpone find out more about all our your ceremony or make a new booking, you can register at online services, visit www.somersetweddingservice.org.uk The team will then give you www.somersetlibraries.co.uk a call you back so that we can get your big day in the diary. Thanks If you want to know more to all the lovely couples for being so patient while we carry out this about joining the library or how mammoth task! Keep an eye on our website at to download books, www.somersetweddingservice.org.uk or our Facebook page audiobooks, magazines, (www.facebook.com/SomersetWeddingService) for all the latest newspapers and more, visit information on ceremonies and giving notice. www.somersetreads.co.uk To find out more about advertising in Your Somerset , email [email protected] Adverts - 17 Worried about being alone, or feeling at risk? 0800 061 4759 At the touch of a button we are here for you. 24 hour help is on hand for only 58p per day. South Somerset Careline gives that little extra support to people who want to remain living at home independently for as long as possible while bringing peace of mind to their family and friends. We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 9

1 We are still carrying out installations in line with Government guidelines - d

i and have self-installation options where required. Please call us for v

o further information on how we can assist you. C

Friendly, 98.87% Personal touch fully trained calls answered we’ll even call local call within you on your centre sta 60 seconds birthday! Get in touch now to nd out more or for a FREE no obligation demonstration www.carelinesouthsomerset.co.uk 01935 479815

BRIDGWATER TAUNTON SHEPTON MALLET 01278We’re 802053 here01823 756016 to 01749 600387 support you.. Talk to our knowledgeable solicitors for advice on:

Disputes & Employee rights & litigation employment law

Buying or selling Divorce & a property family problems

Wills & trusts Commercial law

Making it safe to serve you. Offering phone calls, video conferences or socially distanced face to face meetings.

Crewkerne

01460 279100 hklaw.uk/crewkerne

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

The Somerset Care Group is a leading not-for-proﬁt organisation delivering quality care and support across the south of England. Our services include: Care homes Find companionship, fulﬁlment and your every care need catered for in our care homes. We provide day care, respite stays, Petals dementia care, residential, nursing and end of life care. Home care services Our home care services support people to remain independent and stay in their own home. Supporting with domestic tasks, personal care, medication, shopping trips, returning home from hospital and more. 0800 8174 990 [email protected] www.somersetcare.co.uk To find out more about advertising in Your Somerset , email [email protected] Adverts - 19 MOBILITY & Healthcare

For all your equipment needs including... Mobility Scooters Riser Recliner Chairs Electric Beds Bathing Equipment Daily Living Aids Footwear & Hosiery Walkers, Wheelchairs etc.

Castle Street, Tangier, Taunton, TA1 4AU Tel: 01823 328555 email: [email protected] Hickleys Healthcare www.hickleyshealthcare.com

“Looking for a new “ adventure?

rFeocsrteuriintgi Inn gSo mneorswet are

2020 has been full of challenges and uncertainty, but our need for foster carers remains as critical and urgent as ever - and we’re recruiting right now. There are over 550 children in Somerset in need of foster homes, and with roughly 200 in-house foster carers, there’s just not enough foster carers to meet that demand. Fostering In Somerset are currently looking for a diverse range of individuals, couples and families to provide care for some of our county’s most vulnerable children. You’ll need to be aged 21 or over (with no upper age limit) and have a spare room in your home, plus the patience, compassion and time to support a young person who may have experienced trauma. Your gender, ethnicity, marital status or who you love are not important – we recognise that it’s what you can offer a child that matters. In return our foster carers receive a weekly fee and allowance, plus excellent ongoing training and support, along with a dedicated Supervising Social Worker who will work with you to provide additional support and guidance.

Fees and allowances explained Our foster carers receive a weekly allowance to cover the costs xample: of caring for a child, such as clothing and food. We also make As an e additional payments for holidays, birthdays and Christmas. Allowances vary depending on the age of the child and are Mr & Mrs Smith are fostering two children, aged eight and paid for each child, so a household fostering more than one 14. They receive £367.13 per week in allowances and £175 child would receive multiple fees and allowances. per week in fees. They also get additional payments for holidays, birthdays and mileage. Child’s age Weekly allowance paid to foster carer 0-4 £143.57 5-10 £163.54 ou know..? 11-15 £203.59 Did y 16+ £247.67 If you care for a child who is under 16, for more than 28 All foster carers are paid a fee to reflect the type of placement days, who is not a relative – this is called private fostering and skills they offer, starting at £75 per week. Fees are paid and you are required to let your local authority know. in addition to the allowance received for the child. The fee You can do so by phoning 0300 123 2224 or email scheme provides a clear ‘career pathway’ for foster carers [email protected] 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