IS TH N IO IN IT ED

Stay well this winter Foster to Adopt A day in the life of... Child Sexual Exploitation pages 8&9 page 17 pages 12&13 page 14

Winter 2016 South Your Somerset

HINKLEY POINT C - a big boost for Somerset’s economy see pages 4 & 5 Your priority, our priority upporting vulnerable older people is 26,000 Somerset residents are living with two your top priority. For the fourth year or more such conditions, an increase of Srunning that’s what you’ve told us around ten per cent over five years. through our Listening Learning Changing campaign. Helping people manage these conditions to live active, independent lives is what social It’s our top priority too and our biggest area of care and health services are here for, but it spend. It accounted for £140m of our spend comes at a financial cost. We know people last year - a staggering £383,000 a day and want to stay living independently in their own an increase of £8m over three years. We spend £383,000 communities for as long as possible and only a day on supporting have contact with care support when it’s People are living longer and within the next vulnerable people really needed. We also know that prevention 15 years we expect people aged 65 or over is better than cure and that people recover to make up more than a quarter of the more quickly out of hospital and in their own population across the county, and in some homes. communities more than 50 per cent. That’s great news, but the rising cost of care is one All this means everyone has to think of the big issues that we, like other councils differently and more creatively about care - across the country, are wrestling with. how it’s provided, who it’s provided by and More people are seeking social care support. where. We’ve started doing this in West Crucially, the number of people living with Somerset (see page 7) and we will be more than one long-term health condition, working with communities in the near future like high blood pressure or diabetes, is to take this work forward across the county. growing rapidly. It’s estimated that around Continued on page 3 02 News Foreword John Osman Contact us Leader Building

There’s now just one number to phone for all Somerset business County Council services. 0300 hrough our Listening Learning Changing initiative, you’ve told By telephone Tus once again that looking after 0300 123 2224 vulnerable adults is your top priority. Phone lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 4pm As winter takes hold – a season that always on Saturdays. puts extra demands on health and social care – it’s a very timely reminder of just how vital By post these services are. , County Hall, , Somerset, TA1 4DY Our population is ageing and the figures speak ew businesses and jobs are on the way for for themselves: we spend £383,000 a day to Highbridge next year with the expansion of By email support vulnerable adults. That’s a figure that Nthe town’s Enterprise Centre. [email protected] really brings home the cost of care. Planning permission has been granted to add Please phone the numbers below Like councils across the country, our budgets three more light industrial units on the site, which for the following services: haven’t kept pace with social care demand is already home to 14 businesses and 25 jobs. and we’re looking at how we can do things Fostering and Adoption enquiries differently. In the coming months and years Jointly funded by Somerset County Council and 0800 587 9900 you’ll see a growing emphasis on preventing the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise illness and encouraging and helping more Partnership, the £490,000 expansion is Somerset Heritage Centre community-led support (page 3). (01823) 278805 scheduled to be completed by September 2017 ‘Investing in the economy’ and ‘attracting jobs providing 234 square metres of new space. Somerset Road Safety and apprenticeships’, were next on your Businesses with five staff or less are responsible (01823) 423430 priority list - two areas we are keenly aware of. for most economic growth in Somerset, and Prosperity pays for everything and we’re Somerset Skills and Learning availability of suitable space is a real barrier to 0330 332 7997 committed to making sure that the Hinkley Point development gives Somerset long-term their start-up and expansion. Somerset Waste Parnership economic benefits (page 4-5) and investing in Highbridge is one of five Enterprise Centres (01823) 625700 the county’s transport network to make sure across the county providing light industrial and it’s a place people want to come to do Other useful numbers business. office space to meet those needs, particularly in Citizens Advice Consumer Service more rural areas. Helpline 0345 404 0206 Thanks to everyone who gave their views. You can read the full Listening Learning Changing Together with the others in , , Street Lighting Faults report on our website at Wheddon Cross and ; the network 0845 601 0939 www.somerset.gov.uk/listening supports 45 businesses and more than 100 jobs. (office hours) and 0845 795 9639 (for out of hours emergencies) Editor’s Info Student Finance Direct Secret Somerset (Higher Education Students only) To get in contact with Your Somerset or to 0845 607 7577 advertise in this publication, contact winners revealed… Lauren Fellingham on (01823) 359176 , Congratulations to the four lucky winners of the Secret Wellington Community Office email [email protected] or write (01823) 667279 Somerset tourism competition, which appeared in the to us at Your Somerset , Somerset County summer edition of Your Somerset. Council, FREEPOST NAT 9109, County Hall, District Councils Taunton, TA1 4DY. Council The winners: Victoria Hughes from Wellington 0300 303 8588 We gratefully acknowledge the support of from Bagley organisations that advertise in Your Somerset , Russell Hide District Council Martyn Gould of Somerton 0845 408 2540 but Somerset County Council can accept no Margaret Norvell from Wellington District Council responsibility for the products or services (01935) 462462 advertised. We advise readers to make their Secret Somerset used local knowledge to highlight Taunton Deane Borough Council own enquires before purchasing products or and promote some of the hidden gems and lesser services. known places in our beautiful county. Readers were (01823) 356356 asked to answer three questions based on 50 secret West Somerset District Council Pssst... Your Somerset costs 5p per copy Somerset locations. To discover new places to visit, (01643) 703704 to produce. see www.visit-.co.uk/secrets News 03

the care Changing conversation

ur population and its needs other hand, can easily lead to are changing. We need to independence regained for the Ochange the way care long-term. is provided to reflect this and Increasingly, we will look to make sure our services are encourage and stimulate more financially sustainable in the of this kind of informal support and long-term. make it easier for people to find and access it - support in the Many relatively low level care needs community, by the community. We can be best met without any need have been developing this approach for the Council to be involved. And in West Somerset and will be looking when we do get involved, our care to take this across the county in the should be for a short period of time coming months. and geared towards giving people the skills or equipment to live well Closer working between social care without it. and health services will be key. One of the ways this is happening is It’s easy for a small amount of care through the Sustainability and to lead to a cycle of dependence Transformation Plan, which looks to and need for more care. Regular transform the system over the next socialising, physical activity or a five years. You can find out more small home adaptation, on the here www.somerset.gov.uk/stp Winter waste omerset Waste Partnership (SWP) is Collections – All collections will be Sgearing up for the festive ‘internet one day later during the post-Christmas avalanche’ of cardboard and all the fortnight, and there will be no garden extra recycling and rubbish that makes waste services. But severe weather can its way onto kerbsides over Christmas. cause delays. If snow or ice prevents You can help keep services running collections, crews will make a return pick- smoothly by doing a few simple things: up as soon as possible. So keep putting your containers out by 7am and check Cardboard – one of the biggest the SWP website for advice. Collections Christmas issues. Once this section of the resume on their usual days from Monday recycling truck is full, it must stop work 9 January. and return to the depot to unload, even when space remains for everything else. For more information Please flatten boxes and cut up large about Christmas sheets to make as much room as collection days and possible. recycling centre opening Rubbish bins – make sure lids are hours, visit www.somerset closed and don’t leave any waste waste.gov.uk. outside your bin. Card and any other excess recycling or PS: You can take refuse can either undecorated natural be stored to add Christmas trees to to your weekly recycling sites for collection over composting. Garden the following few waste subscribers can weeks or taken put them out on the to any recycling usual collection day site. beside their bin or sacks. 04 Hinkley HINKLEY POINT C - the future is bright for Somerset In the autumn the Hinkley Point C project, to build a nuclear power station in Somerset, was finally given the official go-ahead. This once- in-a-generation opportunity to boost jobs and economic prosperity will generate thousands of training opportunities for local people. It’s the largest engineering project in Europe, costing £ 1 8 b n . It is set to bring almost £ 4 b n to the regional economy over its lifetime. Our role is to make sure that Somerset seizes the opportunities that this project presents for the county’s economy, both during its construction and in the longer term.

Somerset and the wider economy

It will bring around £1.5bn to the regional economy during the construction phase and £2.4bn when fully operational.

During construction it could generate over £200m per year for the local economy through local contracts, salaries paid to local people, and the spending of workers coming into the area.

The project is investing £130m to support the local community in areas such as tourism, health, leisure, infrastructure, training facilities, education and skills provision, and a community fund.

Around 30 per cent of the workforce is expected to come from the local area.

The project will create 25,000 on-site job opportunities when under construction and another 900 direct jobs during its 60-year lifetime. Benefits for business

More than 3,000 EDF Energy has Six major joint ventures of businesses in Somerset awarded a number of local companies to provide and the wider South West contracts worth more services, such as catering, transport and construction site have already registered their than £465m to businesses maintenance, have already been set interest on EDF Energy’s supplier across the South West, up with the support of the Somerset database. creating 650 jobs. Chamber of Commerce. Hinkley 05

Local businesses to profit

Somerset Larder Description: a coalition of South West caterers Contract value: £50m Jobs created: 150 Additional information: Over 30 local suppliers will support the six Somerset Larder partner businesses, resulting in an increase in turnover education HOST of Somerset Education and training Description: provides temporary accommodation Contract value: £150m As part of inspiring the next generation of workers, Jobs created: 190, including landscaping staff, cleaning, EDF Energy will help prepare young people to take catering, post, security, and maintenance advantage of the huge opportunities that the construction and operation of Hinkley Point C will TCi bring. The organisation has committed to: Description: providing furniture, fixings and equipment Contract value: £10m Taking on 1,000 apprentices. Jobs created: 6 Additional information: 300% increase in turnover Working with Job Centre Plus to match people to the thousands of job opportunities generated by the project. Greenslades Ground Maintenance Description: Maintenance Contributing £15m to education, skills and employment in Contract value: £2m (interim contract) Somerset. Jobs created: 4 Additional information: 200% increase in turnover Launching the UK’s first commercial degree apprenticeship programme, taking on 15 to 20 young people every year.

As part of the early investment into the project, EDF Energy has already:

Built the Construction Skills and Innovation Centre in Cannington and opened the Cannington Court training centre in June 2015. Invested £3m in College’s Energy Skills Centre.

College Principal, Mike Robbins said: “Today’s schoolchildren are tomorrow’s technical and professional workforce, and at Bridgwater and Taunton College they will find superb facilities, experienced, industry-aware staff and an employer network that is second to none. Bridgwater and Somerset Energy Innovation Centre Taunton College is delighted to be at the forefront of training The stunning new Somerset Energy Most importantly, the centre will activity, as work starts on the Government’s flagship National Innovation Centre in Bridgwater was provide a huge boost to the local College for Nuclear at the College’s Cannington Centre.” officially opened for business in economy and lays the foundations February. The centre is a hub for for long-term sustainable growth, local businesses and investors in creating a lasting legacy of energy the growing low carbon and nuclear infrastructure in the Heart of the Reducing the impact energy sectors. It provides 2,400 South West. square metres of flexible office, As part of the planning process, around £100m was secured to meeting and informal networking Ben Powis, Director at Somerset address the impact of the development across a broad range of space. Energy Innovation Centre, said: topics, including: “The Somerset Energy The multimillion pound state of the Innovation Centre has 30,000 sq ft • £16m Transport art centre was commissioned by 30,000 sq ft of high • £15m Skills and Training £100m Somerset County Council and has of high quality quality office space and • £11m Accommodation / Housing been funded by Somerset County office space is there to provide a Council, Heart of the South West place where businesses • £20m Community Impact Mitigation was Local Enterprise Partnership, Growth can collaborate and • £6m Community Safety Group, the European Regional exploit opportunities in the low carbon • £1m Landscape secured Development Fund and EDF Energy. and nuclear energy sectors.” • £800k Flood Defence 06 Working in care Pr ud to care d to ore are neede A career in care is In Somerset, and M to help vide vital care rewarding, flexible and nationally, there is a pro pendent ople stay inde hugely satisfying. Why shortage of care pe ing for n professionals. nd well by car ot s tart your new a own home. care them in their er today? Why care? Are you? Connecting with people – If you like people, A ‘people’ person – You must enjoy talking to there’s nothing better than care work. You get people, be friendly and approachable. Empathy the chance to work with people of all ages and sympathy are also really important. 1and backgrounds. 1 Respectful and professional – It is important to Supportive – Although care professionals respect clients and their homes and help them usually work on their own, you will be part of in a way they are comfortable with. 2a supportive network of carers. 2 What do care Flexible working hours – Care professionals Practical, positive, level-headed and flexible – professionals do? generally work in a regular shift pattern within You will see lots of different clients, so you a set number of hours. You can manage your 3need to be flexible and be able to adapt to 3shifts around your other commitments, such situations. You need to be level-headed and Care workers help people as another job or childcare. able to remain calm. who may have an illness, disability or something that Career progression – You will receive all the Independent, but enjoy working in a team – You may affect their day-to-day training you need to be able to do your job. will mainly work with vulnerable people on your own, but you will also be part of a team with life. Carers support people Most care companies encourage staff to gain 4 4 lots support around you. a vocational qualification, and offer with their overall care, opportunities for career progression. comfort and wellbeing. Patient with a good sense of humour – You are This can include anything Variety – No two days are the same. The work likely to come across all sorts of situations. You from personal care, for is extremely varied but you will also see the need to approach your job with a smile and a 5good sense of humour helps too! example, washing, 5same clients and develop a bit of a routine. dressing and helping with You don’t necessarily need qualifications or Mobile with your own transport – as you will medication, to practical previous work experience. What’s really need to be able to travel between support, such as cooking, important is your values and attitude towards 6appointments. shopping and light working with people who need care and housework. support.

“Care is a great field to work in because it’s so rewarding to She cares! know you are making a Lorna, Registered Care Manager difference to someone’s life. personal qualities. I never dreamt at Candlelight Care And it opens doors to other that I would go on to become a aspects of health and registered manager supporting “I left school with very few qualifications and social care, such as more than 80 clients and no career expectations, but I knew I wanted a occupational therapy or 25 staff.” worthwhile career. I started my career in care nursing. The work can be as a support worker and after gaining some challenging though and If you want to find out more qualifications I was soon able to progress and requires a particular set of about starting your career in climb the ladder to become a Registered Care skills, some of which can be care, visit www.skillsforcare. Manager. learnt, while others are org.uk/care-careers Working in care 07 Back to the STAND for what community you believe in Looking Passionate Hoping to shape West Somerset social care services are part of an Are to make a about your the future of your innovative pilot to encourage people in communities you: difference? area? community? to support each another.

The social care team has been working with communities in West Somerset to look at what support services and groups are already on offer, and what additional services local people really need. It’s all about working with the community to help the community. The team has also set-up local monthly drop-ins where people can pop in for a chat and get information and advice. A social worker or volunteer will work with them and their family to find out if a local group, service or even relative or neighbour can meet their needs.

hen you could be an ideal If you’re thinking of standing Meet Michael & Doug Tcandidate to become a for a political party, then you Michael was concerned about his 90-year-old father, Doug, and County Councillor. With the should first get in touch with visited the drop-in. He spoke to Hazel, a member of the Adult County Council elections that party’s organisation. Social Care team, about his father’s needs and what his main taking place in May 2017, concerns were. Hazel suggested that he look into getting Doug an this is your opportunity to It is important that our independent carer and put him in touch with a local provider. Once get involved in public life as councillors represent the in place they could pop in several times a week to see him, take a member of Somerset population as a whole, and are him out and help him prepare meals and do his housework. County Council. drawn from as wide a group of people as possible. Different Michael also told Hazel how Doug had stopped going to church as backgrounds and experiences he couldn’t get there. Hazel contacted the minister who found Councillors can help to resolve are needed and valued. several people in the congregation who were happy to give him a community concerns by acting lift. She also arranged for a local village agent to go with him to a as a voice for their local communities and play a key role We are hosting two evening local lunch club, which he really enjoyed. Michael explained how events in January for anyone Doug was also struggling with his bin collections, and although he in delivering services that affect the lives of the residents of interested in becoming a had been trying to help out, he couldn’t always get there every County Councillor. week. Hazel arranged for an assisted collection to take place so he Somerset. doesn’t have to carry his bins out or rely on Michael. You can either stand as a So for more information, visit So after a bit of advice and a couple of calls Doug can continue to candidate for a particular www.somerset.gov.uk/elections be independent, live at home and go to church. party or as an independent. or phone (01823) 357628.

Hatch Beauchamp | Taunton | TA3 6SG The drop-ins currently take place in: Williton at Becket House on the first Tuesday of every month, from 10am to 1pm. Minehead at the Baptist Church on the first Friday of every month, from 10am to 1pm. Nether Stowey at The Church Centre on the second Tuesday of every month, from 1pm to 4pm. Compassionate nursing care in charming surroundings – at a realistic cost at The Santuary on the last Tuesday of every month, Beauchamp House is a Care South Country House home, offering the highest quality from 10am to 1pm. nursing care for all levels of need, from short term respite to high dependency and palliative care. The pilot is expected to be expanded to other areas in Somerset in To request a brochure, arrange a visit or fi nd out more, contact

the near future. www.care-south.co.uk or call Beauchamp House on  01823 481500 Registered Charity No. 1014697

CARE SOUTH IS A LEADING PROVIDER OF RESIDENTIAL AND HOME CARE ACROSS THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND 08 Stay well this winter Stay well ‘Tis the season to be jolly… but being unwell at Christmas is no one’s idea of seasonal fun! So, as the Christmas period gets underway here are a few simple things you can do to take care of yourself this winter and avoid giving those around you any unwanted presents!

Coughs and colds – make Get stocked up – make sure So, try to have regular hot meals sure you go and see your local that you pick up prescription and drinks throughout the day. pharmacist at the first sign of a medications before the Christmas cough or cold for advice before it holidays start as many GPs and Get a flu jab – If you haven’t gets more serious. pharmacies will close over the had your flu jab there is still time holidays. Also, speak to your to protect yourself and your Keep warm – seems simple, pharmacist about medicines you family. If you are eligible for a free but may help prevent colds, flu should have in stock over winter. flu jab, get it now, it is free If you need help over the or more serious health because you need it! holiday period when your conditions, such as heart attacks, Eat well and look after GP surgery or pharmacy strokes and pneumonia. Wearing yourself – with all the rushing On average, 330 people is closed, phone NHS 111 lots of layered light clothing can around over Christmas, and or visit www.nhs.uk really help. die due to the cold each added stress, make sure you eat Visit www.nhs.uk/staywell well. Food gives you energy, winter in Somerset for more information. which helps to keep you warm. Hospital stays - planning ahead

ots of people, for one reason or be in the house overnight, or that help is on another, will find a family member in hand for washing and bathing. Lhospital over the winter months. This may be for a planned operation or For those who have finished their medical treatment, or for something that needs treatment but aren’t yet ready to go home, more urgent attention. hospital staff work with social care and other health professionals to make sure the right NHS hospitals are exceptionally busy at this care is in place, whether that is a nursing time of year. Older people, in particular, may home or a community hospital. It really helps develop difficulties as the colder season if families can be actively involved in those brings bugs and viruses, and cold weather conversations and the planning as early as makes it harder to stay fit and well. possible. Hospitals in Somerset work very hard to look Older people, especially, make a better after everyone who needs their care. But it’s a recovery outside hospital. All the medical big help if families can plan ahead , and start evidence shows that if they stay longer than thinking about the arrangements they may they need to in hospital, they are likely to lose need to put in place to look after a relative, strength and may become less independent. once they are medically fit to leave hospital. By families planning ahead it helps hospitals This may be as simple as making sure that to make sure that beds are always available meals are organised, that someone is going to for people who really need them. Stay well this winter 09 this winter lease spare a thought for the thousands of people across Don’t leave anyone out PSomerset facing the festive season alone. Small things can make a big difference to someone living on their own, from a in the cold this Christmas smile or hello in passing, to a quick chat, text or phone call. Making an effort to build good relationships with your family, friends and people within your community can have a really positive affect on your own wellbeing. But, on the other hand, being lonely can seriously increase your risk of suffering mental and physical illness. Loneliness can affect anyone at any time. For some, Christmas time, when families traditionally get together, can be particularly tough – so reach out to those around you. If you’re lonely this Christmas there are people you can turn to. 1 in 6 older Phone The Silver Line on 0800 470 80 90 for a confidential and free people in chat. Lines are open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Or, you can Somerset feel phone the Age UK befriending service on (01823) 345610 . isolated Check out the Somerset Choices website for more help and advice at www.somersetchoices.org.uk

We need your help this winter 017 g 2 rin Set up by the SCF in 2010 it has sp since risen over half a million in ng pounds for the people of eni Somerset. Op How to donate 1 in 8 Somerset You can support the Surviving households live Winter appeal by: • Phoning the SCF on 01749 in fuel poverty 344949 . • Making a BACS bank transfer to CAF Bank , ast winter the Somerset Sort Code: 40-52-40 , Account Number 00090372 LCommunity Foundation (please use reference (SCF) helped nearly 400 'Surviving Winter'). older people with their fuel • Donating online at bills through the Surviving www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter Winter Appeal. Stockmoor Lodge The costs of running the Surviving Thanks to the generosity of over Winter appeal are met entirely Specialist nursing and dementia care 300 donors who ‘recycled’ their from your Gift Aid contributions, own Winter Fuel Payments, so you can be confident that your Stockmoor Lodge is located in Stockmoor Village, Bridgwater. hundreds of Somerset’s older donation will reach those who people were helped to keep warm need it the most. To enquire, contact us on: 0800 9884 337 and access essential services, [email protected] such as lunch clubs, meal For more information, phone services and community 01749 344949 or visit transport. www.somersetcf.org.uk www.somersetcare.co.uk Chilton Trinity Spring Gardens A38 A Guide to Salt Only 7g of salt is needed A362 Keeping you per square metre to A39 A39 prevent ice forming – A3098 Berkley that’s less than a Down Newtown tablespoon. The salt used by Somerset Sydenham on the move Highways on the roads FROME is covered in molasses. magine travelling in a straight line from Taunton Northfield This means that it sticks to the road to Vienna. Well that’s the distance our fleet of 23 A372 surface better where it is needed and A362 Igritters cover in just two and a half hours every protects vehicles against corrosion. time they salt our roads. A361 BRIDGWATER A3090 We have a fleet of 23 gritters and a stockpile of 7,000 tonnes of salt at depots across Somerset, ready to treat around 900 miles of road Hamp A38 Marston every time ice is expected. Gate Little Key Keyford Pre-Salting Network Motorway/Trunk Road A38 Cheddar A37 County Boundary A361

Frome Minehead Shepton Wells Mallet A361 What roads do we treat? We treat just over a fifth of Somerset’s roads, marked in red on the map. Our job is to keep the busiest routes clear whenever ice is A361 expected. We try and prioritise roads that link towns, villages and A39 Bridgwater hospitals, communities on high ground and the important routes across the county for long distance travel. The M5, A303 and A36 A37 are looked after by the Highways Agency.

M5 Why don’t we salt every road in Somerset? We can’t salt every road for several reasons. Firstly, it would mean Dulverton having enough gritters, drivers and depot staff to organise sending Taunton A303 the gritting fleet from Taunton to Alaska five times within that two and half hour window. This would cost an astronomical £20m a year - £3m of that just on salt!

Wellington © Crown Copyright and database Right A37 A358 (2016). Ordnance Survey 100038382.

A303 A37 YEOVIL A359 A358 Priorswood Chard When do the gritters come out? We carry out gritting when road surface temperatures are predicted to drop below zero and frost or ice is expected. Precautionary salting Hollands Halcon normally takes place in the evening or early morning, but we will usually do more during extreme weather. Summerlands Penn Mill J25 Rain can wash salt away and in very low temperatures salting may not be enough to prevent freezing – so drivers are always advised to A38 Keep up-to-date this winter with gritter twitter! If snow falls or it A30 take extra caution in winter. gets a bit icy, you can get live updates from our Highways teams by A3088 Preston Plucknett Getting about Galmington following @somersetgritter on twitter. If you’re not on twitter, then Holway Always take extra care in cold weather. Only the busiest roads are Cromeytrowe you can still check the latest at www.travelsomerset.co.uk/gritting . salted and most are not. So plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly if frost has followed rain. Remember to: For more information about Somerset County Council’s winter maintenance A30 • Prepare your vehicle for winter A37 • Allow extra time for your journey TAUNTON B3170 programme, including a searchable map showing all the roads treated, • Give gritter and snow ploughs plenty of room please visit www.travelsomerset.co.uk/gritting. • Carry a shovel and blankets in your vehicle. 12 A day in the life... A day in the life of… a Streetworks Co-ordinator Ever wondered who is responsible for planning and co-ordinating all the roadworks in Somerset?

You might be surprised by how much work takes place every day to prevent clashes and minimise disruption. Find out more about the daily life of a Somerset County Council Streetworks Co-ordinator…

9am - One of the Traffic Control team spots some unusual congestion on the A39 near Shapwick. There are no accidents reported and we can see from the Travel Somerset website (www.travelsomerset.co.uk) that no 8.30am - My day begins at County Hall in roadworks are scheduled. I phone one of our Taunton in the Traffic Control Room. We streetworks inspectors and ask him to check have a wall full of TV screens linked to 60 it out. Meanwhile, we tweet an update to traffic cameras across the county so we can warn the public through our keep an eye on Somerset’s 4,200 miles of @TravelSomerset Twitter account. 11am - I get an update about the A39. The road - this is staffed from 7am until 7pm. congestion is due to a water leak and I start by looking through all the new temporary traffic lights are in place while the roadworks applications – we receive around utility firm fixes the problem. They are 85 requests on a typical day. These can supposed to notify us of emergency works, come in from utility firms, such as water, gas but sometimes this gets overlooked in an and electricity companies, developers or our emergency. I phone the company and they own highways teams. Every new say that they’ll be finished by lunchtime. We development requires access, power, ask them to manually control the lights to heating, water, phones, broadband... minimise disruption and I update And then we have maintenance, repairs, @TravelSomerset. improvements... The list goes on!

Permission is required for everything from a new roundabout to a skip in the road, but we 9.30am - I attend a meeting with a utility firm cannot stop roadworks taking place – all to discuss a scheme in Mendip. The firm www.travelsomerset.co.uk these parties have a right to carry out needs to replace equipment under the road roadworks. Our role is to work with them, so there will be deep excavations lasting ensure the correct processes are followed, several weeks – a road closure is needed to co-ordinate the schemes to keep disruption keep both workers and road users safe. The to a minimum, and make sure the work is utility firm want to start next month but it carried out to the correct standard to protect clashes with other roadworks in the area, so I our highways for the future. As you can explain that this is not possible at such short imagine, with more than 16,000 roadworks notice. We find a slot and I remind them that approved last year this can be quite a it is their responsibility to inform the local challenge! community. A day in the life... 13 !

12pm - Another letter about diversions… “lots of people are ignoring diversion signs and rat-running through my village. Do something to stop them!” This is the flip side to the previous email. The bottom line is that diversions are advisory not compulsory. If there is a traffic restriction in place, for 4pm – I get a call from a gas firm about example a weight limit, then we will put up a suspected gas leak on the A372 in warning signs, but we don’t have the power Bridgwater. They need an emergency road to enforce traffic laws – only the police can closure for safety reasons while they dig up do that. the road and find out what the problem is. This will have a major impact on traffic 11.30am - Time to sort out some paperwork. particularly during the rush hour. A quick Inevitably the Council receives a lot of letters look on the Travel Somerset website shows from people who are unhappy about a clash with surface dressing work on the roadworks – I can understand that. nearby A361 – the obvious diversion route. Disruptions are never welcome, but it’s I ring and ask if they can suspend works usually done to make sure that we all get ASAP and fully open the A361 before 5pm. uninterrupted supplies of water, gas or This will help but there will still be electricity – or to keep our roads well significant disruption for commuters later. maintained and safe. I flag this up with our Traffic Control Team. They update @TravelSomerset and pass One email is about diversions – “why are 1.30pm - I receive a request to dig up one the details to Inrix, who update local radio. you forcing traffic to use a 20-mile diversion of the main roads into Bridgwater for They’ll also keep an eye on all the link when only 500m of road is closed and there investigative work. This is denied as the roads and make tweaks to traffic lights if are clearly shorter alternatives?” This is a road was recently resurfaced and a Section needed to help keep traffic moving as common question with a simple answer. 58 order has been placed on the road – much as possible. By law we have to make sure the diversion meaning no routine works can take place is suitable for all traffic – so if an A road is for three years. The only exception to this closed, the diversion must be on an A road. is emergency works or new supplies. This stops lorries and other large vehicles unplanned getting stuck on unsuitable routes. We don’t force traffic to use them - diversions are only emergency works advisory. There is nothing to stop drivers using their own local knowledge and due to a leak judgement to seek their own alternatives.

Why are you forcing traffic to use a 20 mile diversion when only 500m of road is closed and there are clearly shorter 2.30pm - I meet with our Sedgemoor Area Highways team to discuss a scheme in 5pm - That’s it for today. Each day our team alternatives? Bridgwater. They need to resurface the road helps to prevent huge amounts of disruption next year and are trying to find the least – and tomorrow we’ll do it all again. disruptive time. The simplest and cheapest option would be a daytime road closure – but C

the road is classed as traffic sensitive, so this O To find out more about current and

is not acceptable. We consider working N future roadworks in Somerset, check

nights, but there are homes nearby who T

would not appreciate the noise. We agree to A out our searchable map at

look at working evenings and off peak hours C www.travelsomerset.co.uk. You can during the school holidays (as there is a T also stay up-to-date with live travel school nearby). There’s never a ‘good’ time incidents, including roadworks, by for roadworks – but we always do our best to following @TravelSomerset on Twitter. find the least bad time wherever possible. 14 CSE

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is the sexual abuse of children and young people under 18 for money Child Sexual or power. The police, County Council, health services and all Exploitation the organisations involved in child protection are working together to tackle CSE. But parents, family, – know the signs friends and the public can also play an important part. What are your children doing online? he internet can be a fun In a recent survey of nearly 7,000 place for children to explore; pupils from Somerset schools, 28 Tto learn, play games and chat per cent of secondary school pupils to friends. But said they chat to people social media is online who they don’t increasingly In Somerset, 27% of know in real life. That’s becoming a route Year 6 primary nearly 2,000 children. for child sexual pupils said that they But with over 110,000 exploitation. Abuse have seen images or children and young online through the videos online that people in Somerset the sharing of true number could be inappropriate texts were for adults only. far higher. and images can lead to meetings in CSE happens in every person and physical and part of the country, including sexual abuse. Smart phones Somerset. It happens in towns and and tablets mean this can take villages, and to boys and girls from place while your child is at home, different kinds of backgrounds, not even when you are in the same just those you might usually think room. of as being at risk.

: r child understand Make sure your child: Help you be shared Staying safe online tails should never That personal de e • Sets their social networking profile to • y don’t know offlin • Get online yourself, understand your anyone online the private so only their real friends can with l’ - email address, child’s online habits and start that all mation is ‘persona see their information • What infor tures of , school name, pic important conversation with them mobile number • Never meets anyone they have only • Set parental controls or change selves met online unless accompanied by them fully about what need to think care an adult they know privacy settings. But remember, • That they on their pictures they put controls and filters are only one part information and • Knows they can always talk to you or les another trusted adult if they have any of digital parenting profi to pretend to be ry easy for people • That it’s ve t online concerns meone they are no something or so

In Somerset, 20% More information Contact numbers of primary pupils www.sscb.safeguardingsomerset.org.uk the Somerset If you know or suspect a child responded that they have Safeguarding Children’s Board has a range of information. received a chat message is in immediate danger, you www.thinkuknow.co.uk developed by the National Crime that scared them or made Agency to help children and young people to reduce the risk should dial 999 straight away. them upset. of online abuse. Also has information and advice for parents and anyone working with children. PCC 15

Sue has launched her new Plan for policing following feedback from residents, community groups and local partners.

The new Police and Crime Plan for Avon and NEW Somerset tells you what the police will be PLAN FOR concentrating on over the next four years. COMING SOON - There will also be a local plan for Somerset visit www.avonandsomerset- POLICING pcc.gov.uk to find out more. NEW PRIORITIES…

Protect the most Love Please join usB tolame celebrate 25 years of… Sue will join police, local authorities, health and charities - Humiliation vulnerable from harm to raise awareness of domestic abuse, particularly acting as a fierce advocate for Abuse Control controlling and coercive behaviour this winter. Visit lo victims and ensuring the most l for more information. e www.thisisnotanexcuse.org H vulnerable are protected. F or now and always… Domestic abuse can happen to anyone. Look, listen, ask, ask again… Your re-elected Police 1 thisisnotanexcuse.org and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens Strengthen and improve Sue with the Rural Crime Team your local policing teams giving out signs to remind dog “I am delighted that you have – e nsuring the police are owners to keep their dogs under once again chosen me as your accessible and tackle the crime control around livestock. Police and Crime Commissioner. that matter most to you. I look forward to grasping the 2 opportunities and facing the challenges ahead. My focus Ensure Avon and Somerset continues to be keeping you Constabulary has the right people, right safe and feeling safe, ensuring equipment and right culture – working with Sue and Andy having a demonstration I represent your views in my the Chief Constable focusing on supporting the of body worn video cameras. decision making and remain representative workforce programme, providing 2,300 Body worn videos will be rolled out to police officers and PCSOs in 2017. your voice in policing. suitable equipment and technology for officers and staff; developing leadership capability to 3embed a positive culture and to reform how “Listening to local people complaints are handled. remains a priority for me so it’s important that I hear from you. I’m delighted that nearly 2,000 Work together effectively with other police people took part in my policing forces and key partner agencies to provide priorities consultation over the better services to local people – working with Sue & Cllr John Osman other Constabulary and other public sector partners to: launching the child sexual summer. The thoughts and exploitation campaign in feedback we received has been share estates and enabling services and make savings for reinvestment in priority areas; and transform the criminal Taunton. used to ensure that the issues justice system locally into a criminal justice service. that matter most to our communities are reflected in the new Police and Crime 4 Plan for Avon and Somerset.” HELP FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS Communities and voluntary variety of projects and initiatives Sue Mountstevens organisations will once again which are clearly making a Your Police & Crime benefit from the Commissioner’s difference on the ground.” Commissioner Community Action Fund to tackle issues in their local area. Local community groups are invited to apply for grants of During Sue Mountstevens’ first- up to £3,000 to help initiatives, term she awarded £600,000 to which support the PCC’s over 180 projects, from skate priorities. parks to street pastors. Applications are welcome all year, Sue said: “It’s a privilege to be visit www.avonandsomerset- able to continue to support such a pcc.gov.uk to find out more. 16 School term dates

2017 School Term 3: 3 Jan - 10 Feb 2017 Term 4: 20 Feb - 31 Mar 2017 Consulatation Term 5: 18 Apr - 26 May 2017 Term Term 6: 5 Jun - 24 Jul 2017 School admissions Dates 2017/18 arrangements Please note: These are the term Term 1: 4 Sept - 20 Oct 2017 dates and holidays for community Term 2: 30 Oct - 21 Dec 2017 This is an important notice for all and voluntary controlled schools. Term 3: 8 Jan - 9 Feb 2018 parent and carers with children aged Academies, free schools, between two and eighteen . foundation schools and voluntary- Term 4: 19 Feb - 23 Mar 2018 aided schools have the freedom to Term 5: 9 Apr - 25 May 2018 A six-week consultation about school set their own term dates . Term 6: 4 Jun - 24 Jul 2018 admissions arrangements for all children who are due to start, 2-18 transfer or move schools during the 2018-19 school year is starting mid-December. This consultation applies to all voluntary controlled and community schools, and those voluntary aided and foundation schools and academies that have contracted the local authority to consult on their admission arrangements on their behalf. This consultation allows parents, other schools, religious authorities and the local community to raise any concerns about proposed admission arrangements. The closing date is 31 January 2017. For a copy of the admission arrangements and details of how to make comments, please phone (01823) 356146 or visit nwww.someorset.gov.uk/admtissions ice

NCS is a once in a lifetime opportunity for all 16-17 year olds. In 2017 your teen can have the chance to develop new skills, take part in exciting activities, and learn how to make their mark on their local community. POWERED BY Secure their place today, visit NCSWEST.CO.UK, call 01278 722 100

NCS WEST @N C S W E S T NCSYES @NCSYES Foster to Adopt 17

Fofosr Atdeoprtiionn g Could you consider caring for a baby or a young child where adoption is likely, but not certain? Fostering for Adoption is about placing children from birth to four-years-old with approved adopters who have been temporarily approved as the child’s foster carer. It gives babies and young children in care greater stability in their early life. This means that more of the child’s early months or years will be spent with people committed to becoming their adoptive parents. While adoption is very likely, it is still possible the child may return to their birth family if this is the best option for them. What are the benefits of Fostering for Adoption?

It spe eds ren will have up Child the pla a more stable nni r Adopters fo ng Fostering fo early life r adopt the ch who go on to ild’s li ld’s fe will have met the chi parents and have a They will d If adoption goo g suffer less becomes the plan, understandin upset and the child will have of their loss from with ckground mov bonded ba y are ing several their adoptive and why the

times parents not able e child very early on to care for th

Suzie says: “With Rosie, the circumstances were adoption, as it reduces the number of huge changes a different. The things I felt I was looking for – a child child will experience and allows them to achieve who was verbal and about whom there was quite a lot permanence earlier. Suzie’s story of information – came together. Rosie's social worker Suzie, a 49-year-old single mum from had known her family for a long time. When this social “Also, I found it helpful to know Rosie while the very , became Rosie’s worker came to my house to speak to me and my frequent contact with her birth parents was taking adoptive mum earlier this year through social worker about Rosie, she talked for almost two place, before the decision was made that she would be the Fostering for Adoption initiative. hours, which brought Rosie alive. She sounded really adopted. Those weeks gave me a glimpse into her likeable. Suddenly, Fostering for Adoption seemed the original world and made me really think about what she Initially Suzie’s reservations right thing to do.” was going through. I feel that I'm possibly better able to about Fostering for Adoption meet her needs as an adopted child as a result.” put her off the idea. But “I feel fantastically Read Suzie’s full and reflective account of her when lucky to have Rosie in experience of Fostering for Adoption at she found www.fosteradoptsomerset.org.uk out about my life. She is happy three-year-old You can find out more about Fostering for Rosie and her Adoption on our website at circumstances, Suzie and I am happy.” decided she would consider Fostering for Adoption seems a better option for www.fosteradoptsomerset.org.uk Fostering for Adoption. children in care than a foster placement followed by an or phone 0800 587 9900 .

If you’re interested in any of our Fostering or Adoption schemes, including ‘Like’ the Adoption in Fostering for Adoption or Concurrent Planning, please phone Somerset Facebook page or follow 0800 587 9900 or visit www.fosteradoptsomerset.org.uk to enquire. @adoptsomerset on Twitter. 18 Volunteer drivers

Volunteer driver, Tony Berthon from Taunton, shares the reasons why he Why become loves his role and encourages more people to volunteer their time for this Your mileage a volunteer worthwhile cause. expenses will be “I always felt comfortable and happy reimbursed at dealing with all sorts of people of driver? different ages and abilities. When I up to 50p per mile e no heard about the Volunteer Driving “I would hav Scheme I applied and have never on in The volunteer drivers scheme, run by Somerset hesitati looked back. County Council, provides transport for eligible g this recommendin non-emergency NHS patients and social care ile “I thoroughly enjoy it. I really enjoy meeting a very worthwh users, ranging from the elderly to young ob’. variety of people, helping them get to important voluntary ‘j appointments and giving something back to my children. This includes trips to hospital for local community. medical appointments, or transport to activity day centres. “It can be very varied, including driving dementia patients, dialysis patients and people Around 200 fantastic drivers across the county with many different medical conditions. currently act as volunteers, but the ageing population in Somerset means demand for “You hear about their working lives and learn a transport is growing and more volunteers are lot, like the engineer who helped construct the always needed. M5 and found a fossilised hippo family while excavating around Exeter. Anyone can be a volunteer – the only criteria is that you must be over 18, have use “You have to be able to empathise with of your own four-door vehicle, and hold a full everyone you transport and I never tire of UK driving licence with no more than six points. listening, which helps no end. Sometimes (not often) you just listen for the whole journey. To find out about becoming a volunteer “I would have no hesitation in recommending driver and a whole range of other this very worthwhile voluntary ‘job’. If you enjoy volunteering opportunities, phone Somerset listening and meeting people then do not You Can Do on (01278) 664180 or visit ‘hesitate, give it a go.” www.somerset.gov.uk/volunteering Stop the cycle of abuse Run in partnership with Knightstone Housing and Barnardo's and commissioned by Somerset County Council, the Somerset Integrated Domestic abuse can come in many different Domestic Abuse Service (SIDAS) forms and includes emotional, physical and supports men, women and children sexual abuse. It impacts everyone around affected by domestic abuse. you, including your family and friends and Don’t let your children think abusive especially your children. They watch, listen behaviour is normal. Contact us to take and learn from you every day. the first step to getting the help and support you need. It is also more common Visit www.stopthecycletoday.co.uk. than you think. Or for free confidential advice, phone 0800 69 49 99 or email One in four women and one in six men [email protected] will experience some form of domestic abuse at some point in their lives. If applied to For more information about SIDAS, Somerset’s population that would equate to visit www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk around 43,000 female and 23,000 male victims. Look out for a new animation, which shows If you’re worried about your own behaviour the damage the cycle of towards your partner or family, or are domestic abuse can do to experiencing any form of domestic abuse, families and children. our Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Take a look at Service (SIDAS) can help. www.youtube.com/user/ KnightstoneHousing To find out more about advertising in Your Somerset , email [email protected]

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