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Introducing the new Leader Volunteering Fostering Protect your child in the sun page 2 pages 4&5 page 7 page 13

Summer 2017 South Your Somerset NEW SCHOOLS Five major school building projects are due to be completed in Somerset over the next 12 months.

The projects represent more than £20m of County Council investment and will create more than 1,100 new school places for local children. Our growing population and new housing developments mean there is an ever-growing need for school places. It’s always a big challenge to predict exactly where the demand for spaces will be - and to make the funding available for new buildings when they’re needed. To do this we work closely with developers, district councils, schools, academy trusts and, of course, the contractors building the schools for us. The County Council will continue to invest in Primrose Lane new school buildings as the school population Primary in continues to grow. opens its doors Turn to page 3 for more about the new schools being built around Somerset.

Following the local election in May, now is YOUR COUNCIL - the perfect time to remind you of what the MEET THE TEAM County Council does and to introduce you See centre page pull out to your new local representatives. NEWS Contact us in Brief

There’s now just one Parking services number to phone for now a ‘virtual’ reality all Somerset County Parking services for residents 1 Council services. Introducing the new Leader, have been transformed with the introduction of ‘virtual’ permits and a new ● By telephone David Fothergill online payment system. 0300 123 2224 Phone lines are open from 8am to You can now apply and pay for resident parking 6pm, Monday to Friday. permits and visitor permits, including annual In a county with an ageing ’m delighted to and daily scratch cards, in one simple online ● By post population it is vital that we find , County be writing my ways to fund the challenges we transaction. Hall, , Somerset, TA1 4DY face as we look to the future. first message as Annual resident parking permits and care ● By email I It is our responsibility to ensure worker parking permits will also become [email protected] the newly appointed that the is ‘virtual’ – so there’s no paperwork to lose and vibrant and dynamic, so that no need to make sure a permit is on display - Leader of Somerset businesses of all sizes are Please phone the numbers just like your car tax. Once you’ve registered, below for the following services: encouraged to establish

County Council. themselves in our county. We reminders will be emailed to you before a virtual

Fostering and Adoption enquiries permit expires to give you time to renew them From the outset I want to make must help them develop and 0800 587 9900 grow, so that they can provide it clear that my tenure is one of again online. [ Somerset Heritage Centre continuity. Over many years we opportunities for all our residents. (01823) 278805 have done incredibly well to The annual visitor permits and daily There are so many other things visitor scratch cards will remain as Somerset Road Safety maintain stability under very that we need to focus on over the (01823) 423430 difficult circumstances and I coming years, but we must not be [ physical permits for the time being. don’t want this to change, but diverted from delivering in these Somerset Skills and Learning we must also see innovation and three key areas, which are so vital For more information, please visit 0330 332 7997 transformation where it’s needed. to health and wellbeing of our www.somerset.gov.uk/onlinepermits Somerset Waste Parnership The children who are in our care residents, our communities and (01823) 625700 must be our top priority. They our economy. deserve a safe and secure As a local authority and county we Enterprise Centres growing ● Other useful numbers environment in which to grow, have a huge amount to be proud Citizens Advice Consumer Service the opportunity to develop and of and confident about. I am omerset’s network of enterprise centres has Helpline the chance to live normal lives. committed to making Somerset Sbroken the 60 business barrier. 03454 04 05 06 We would not want anything less the best it can be. To find out for our own children, so why more about my newly appointed There are now 61 businesses based in the five Street Lighting Faults should those in care expect less? centres across the county employing more than 0845 601 0939 Cabinet, opposition and scruitiny (office hours) and leads, and how we will work 100 staff. 0845 795 9639 We also have an important together, see our feature starting

(for out of hours emergencies) duty to take care of the most on page 9. Recent developments include an additional floor vulnerable, including the elderly, in the centre to make room for more

Student Finance Direct and these services already With thanks businesses, and remodelling of the Highbridge (Higher Education Students only) account for over 40 per cent of facility to allow existing tenants to grow. 0845 607 7577 our budget. David [ Wellington Community Office The network of centres – with others in (01823) 667279 , and Wheddon Cross – EDITOR’S INFO was established by the County Council to help small and medium size District Councils ● To get in contact with Your Somerset or to advertise in this businesses set-up and grow. Council [ 0300 303 8588 publication, contact Lauren Fellingham on (01823) 359176 , They provide flexible office space, small light District Council email [email protected] or write to us at Your industrial units, great IT connectivity and 0845 408 2540 Somerset , Somerset County Council, FREEPOST NAT 9109, attractive tenancy agreements, all geared to District Council County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY. (01935) 462462 helping small businesses, especially those in Taunton Deane Borough Council We gratefully acknowledge the support of organisations that rural areas, either start or expand. (01823) 356356 advertise in Your Somerset , but Somerset County Council can West Somerset District Council accept no responsibility for the products or services advertised. Attracting jobs and encouraging economic (01643) 703704 We advise readers to make their own enquires before growth are critical to the county’s long-term purchasing products or services. future. We are finalising plans for further Enterprise Centres in Wells and Pssst... Your Somerset costs 7p per copy to produce. and a second phase of the Highbridge centre.

02 News NEW SCHOOLS continued from cover... set Pupils at Primrose Lane Primary omer School in Yeovil have been exploring or S their recently completed, brand new f eight-class school building. They moved in after the half-term break, having been kindly hosted at Huish Primary while the work was being finished. The new school will help meet the growing demand for school spaces locally, and also boasts a nursery, which is due to open in September. By May next year, Kingfisher Primary Northgate School School should be complete, providing an additional 14 classes and another nursery for Yeovil. The project also includes a community building, as part of the commitment from the Primrose Lane housing developer. In , Northgate Primary School is all but finished and should be receiving its first pupils at the start of the September term. It will provide 14 much-needed classes and a nursery for the local area. By the autumn, an extension of Primary School, taking it to a 14 classroom school, should be complete. And, by the spring of next year we expect to have delivered a new 80-space Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in , for children who are not able to attend a mainstream school. Mendip PRU Wincanton School These are just the biggest construction projects that the County Council is responsible for e at the moment. Last year we spent year w more than £16m on building and Last than maintaining Somerset schools. more spent ilding on bu £16m ining ainta . and m hools rset sc Some

News 03 En ove your Enrich your social joy better Impr health and f life. life by meeting we quality o like-minded people. llbeing.

Research has found that volunteering offers all this and more… If you have a few hours spare and would like to get to know the people in your local community a bit better, then why not volunteer with Somerset County Council? With over 25 types of volunteering opportunities on offer, we’re sure to have something perfect for you. Check out our feature for some great ideas to get you started on your journey to a better life. Do you want to volunteer with children? *

Join the Short Breaks team Work with the Youth Offending Team as an ‘Appropriate Adult’ They’re looking for volunteers to help support children up to the age of 18, who They support young or vulnerable people have a disability or additional needs. You detained at the Bridgwater Custody could assist during school holidays, trips or Suite. spend time with a child to give their parents or carers a break. Be a Duke of Edinburgh Award volunteer Get involved with the Young Carers Team Try mentoring It’s all about helping young people go They support young carers aged between the extra mile – gain new skills, push eight and 18. Route 1 Advocacy and mentoring need themselves physically, help others and people to build long-term relationships and explore new things. Become a getset volunteer mentor young people. (See page 7 for more information.) Be a ‘breastfeeding champion’ Support children under five and their parents. This could be anything from Be a school governor Support expectant offering parent and family one-to-one or new mums with support, to helping parents into work The role of the school governor is breastfeeding their and training or promoting and supporting demanding, but very rewarding, and is newborn babies healthy lifestyles. a good way to give back to your local and continue community. breastfeeding until Be a Leaving Care volunteer the baby is at least six-months-old. Improve the social skills and self- confidence of young people, aged between 16 and 25, who are leaving care.

04 Volunteering INSPIRATION Or would you like to work with adults? *

Be an Adult Social Care volunteer Support teams by helping elderly and vulnerable people in their homes, organising shopping, giving companionship and accompanying people to Help Irene get back on her feet appointments. Gillian is a community support volunteer and helps Iren“e, who is 90, to go shopping after a fall affected her confidence. Irene said: “Having a volunteer has really helped my confidence when walking. Gillian has been walking with me to the shops, which has given me the courage to go as far If you like being outdoors? * as the bus stop on my own twice. I had a fall not long ago and it really knocked my confidence, so I just needed to rebuild it again. I hope Gillian will help me.” Be a volunteer driver

Transport people to vital social care and medical appointments.

Sign up to be a Rights of Way volunteer Ready, , voluntee“r! Jenny previously worked with families and young people as While you’re out and about enjoying the countryside, a family and behaviour support advisor. She suffers from help us to survey paths, then report issues back to anxiety and panic attacks and found it difficult to gain the us. Or, get hands on installing gates, replacing stiles confidence to go back into employment and to meet new and clearing paths. people, so contacted Somerset You Can Do to find out what Join our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty teams volunteering opportunities were available. She is now volunteering with getset, supporting children under five Help them to clear scrubland, try your hand at a bit and their parents. “Working as a volunteer alongside the of drystone walling, fencing or coppicing. getset team has been amazing. The whole team always make me feel so welcome. I have met and supported many different families, all having their own personal struggles. And it has also really helped me grow in Could you help the community? * confidence and my own mental health has much improved. It’s great to be able to help out in the local community, but volunteering has enabled me to do what I Volunteer at your local library. love to do best, which is to be there for families and Help organise author events, provide IT support to other library users and make a difference.” support themed library events and library clubs. For example, the croquet society or the Summer Reading Challenge.

Be a Community Resilience Volunteer Volunteer into employment Laura is 32 and has two school aged children. She has b“een Be on call in the case of an emergency in Somerset? volunteering one day a week with the Taunton Adult Social You can also volunteer with the British Care team. She helps to link older people to craft groups in Red Cross, Royal Voluntary Service, their area, and helps vulnerable or older people organise St John Ambulance, Victim Support, food and energy supplies. After getting a bit of experience, RSPCA, Samaritans and many more. Laura successfully applied for a permanent Contact Support Worker position in Children’s Services. Laura said: “Volunteering gave me a great insight into Some of these roles require a minimum time commitment and all volunteers will social care. It also boosted my confidence and showed need to go through a formal recruitment and training process (and DBS check if me that I could do the job well, so now I’ve managed to necessary). For more information, phone Somerset You Can Do on (01278) clearly map a career path.” * 664180, or email [email protected]. You can also visit the following websites at www.somersetvolunteer.co.uk or www.somerset.gov.uk/volunteering

Volunteering 05 30 hours IS YOUR CHILD funded childcare STARTING SCHOOL SOON? Reducing childcare costs for tarting school is a big step for parents and working parents in Somerset children. But getting your child ready for Sschool isn’t just about buying school Find out more about two new government schemes uniforms and pencil cases, it starts even introduced to help parents with the cost of childcare. before they’re born; by making sure you get good prenatal care and eat a healthy diet. 30 hours week, they can spread the It’s also about making sure you support their hours across the year to Tax Free Childcare funded childcare include school holidays if their development and give them a stimulating home childcare provider allows this. From September 2017 eligible Parents can open a new environment and working together with everyone working parents could benefit childcare account to pay for involved in your child’s care, whether that be with To qualify all their childcare costs. For from twice the amount of a childminder, nursery or pre-school. funded childcare for three and both parents: every £8 that families pay in, four-year-olds, potentially • must be working; this the Government will pay in an saving working families up to includes people who are extra £2, up to a maximum £5,000 per year! self-employed of £2,000 per child per year Ways to help your child get ready for school: • need to earn on average, (or £4,000 for disabled at least the equivalent children). This online Make sure that they eat healthily, exercise, rest The Government has doubled of 16 hours on the National payment account will be the amount of funded Minimum or Living Wage available for children aged and play. childcare hours from 15 hours per week, which is at least under 12 (or under 17 for (or 570 hours per year) to 30 £120 per week each children with disabilities) Encourage their growing curiosity about the world hours a week (1,140 hours • must earn less than and can be used to contribute and desire to learn. per year). £100,000 a year towards nursery, pre-school, childminders and after-school Help them with their language and communication This means that from You can apply for this care. September most working new offer at skills by sharing nursery rhymes, songs and books. families will be able to claim www.childcarechoices.gov.uk The offer will be introduced to up to 30 hours of funded parents with the youngest Help them to develop strong social skills, including childcare per term-time week You can find more on the children first and gradually sharing and taking turns. for each of their three or four- Somerset County Council rolled out, so that all parents year-olds. Parents do not have website at will be able to apply by the to use all their hours each www.somerset.gov.uk/eye30 end of 2017. Support them to be independent, so that they are happy to be apart from you for longer periods of time. You can find out about all government childcare offers at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk where there is an online childcare calculator to see which offer best suits you. All registered early years providers must work together with parents as part of the Is your place breastfeeding friendly? Early Years Foundation Stage, which sets out Mums tell us they enjoy visiting places, which are welfare and development goals for children aged five and under. They must breastfeeding friendly – is yours? make sure that your child’s learning and ublic areas throughout Somerset are encouraged to sign care is tailored to meet their individual up to the ‘Positive about Breastfeeding Scheme’, which needs and work with you to support you Ptells mums they are ‘breastfeeding friendly’. Awards are as parents in guiding your child’s given to public areas that make a significant commitment to development at home. uphold mothers’ rights by supporting their choice to feed their baby how and wherever they choose. Breastfeeding friendly information is clearly displayed so mums know babies can be For more support to get your child ready for school: breastfed anywhere in any public area. It also means all staff are trained on how best to support them. ✔ Ask the early years setting your child attends for a guide for parents/carers to prepare your child for school. Over 100 public areas have signed up, including Clarks ✔ Visit www.foundationyears.org.uk to read the “What to expect, when? Village Street; Kitchen at the Wharf, ; Mendip District A parent’s guide”. Council, Somerset libraries and Musgrove Park and Yeovil ✔ Visit www.pacey.org.uk for information about being ‘school-ready’. District Hospitals. ✔ Watch the ‘Stepping up to School’ video at www.pre-school.org.uk/field-collection/field-our-services/1076 For more information, check out www.somerset.gov.uk ✔ Visit www.sompar.nhs.uk and select ‘What we do’. or email [email protected] 06 Reducing childcare costs Could you do the best job in the world?

There are so many moments that some children just don’t get to enjoy, until someone cares enough to give them time, love and a safe home. It’s difficult to even put into words how matter if t doesn’t t Enthusias I , wha much difference a great foster carer can above al m A ou’re single y at do l else, y r sexualit Wh to help t gender o make to a child’s life. But it really is the ed to urn a spare , whether ou ne child or y you are r best job in the world, as with the right y ter oung room g o e a fos person’s l you’re rentin b ? ife ner You must be support and encouragement, you get to carer around a homeow witness them unleash their true potential over 21 – what job could be more rewarding?

Moments that change lives - the foster parents - the foster child Dave and his wife have been fostering for Tommy Wardle, talks about his fifteen years. They currently foster two gratitude for his foster carers, teenagers and a six-year-old. When we who he now calls ‘Mum and Dad’, especially Children can arrive from a range of traumatised for all the special times and memories backgrounds. But it’s when you took one they gave him during his childhood. t“ake them to places for the I'd never been on holiday before. first time, whether it’s the foster child Just going to a caravan and getting to be beach or a birthday party, to the beach o“utside exploring the wilderness was that’s when it really hits amazing - even going to the cinema was home. There was this for the first impressive to me.” one time when we took Now Tommy is grown up and starting a one foster child to the beach for the first time - time - they promising career, he wants to spread the they just froze - they’d just froze - message on why great foster care is so never seen sand before. important: After about ten minutes they’d never You have no idea how much you help they absolutely loved it, and by someone’s life with all these experiences. the end of the day we couldn’t get seen sand I“t has such a positive impact on everything, them out of the sea! We’ve now bought them a even the confidence to get a job. For wetsuit and a body board so they can be like their before. anyone who wants to become a foster friends at school and play in the sea.” career, do it . It’s worth so much."

Foster carers are amazing, and we need so many more of you! Some carers have been doing a brilliant job for a really long time now and need to retire soon. So why not ‘take up the baton’ and sign up for ‘the best job in the world?’

‘Like’ us on Facebook For more information, phone 0800 587 9900 , visit fosteradoptsomerset.org.uk or come to one of our information evenings happening all over Somerset – just check @fosteringinsomerset out the events page for dates. or follow us on Twitter @fostersomerset Fostering 07 Keep your child o▲merset aims to increase the voice of young people by Sproviding advice and support safe to empower and support them to There were over 1,000 emergency hospital admissions have their say. of children up to 14 in 2015 as a result of injuries in Somerset. The top five causes were accidental falls, What is an advocate? being hit (or running into things), poisoning and burns An advocate is an independent person who and scalds. can offer one-to-one support to children and HAVE YOU young people. It is the role of the advocate to Keep your child safe by speak up for the young person, give advice, ever thought of make them aware of their rights, listen to them following these top tips: and represent their views, wishes and feelings. becoming a volunteer advocate and/or Falls, slips, and trips What is an Independent Visitor? Independent Visitor for ◆ As soon as your baby starts crawling, fit safety Independent Visitors are volunteers who gates to stop them climbing or falling down the befriend and spend time with a child or young children in Somerset? stairs. person who is in the care of the Local Authority. By law all local authorities have to provide an ◆ Take care not to put furniture in front of windows, These are fascinating so there is nothing for children to climb on. Independent Visitor’s service. ✔ and inspiring ◆ Fit safety locks or catches to your windows to stop opportunities, which can them opening too wide. In Somerset our intention is to encourage bring real benefits to the ◆ Make sure your family know where the keys are in the relationship between lives of vulnerable children case of emergency. the Independent Visitor and and young people. (All your ◆ Strap babies into high chairs every single time. young person to continue expenses are reimbursed.) beyond care. This way the Heat and hot substances care leavers continue to Advocates engage in ◆ Put the cold water in first and top up with hot, in benefit from the support, ✔ short-term work while case your toddler takes a tumble into the bath. while making the transition Independent Visitors are ◆ Push kettles to the back of the worktop and try to to young adulthood. often in for the long haul in use the back rings on the hob. Better still, keep Independent Visitors are a child’s life. children out of the kitchen when you’re cooking if highly valued by the young you can. people as they may be the Help children only person involved in ◆ Put your hot drink down well out of reach – don’t ✔ and young people rely on young children understanding not to touch. their lives who is not understand their rights and Put your baby down safely before you pick up your paid to be there. ensure their voices, views, hot drink. wishes and feelings are ◆ Keep hair straighteners out of reach. They get as heard. hot as an iron. Put them in a heat-proof pouch or on a high shelf to cool. Your volunteering can ◆ Move cots away from radiators. Fit fireguards ✔ be arranged to suit your around fires and heaters. availability. Poisoning ◆ Keep laundry and cleaning products out of reach Your life experiences and sight of young children, laundry tablets look ✔ ✔ will be highly valued yummy to a child. and you will be trained and ◆ Safety caps and lids slow children down, but don’t supported in developing key rely on them – it takes just seconds for some three skills. or four-year-olds to open them. ◆ Look out for products with bittering agents, such as Bitrex® when you’re shopping. They help For more information, visit our website at www.route1advocacy.co.uk prevent children swallowing products by making e:[email protected] t:01749 822801 them taste nasty. 08 Promise P U O L YOUR COUNTY COUNCIL U L T Following the elections in May, where around 156,000 Somerset residents cast their vote, the Conservative Group retained overall control of the running of Somerset County Council with a majority of 15 seats over the other political groups.

omerset County Council is made up of S55 council members voted in by Somerset’s The Leader and Cabinet The Opposition residents at elections The party with the most councillors takes control of held every four years. The Leader of the party with the second largest the Council and the leader of that party is then number of councillors is formally appointed as Each elected member appointed as the Leader of the Council by the Full the ‘Leader of the Opposition’ by the Council. They will represents a specific Council. The Leader is then responsible for appointing a normally appoint a Shadow Cabinet of councillors to geographical area. ‘Cabinet’ of councillors, who each look after a specific mirror the Cabinet appointments and provide an group of services. Together and individually they effective political counter-balance Members fulfil a number of are responsible for taking the most important to the Cabinet. roles on the Council, including decisions necessary to run the Council within representing local people and the policies and budget agreed their communities. They are all by Full Council. involved in decision making and are responsible for agreeing the Council’s main policies at Full Council meetings, which take place four times a year. They decide how much is to be spent on local County Council services when the Council sets its budget every February. The Council’s services are How the council works delivered through a mix of its own employees (more commonly referred to as ‘officers’) and contracts and partnership agreements with a range of Committees voluntary community, private The Council appoints a number of The Chief Executive and sector partners and other committees to carry out it’s work. Senior Leadership Team councils. These include three committees to scrutinise the The Senior Leadership Team, which is made up Council’s services for children and families, adults of the most senior staff of the Council, is responsible and for Somerset as a place. There is also a regulatory for delivering services in line with decisions taken by committee that takes decisions on planning matters, councillors, managing the activities of the Council’s such as the Council’s own planning applications, Rights staff and for providing professional advice to of Way and village green applications. This committee councillors on all aspects of the Council’s work, does not deal with individual planning applications, including proposed decisions. By law, senior council for example, for house extensions, these are the staff are not allowed to take part in any party responsibility of the local district council. political activity, and are expected to be politically neutral when advising and assisting councillors.

If you want to find out more, please visit our website at www.somerset.gov.uk/councillors-and-democracy Your County Council 09 Thousands of you voted in the local elections in May. The Conservative Group remain in control as the largest party DAVID YOUR COUNCIL - at Somerset County Council. A new Leader and Cabinet FOTHERGILL team have been appointed to be responsible for setting the Leader of the Council and Council’s policies and priorities over the next four years. member responsible for MEET THE TEAM Find out more about the people behind the Council here: Strategy and Customers and Communities and Local Councillor for ANNA GROSKOP CHRISTINE LAWRENCE DAVID HALL DAVID HUXTABLE FRANCES NICHOLSON JOHN WOODMAN WILLIAM WALLACE Monkton and North Curry Cabinet member responsible Cabinet member responsible for Deputy Leader and Cabinet member Cabinet member responsible Cabinet member responsible Cabinet member responsible Chairman of the Council How do you feel about being elected as Leader? for Corporate and Community Public Health and Wellbeing responsible for Resources and for Adult Social Care for Children & Families for Highways and Transport I feel honoured to represent Monkton and North Curry Services Economic Development Division as County Councillor, and it is an absolute privilege to be given the opportunity to be Leader of the Council. I feel humbled by confidence and support offered by my fellow councillors of all political persuasion. Becoming Leader of Somerset County Council is a big responsibility and I am very aware that I follow in the footsteps of some great people who have led this Council in the past. How long have you been in politics and what made you get involved? Local Councillor for Local Councillor for Local Councillor for Local Councillor for Local Councillor Local Councillor for Highbridge Local Councillor I joined Somerset County Council as a Councillor in 2009. I Wincanton & Bridgwater East and Bawdrip King Alfred for Dulverton & & Burnham-on-Sea South for Blackmore Vale How long have you been had always wanted to be an MP, but I left it a bit too late in What made you get involved? involved in local politics? How long have you been How long have you been What challenges do you think How long have you been What challenges do you life! However, I’m so pleased I did as this role is so much better - I get to work in the county I love and serve the My first thought was to try to help I’ve been in local politics for 20 involved in local politics? involved in local politics? you face in your new role? involved in local politics? face in your new role? residents of Somerset, instead of spending all my time in local people. years now, starting in Minehead I first became a member of Sedgemoor Over 50 years. Everything done or decided can have About 15 years. My role as Chairman is of course London. Town Council District Council in 2007, but I have a real impact on Somerset's children about serving the community, but I What challenges do you What challenges do you think What challenges do you think been involved at parish level for nearly and families. In more personal also want to bring the Council What do you see as your main challenges? face in your new role? What challenges do you face in your new role? you face in your new role? 35 years. terms, time management and being together in a more cohesive way with The challenges are exactly the same as they were before The new role I have been given has you face in your new role? As always, it’s all about finding It is an extremely wide and complex organised. more consensus between our the election – restrictions on funding, especially from some completely new areas of work, We need to work more closely with all What made you get involved? enough resources. area, but very interesting. The political parties – if that’s possible. central government, and an aging population, which places so I will need to learn as much as I our partners, for example, the NHS I’m extremely proud of the area and challenge is to get the very best out considerable pressure on our Adult Social Care services. can very quickly. This will be a and Clinical Care Commission, so community in which I live, and basically A bit about you… A bit about you… of a limited budget. Seeing through the improvements that we have begun to challenge! that we deliver the best possible I just wanted to contribute. A bit about you… make in our Children’s Services will be of paramount services as economically as If you could invite anyone you A bit about you… importance. And, the uncertainly of the next few years in the possible. What’s your favourite film like to a dinner party, dead or What book are you reading now? A bit about you… A bit about you… wider sense as Britain negotiates its way out of the EU. Magnificent Seven alive, who would it be? At the moment I only seem to have What’s your favourite film? These are all very real challenges, but we will work hard to What book are you reading now? John Knight of Wolverley and time for Council-related reading. What book are you reading now? A bit about you… What’s your favourite film? City of God continue to take Somerset forward. Cannery Row by American author, Simonsbath. He planned to make on I’m just nearing the end of The It has to be The Great Escape. If you could invite anyone you John Steinbeck. It’s set during the Exmoor what would have been the If you could invite anyone you Tell us about your interests or hobbies Butterfly Box by Santa Montefiore. If you could invite anyone you like to a dinner party, dead If you could travel anywhere, where Great Depression in Monterey, last great designed landscape in like to a dinner party, dead or I always have a copy of History Today on my bedside table. like to a dinner party, dead or . He started to put it into If you could travel anywhere, would you go and why? California. alive, who would it be? or alive, who would it be? I have a real interest in history, especially the English Civil alive, who would it be? place, but he stopped and left to live where would you go and why? I’d like to really get to know Great I’d love to have dinner with Boris Donald Trump and Margaret War and the First World War. Plus, I just love to be out It would have to be Andy Murray. He If you could travel anywhere, in Italy. What happened? I would love to visit New York as it Britain better - it has so much to offer. Johnson, Lord Palmerston, and Thatcher. walking in the Somerset countryside with my family and has done so much for British Tennis where would you go and why? Poppy, our Golden Retriever. seems so exciting and so different If you could travel anywhere, Nelson, although maybe not all at the – and I’m huge fan of Wimbledon! If you won the lottery, what is the South America, as I’ve never been If you won the lottery, what is from other cities. where would you go and why? same time… If you could travel anywhere, first thing you would do? there. the first thing you would do? If you won the lottery, what is Help as many people as I could to India - I've always been fascinated And just for fun… where would you go and why? If you won the lottery, what is If you could travel anywhere, Buy an estate in Scotland and give a the first thing you would do? realise their full potential. by stories from there. Minehead or Maldives - our views towards the I would go to America to spend more where would you go and why? generous donation to my chosen If I won the lottery the first thing I the first thing you would do? Quantocks and Exmoor are much better! precious time with my son and What is a skill you'd like I’d definitely pay off a few bills first! Who do you most admire in life? I’d love to go backpacking around the charities. would do is crack open the Moors or Levels - but a tough one… grandchildren. to learn and why? Tam Dalyell, an MP for 43 years, world. champagne! What is a skill you'd like and always a man of principle. How would your friends I’d like to learn to ride a horse. What a If you won the lottery, what is the Car or Bike – whenever I can – for example I did to learn and why? describe you? How would your friends How would your friends wonderful way to travel. How would your friends first thing you would do? use my bike to deliver a lot of my election material I’d really like to be able to play a Happy, non-argumentative and good describe you? describe you? describe you? I love Formula One, so I’d head as part of the recent election campaign. musical instrument. at the art of negotiation. Busy – very busy! A busy, bossy person who likes a No comment! straight off to a Grand Prix, then Cricket or Football (but I am an avid supporter of challenge and gets things done – maybe go and watch The Ashes. Somerset County Cricket Club and have already but with a smile! bought my tickets for this year’s T20!) Twitter or Facebook – definitely a tweeter. G r o u p

L e a

d DAVID FOTHERGILL JANE LOCK MIKE RIGBY LEIGH REDMAN MARTIN DIMERY e Monkton and North Curry, Yeovil West, Lydeard, Bridgwater South, Frome West,

r Leader of the Council (Cons), Leader of the Opposition Leader of the Leader of the Labour Party Leader of the Green Party s Member for Strategy, Customers (Lib Dems) Independent Group [email protected] [email protected] and Communities [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] SOUTH SOMERSET COUNCILLORS

NEIL BLOOMFIELD ANNA GROSKOP DEAN RUDDLE Wincanton & Bruton Somerton [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

JOSH WILLIAMS ADAM DANCE GEMMA VERDON Brympton & Islemoor Chard South [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

ANDY KENDALL MIKE LEWIS LINDA VIJEH Yeovil Central [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

MIKE BEST JANE LOCK WILLIAM WALLACE Yeovil West Blackmoor Vale [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

MARK KEATING TONY LOCK CLARE APARICIO PAUL Coker Yeovil East Curry Rivel & Langport [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

FAYE PURBRICK AMANDA BROOM Yeovil South Chard North [email protected] [email protected] PROTECT YOUR CHILD IN THE SUN Hot tips for a low eing out in the sunshine is not only a fun way for all the Bfamily to be more active, it - waste summer also gives you the Vitamin D your body needs. But, please watch out for the little ones and don’t let them burn. If you’re outside On lazy days there are easy ways for a while make sure they’re in the shade, covered up or wearing to save money and recycle more sunscreen, as exposing your children to too much sun may Here are some top summer tips for recycling significantly increase their risk more, wasting less and saving money: of skin cancer later in life. ■ Clear freezer space for items that might go off in the fridge, Six top safety tips to protect and fridge space to save leftovers. children in the sun: ■ Party time? Big bottles and packets cut packaging, but to save money and waste less, pace how you dish them out. Spending some time every day playing outside with faces and arms uncovered ■ For barbecues, save and stay safe: keep the meat in the 1 will give children the Vitamin D they fridge until needed. Provide both rubbish and recycling bins. need for strong bones. But don’t get too ■ After long hot days, recycle your empty plastic sunscreen much sun and always avoid sunburn. bottles, drink cans and antiperspirant aerosols. When the sun is strong, encourage children to ■ Day out? Take food in reusable containers in cool bags, add play in the shade – for example, under trees reusable bottles for drinks, and buy package-free loose fruit. or a parasol – especially between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest. Keep 2 ■ Avoid costly and wasteful disposable plates and cutlery; babies under six-months-old out of direct take what you need, then bring it back to wash up at sunlight, especially around midday. home.

■ Avoid the roadside rubbish bin route to landfill – watch out Cover exposed parts of children's skin with for recycling banks when travelling, such as at supermarkets, sunscreen, even on cloudy or overcast days. or just bring it home. Use a high factor sunscreen (at least SPF 15, 3 preferably 30 or above) that is effective against ■ New summer outfit? Try charity shop bargains. Having a UVA and UVB. Don't forget to apply it to their clear-out? Take it to the charity shop, recycling site or bag it shoulders, nose, ears, cheeks and the tops of up for kerbside pick-up. their feet, and reapply often throughout the day. ■ For summer nights’ use portable power, light and music, and make big savings by going for rechargeable batteries. Cover children up in loose, baggy cotton clothes, such as an oversized t-shirt with ■ Back from your holidays to a doormat covered in junk mail? sleeves, or get them to wear a floppy hat with 4 Check how to cut it down on the Somerset Waste Partnership a wide brim that shades their face and neck. website. ■ Garden overgrown? All recycling sites take garden waste – Protect children's eyes with sunglasses but check first about using vans, pick-ups and trailers. that meet the British Standard, and always check that they carry the ‘CE’ mark (always ■ Buying big, like garden furniture? Take large card or lots of 5 boxes to recycling sites, and avoid busy weekends if possible. check the label).

■ And for rain-ruined summer days , use packaging for creative making and painting days, or swap books and magazines If your child is swimming, use waterproof with friends. sunscreen and always reapply after towel 6 drying. For more information on recycling more, wasting less and saving money this summer, visit www.somersetwaste.gov.uk. And, for help spending less, yet eating better and wasting nothing, see www.lovefoodhatewaste.com. For more advice on how to protect children in the sun, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/skincancer

Stay well this winter 13 A day in the life of an Adult Social Care worker

In the next in our series of ‘A day in – I just finish the life’, we give you an insight into a se9ttinag um p and Paul, an older - Our local gentleman who lives nearby, 1C0ommaunm ity Agent, Caroline, pops his head around the door. typical day working in the Adult Social arrives to join me at the drop- Paul cares for his wife Jan. in. Caroline’s role is to work Care team in West Somerset. The team Looking after Jan is taking its with vulnerable and isolated toll on him and he’s exhausted. people to join them up with provides invaluable help and support We talk about his wife’s needs, services offered by public what they enjoy doing and what sector and voluntary to people as they grow older, or when they would like to do. organisations. She gives me they need an extra helping hand. an update on any new activities and local groups she has heard about, and fills me in on June, a lady who came to see us last week. June is a young mum who is disabled. She is really Jan really enjoys bingo struggling to get her children to school on time, so I asked and Paul is a keen skittles Caroline to pop in on her at player, but rarely has time home. to play these days. They had a chat and I telly Paul about a local bingo Caroline suggested that group that meets every Thursday maybe she could speak afternoon and suggest he gives to some of the other them a call. The group leaders are very experienced and can mums from the school even provide transport for Jan. to see if they could help. This will give Paul a break and a chance to do some shopping June agreed, so Caroline spoke or play skittles again with his to some of the local mums who – I arrive in plenty of friends. I also send Paul off with walk past her house in the t8ime. 3to s0et-uap fmor our weekly Community some information about local morning and they were more Connect drop-in at The Beach Hotel in lunch clubs, support for carers than happy to help. Caroline Minehead. These sessions can be really and local people who can was pleased to tell me that beneficial as people can just pop in and provide domestic help to take June is now much happier have a chat with us if they need information the pressure off him a bit – all because her children can get or advice about the range of support and of which can be found on the to and from school safely. And care that is available to them or their Somerset Choices website. Paul that they really enjoy walking families. There is a charity brunch taking leaves happy that he has some to school with their friends. place in the hotel today, so I expect there options and I tell him to pop in June has also made some new will be lots of people dropping in for a chat. again and see me soon. friends in the process with the mums who are helping her out.

14 A Day in the life of... “The team provides invaluable help and – Next I pop out to visit a young lady c3all.ed3 Me0l wpho hm as learning disabilities. She’s really support to people as struggling getting in and out of bed. they grow older.” At first she thought she needed a carer to come in at night and in the morning to help her.

Instead of a carer, I talk to Mel about getting a bed that lowers to the floor. This will allow her to stay independent without the need for a carer. Mel is really happy with this suggestion. I make a phone call to our Independence – I have Advice Centre who tell me they have a bed in stock. And t2o p.re3sen0t a pcasme at a Peer better still - it’s free as it has been recycled - so the only Forum this afternoon. cost is delivery. Brilliant! This is when a group of professionals from different specialist areas come together to discuss and offer advice on the best steps to take to support a person. Today we’re here to talk about Nina and – After a her daughter Alex. Mbusyi mdorndinga I cylose up for the day and head back to the office. Nina is blind and relies My first job is respond to all the on her daughter heavily calls taken by our customer for day-to-day support. contact centre, from people who have phoned looking for advice This is all getting a bit much or information. I give them all a for Alex, as she suffers from call back to answer their queries mental health issues, and or invite them to visit me at next their relationship has become – I get back to the office and catch up week’s drop-in session. strained. The group suggest o4n s.o3me 0papperwm ork and sort my diary out for later in the that I visit them both at home week. I set-up appointments to see a lady called Phillipa, and take with me a member of who’s husband has dementia, and a lady called Ellie, who the mental health and sensory has just come out of hospital and wants to remain loss team. Together we will be independent at home. I also print off some posters about able to find solutions that our drop-in sessions, so that I can publicise them to make should suit both their needs. sure more people know where to find me if they need any For example, aids that can help or advice. help Nina to make hot drinks and meals, so that she can be a bit more independent. This will hopefully build her confidence, so she can get about a bit more. They also suggest some domestic help to give Alex a break, so that she can focus on her own mental health.

Community Connect drop-ins take place at various locations across the county and more are opening up every week. For an up-to-date list of all the drop-ins go to www.somerset.gov.uk/dropin

A Day in the life of... 15 The window men...

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