IS H T N N IO Signs of Child Sexual I IT ED Exploitation centre spread Active Living pages 6&7 p2 unteer e a vol Becom

Summer 2016 West Your Somerset Somerset A bright and brilliant Foster care... art exhibition created by Somerset 11 to 16 A BRIGHT and year olds who are currently in care has BRILLIANT art launched Foster Care exhibition Fortnight 2016! For more information about fostering see page 9.

Our services in demand

These figures show the scale of the increasing Couple this with the continuing reductions Last year there were need for, and demand on, these key services in our direct funding from Government - a which, at £80m of our budget, are our biggest £15m cut for the next financial year - and a staggering 61,000 area of spend. the pressure on our finances is obvious. calls and emails to the And it’s a pressure that is not going away. At any one time we support around It’s fantastic that people are living longer County Council about 1,500 people through care home across the county. However, it’s also a placements at an average cost massive challenge as more and more care services for adults. need our help to manage long-term health of £500 per week, and another conditions, such as dementia, or just the 1,000 with nursing care placements That’s more than 160 calls a day to our increased needs that come with getting older. at a cost of around £600 per week. contact centre. Behind each of them We know how highly you value these was an older or vulnerable person asking Nearly 2,000 more people are services, and we will continue to do for help and advice, or looking for care helped to stay living independently everything we can to protect them as we and support of some kind. at home through home care, manage our budget. On page 4 you have averaging about £130 per week. an opportunity to remind us of your priorities It’s also around 5,000 through this year’s Listening Learning more than four years ago. Changing initiative. ...continued on page 4... 02 News

Foreword John Osman Become a volunteer Leader

It’s only July but we’re already looking ahead to how we’re going to balance the books in next year’s budget. Once again you can help by taking part in our Listening, Learning, Changing survey on pages 4 and 5 , which helps give us a better understanding of your priorities. But reduced funding from government is only half the story… Our front page highlights the increasing demand for our social care services and the costs that come with it. We all want ourselves, friends and family to live longer, but if we and - do something good today! our colleagues in the NHS are to keep up with demand, we need it to be longer and healthier. There are loads of volunteering opportunities All the evidence shows that being active, in that can help support and enhance County body and mind, keeps us healthier for longer. If you want to help Council services. We can make the right lifestyle choices for ourselves, but also help our older relatives and in the community Somerset You can Do will help you find the friends stay active. Encouraging and helping perfect volunteering opportunity, arrange any them get involved in community activities is a but don’t know training and support you on your volunteering big help. The Active Living Centre network (see journey. pages 6 and 7) is fantastic, and there are where to begin, countless other groups out there, whether it’s a Volunteering is great for your community and it can lunch club, walking club or reading group. So, Somerset You can improve your quality of life too. You could: get out there and stay active – and healthy this • Gain new skills and open up career opportunities summer, and let’s hope the weather plays its Do can help you • Keep busy and do rewarding things in your spare part too! time get started. • Meet new people, build confidence and have fun Editor’s Info What our volunteers do To get in contact with Your Somerset or to advertise in this publication, contact Drive Support Help Lauren Fellingham on (01823) 359176 , people peopl elderly people email [email protected] Help e with l get involv or write to us at Your Somerset , to health young families earning ed in appointm disa activities in their Somerset County Council, ents in our bilities FREEPOST NAT 9109, getset centres communities County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY. Get in touch today We gratefully acknowledge the support of and find out more about organisations that advertise in Your Somerset , Somerset the Somerset Volunteer Service: but Somerset County Council can accept no You can Do is responsibility for the products or services recruiting people of www.somersetyoucando.org.uk advertised. We advise readers to make their all ages to volunteer [email protected] own enquires before purchasing products or and help improve lives (01278) 664180 services. and communities You can also find volunteering across the Pssst... Your Somerset costs 5p per copy opportunities in your area at county. to produce. www.do-it.org News 03

Adopt a path A new chapter for Library hub Summer paths lovin’

If you love being outdoors in the summer and enjoy walking, cycling or riding on the paths in your local area, we need your help.

A new plan to create better buildings The extra benefit for Somerset County for public sector services is well Council is that moving services into one place means we can then sell off redundant underway across Somerset. The idea buildings and reinvest the money to protect is to create ‘hubs’ around our market frontline services. town libraries, where residents can The revamped Glastonbury hub reopens later go to access services like social this month and brings together Glastonbury care, Citizen’s Advice, health Library, Registration Services, getset support, visit a children’s centre Children’s Centre, health visitors and or even to just borrow a book. midwives, Mendip District Council’s Access Point, Citizen’s Advice, Health Connections The first hub to be rolled out will be at Mendip and a nursery. Orchard Court in Glastonbury, where work is already well underway, with proposals being Thank you to everyone who got involved in drawn up for similar schemes in Williton, our recent countywide engagement exercise. Shepton Mallet and Yeovil. Your feedback will continue to help us develop these projects and to make sure that Sharing space for our services with partners the library service is fit for the future, while like district councils, NHS and Citizen’s delivering much needed financial savings. Advice means residents can get all the help they might need in one place, and in To find out more or to see the views Glastonbury this means we can even keep that people shared with us, visit our library open for longer. www.somerset.gov.uk/libraryconsultation By adopting your favourite footpath or bridleway you could help to make sure everyone else gets to enjoy it too. Planning for your AGED: Whether it has amazing views, historical 3 TO 4 connections or access to the pub and future childcare local shop, all we ask is that you use the needs route regularly and report any problems 570 hours of funded that you come across. We can also supply Here’s your last chance to tell us what childcare a year.This is on gloves and secateurs if you want to help your childcare needs are as the keep the path clear. It’s a great way to Council prepares for new top of the existing 570 keep fit and healthy and help the local government legislation that will hours currently available to community if you have the time. give working parents of three and all three and four-year-olds. For more information, email four-year-olds up to 30 [email protected] hours of funded To find out more or to take part in the survey If you would like to find out about other childcare per week. before it closes on volunteer schemes linked with Rights of Wednesday 20 July, visit Way, or look at the path network in the From September 2017 www.somerset.gov.uk/ county on our new interactive Explore parents who work at least 30hoursparents Somerset map, visit www.somerset.gov.uk 16 hours per week each, /rightsofway will receive an additional 04 Listening... Listening, Learning, Changing As our budgets continue Have your say to be squeezed, it’s more When it comes to setting the budget 1 these are the areas that we think are important than ever that most important. We’d like to know 2 which of these are most important we give you the chance 3 to you. to tell us what’s 1 important to you. This is the fourth year that Listening, Learning, Changing has been seeking people’s views on the Council’s priorities and other key issues. Last year Please put a we spoke to well over 4,000 people at our events 1, 2 or 3 in the across the county. Along the way we also gave Help vulnerable and Safer children residents a glimpse into the breadth of services the boxes provided older people and better care Council provides, an idea of the challenges we face to indicate your when making decisions, and our vision for the future. top three priorities (1 being your Last year people put ‘Helping vulnerable and elderly people’ and ‘Attracting jobs top priority). and apprenticeships’ as their top priorities. This year we’re hoping that even more of you will take the time to give your views - Please return, free of charge, by Better schools Healthy residents and you don’t have to get along to one of Friday 30 September producing better results and reducing our roadshow events to do this. to Somerset County Council, Communications, for our children inequalities

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e ...continued from cover... You can do your older relatives and Invest in Somerset’s Protecting our e bit too: friends to get involved. economy and environment We are looking at ways A little support from We’re also looking for infrastructure to work more closely with family and friends always volunteers who can help health to create a system helps. It’s well-known people find out what’s ✁ that is joined up, and that keeping active, going on in their makes the money we mentally and physically, community and be have go further. helps people stay around to make them healthier for longer. The feel welcome at the network of Active Living community venues Centres (pages 6 and 7) that we’re starting to use is great and there are to give advice locally. If lots of other groups and you’re interested, contact Attract jobs Keep Council activities out there, so the Somerset Volunteer and apprenticeships Tax low encourage and help Service (page 2). into Somerset The Balancing Act 05

ng Over the last five years we At the same time: The Balanci • We have an ageing population have seen budgets slashed and more people needing social care support by roughly £120m, and we • Our costs are going up, because of inflation and expect it to fall by another the National Living Wage • We need more jobs in Act £40m by 2020. Somerset to bring prosperity Where the money is spent?

Adult Children’s Social Care Recycling Sites Social Care We support vulnerable We contribute to the running We provide care young people and all 16 recycling sites across for more than children in care. This the county. 5,000 older and vulnerable includes providing people. social workers and Cost: £9.2m the cost of fostering Flood prevention Cost: £79.3m and adoption placements. Roads This funds the Somerset We maintain Rivers Authority and includes Cost: £48.9m Improving Somerset’s 4,000 a grant from the Environment miles of roads. Agency for small schemes. Mental Health Children’s Centres We support We provide a network of Cost: £14.9m Cost: £3.1m mostly young ‘getset’ centres, providing adults suffering services for new parents, such Bus subsidies Libraries with serious as parenting classes. We subsidise the cost of We maintain a network of 34 mental health issues, such as providing some services libraries across the county. depression and anxiety. Cost: £4.9m which are not commercially viable. Cost: £7.1m Cost: £8.3m Improving school results We provide support and Cost: £1.4m challenge to schools. We give expert advice and support, School transport and Learning helping schools to work concessionary fares together, especially small Disabilities Services We offer free transport to schools. school age children and cover We support people with the cost of concessionary learning disabilities. This Cost: £5.8m fares for older and disabled includes care at home, people. Heritage, Trading residential care, day centres, Waste short-break and respite care. As well as the tax for each Cost: £17.4m Standards, Leisure tonne of waste landfilled, we Services Cost: £44.5m This includes payments for pay for composting garden Economic Development waste and recycling food. services at arms-length from Improving Public Health We support Enterprise the Council. For example, We promote and support Cost: £17.8m Centres, which provide leisure services run by 1610, healthy lifestyles, for example, affordable and flexible spaces Trading Standards, who we stop smoking services, Health for small business, and invest share with Devon County Checks, school nurses and in Into Somerset, which Council, and Heritage through health visitors attracts business to Somerset. the South West Heritage Trust. Cost: £23.1m Cost: £1m Cost: £4.2m

These figures represent some of the key areas of spend in the Council’s 2016/17 budget, amounting to £291m (the full budget is around £312m ). They don’t include the cost of support services that allow the frontline services to operate (like HR, finance and legal). All of these are the subject of continued savings. It also doesn’t include the cost of our debt financing and contingencies (money we must keep back for major emergencies). 06 Active Living Active Living in Somerset Are you looking to learn or develop new skills, keep active or enjoy some fun days out?

There are over 130 groups across Somerset

How do you fancy being part of a local group where you can make new friends and have a bit Find out more about a of a natter over a cup of tea or lunch? few of our groups here:

Well, if this is right up your West Huntspill Group The group enjoys entertainment, interesting street, then find out more talks and outings. Its recent programme has included a fantastic ukulele group, talented about Somerset’s vibrant local singers, a fascinating talk by the RSPB on encouraging birds to your garden and network of Active Living the fire brigade giving essential tips on Groups for the over 50s. home safety. The group also enjoys a delicious hot lunch There are over 130 groups across Somerset from a local pub. Jane, a volunteer, said: that are run on different times and days “The group is a lifeline for many people. of the week - many provide transport, It provides a place to socialise, meet new refreshments or lunches, which they only people and gives their carers a break. We ask a small charge for. do believe it does help and people Last year over 2,000 people enjoy their time here.” Every group is unique but all offer a wide went to an Active Living programme of activities, such as flexercise, days out, guest speakers and the chance to Group every month, and Staplegrove Friendship Club meet new people. The club always starts with a chance to catch there are over 500 volunteers up with friends over a cuppa and delicious They also provide the perfect way to access who give up their time to biscuits. There is often entertainment, a advice and information, on issues such as guest speaker, a craft demonstration, some looking after health and wellbeing, in a fun develop local services and gentle exercise and of course, the ever and friendly environment. activities for older people. popular bingo! The group recently enjoyed Active Living 07

“The atmosphere singing group that gets everyone involved in a sing-song. They also have regular is really relaxed visits from a therapy dog, poetry reading and friendly.” and cooking classes. The local pub delivers a hot lunch and they enjoy cakes in the afternoon. speakers from the Red Cross, Somerset Sight, Age UK and The Museum of One volunteer said: “People can have Somerset, a fun day trip on the West a chat, make new friends and learn Somerset Railway and a green fingered something new. Relatives often say they visit to a local garden centre. notice a difference in them when they start to attend the group, they have A member of the group said: “I like coming something to look forward to and they to the group. It gets me out, I meet people are more cheerful.” and have a game. The atmosphere is really relaxed and friendly.”

The Phoenix Centre, Watchet The Phoenix Centre offers a dementia and stroke support group every Tuesday and lunch clubs on Wednesdays and Fridays. The Tuesday group involves activities to keep the mind active, such as puzzles, jigsaws and access to newspapers. The lunch clubs provide hot food, a chance to meet new people, play cards and even learn a craft activity. Every August the Phoenix Centre hosts an exhibition, which showcases the crafts that its members have produced. This adventurous group Active Living in Somerset even organises an annual holiday. Recently members headed to the Isle To find out about of Wight and in December they’re off to more about Active Living Groups St Ives in Cornwall. or how to become a volunteer,

Martock Friends visit Martock Friends provides a morning of www.somersetyoucando.org.uk activities, such as a craft session, a guest speaker, a musician; they’ve even been visited by owls from a local sanctuary. or phone (01278) 664180. After a hot lunch there’s the chance to work it off with some exercise and then enjoy Extra volunteers are always needed. afternoon tea and a natter. There’s sure to be a group near to you One volunteer said: “The group share so why not find out more, make a real companionship and support each other. difference to your community and We have a lot of laughs!” secure some lasting friendships in the process. Beckington Active Living Group, Frome These services can also be found on the Somerset Choices website at The group enjoys an activity, talk or quiz in www.somersetchoices.org.uk the morning. They often have local people visit to talk on interesting topics and a 08 Protect your child... Looking after Protect your your sexual child in the health

We want to make sure that all our sun residents have access to top quality Exposing your children to too much sun may significantly increase their contraceptive and sexual health risk of skin cancer later in life. Covering up, staying in the shade and services, so that we can promote good sexual using sunscreen are the best ways to protect children against the sun. health and offer HIV prevention services across the county. In April we Being out in the sunshine is not only a fun way for all the family to be more active, launched the new integrated sexual it also gives you the Vitamin D your body needs. But please watch out for the little health service (SWISH) aimed at ones and don’t let them burn. And, if you’re outside for a while make sure they’re improving sexual and reproductive in the shade, covered up or wearing sunscreen. health in Somerset. Children and teenagers especially might need a regular reminder or a helping hand. But by setting a good example yourself you can help them learn and get into good We’re working with the Somerset Partnership NHS habits. Foundation Trust, who on our behalf will provide a one-stop-shop for all forms of contraception, emergency And it’s not just when you’re on holiday abroad that you need to think about slapping contraception, pregnancy testing, on the sunscreen. Believe it or not the sun can be just as strong in the UK. People diagnosis and treatment of sexually often get caught out when they’re not expecting it, like when out for a walk or playing transmitted infections, HIV testing, in the garden. chlamydia screening and advice on sexual abuse and abortion services. Six top safety tips to protect children in the sun: These services will initially be offered at one of their clinics in each district Spending some time Cover exposed parts of If your child is swimming, area. However, in the future all clinics in each district every day playing children's skin with use waterproof sunscreen will offer most sexual health services. outside with faces and sunscreen, even on and always reapply arms uncovered will cloudy or overcast days. after towel drying. We are also working with The Eddystone give children the Use a high factor Trust to provide HIV prevention , HIV Vitamin D that they sunscreen (at least SPF testing in the community, targeted need for strong bones. 15, preferably 30 or 5 sexual health promotion and condom But don’t get too much above) that is effective Protect children's eyes distribution services, as well as sun and always avoid against UVA and UVB. with sunglasses that support services for people living sunburn. Don't forget to apply it meet the British with HIV. 1 to their shoulders, nose, Standard and always ears, cheeks and the check that they carry SWISH is committed to making sure that When the sun is strong tops of their feet and the ‘CE’ mark (always hard to reach, vulnerable and young encourage children to reapply often throughout check the label). people have better access to sexual play in the shade – for the day. 6 health services, so that we can example, under trees 3 improve sexual health across or a parasol – especially Cover children up in For more advice on how Somerset. Together we need to between 11am and 3pm, to protect children in the make sure that prevention is at the when the sun is at its loose, baggy cotton clothes, such as an sun, visit www.somerset. heart of the services we provide and that people have strongest. Keep babies gov.uk/skincancer the knowledge and confidence to make healthy under six-months-old out oversized t-shirt with sleeves, or get them to contraceptive and sexual health choices, including the of direct sunlight, importance of early access for the testing of sexually especially around midday. wear a floppy hat with a 2 wide brim that shades transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and HIV. their face and neck. 4 For more information, visit www.swishservices.co.uk or phone 0300 124 5010. Fostering 09 We can ycoau? re, 

A display of bright and brilliant creations Whatever your circumstances, sexuality, by Somerset 11 to 16-year-olds in care is travelling around Somerset’s libraries and gender, ethnicity or income, it’s what you other locations following a unique exhibition at The Brewhouse in Taunton. The  h ave to offer a child we care about most. artworks celebrate the dreams, aspirations, passions and interests of children looked after, and hope to inspire more people to We’re on the look-out for 50 new You need to be 21 or over and have a become foster carers for older children. families to provide a stable, caring spare room in your home. We will also Among the creations is a giant Somerset foster home for Somerset children need to complete background checks. willow dream-catcher, which all the children in care. Today there are over 500 and young people helped to create. To take Our biggest need is for more foster a look at the photos online, visit children of all ages who are ‘looked carers for: after’, and most of them live with www.flickr.com/photos ■ Children aged 10 and older /somersetcountycouncil/albums foster carers. ■ Brothers and sisters, to help them stay  50 21 together ■ Children with disabilities ■ Complex young people who need extra Why do we need more? help to make positive steps in their lives When a child comes into care, we always want to find them a foster carer who lives close by. ‘Like’ Fostering in Somerset This means they can stay close to their school, on Facebook or follow us on family and friends, and keep things as normal as Twitter@fostersomerset possible. But sadly, the shortage of foster carers means this isn’t always possible.

If more people are willing to foster, our Or come to one of our next fostering children have a better chance to stay in their information events, taking place communities, find the best possible foster carer between 7pm and 9pm on: for them, and a stable, supportive place to ■ Thur 11 Aug at Costa Coffee in Shepton Mallet grow and succeed. ■ Mon 12 Sept at the Taunton Holiday Inn ■ Tues 18 Oct at Costa Coffee in Bridgwater ■ Mon 31 Oct at the Wessex Hotel in Street ■ Thurs17 Nov at Costa Coffee in Yeovil ■ Mon 5 Dec at Pawlett Village Hall

To find out more about Fostering in Somerset, or Fostering to Adopt, visit www.fosteradoptsomerset.org.uk phone 0800 587 9900 or come to our next information event. Details are available at www.fosteradoptsomerset.org.uk/events Signs of Child Sexual Exploitation C These kinds of questions are difficult for parents to ask their children, but an I Why have re they could protect them from abuse like Child Sexual Exploitation ( CSE ). Who boug Can I see your meet Why we ht your you been me CSE is the sexual abuse of children and young people under 18 for you Facebook new ate ho money or power. The police, County Council, health services and all the that boyf you l new pho profile? riend? missing school? night? organisations involved in child protection want to raise awareness of ne? last the issue. CSE: know the signs and ask the questions

The signs of CSE • Going missing or regularly returning home late • Regularly missing school • Unexplained expensive gifts • Inappropriate sexualised behaviour and suffering from Is it happening in Somerset? can take place in the home, in the same sexually transmitted infections Sadly, yes. room as adults, without those adults being aware. Abuse online through the sharing of There’s a misconception that it only inappropriate texts and images can lead Staying safe online happens in big cities in other parts of the to meetings in person and physical and Learn about it country. The reality is that CSE happens sexual abuse. Get online yourself and understand in every part of the country, including Take the time to understand the signs Somerset. It is happening now. It is and what you can do to reduce the risk. your child’s online habits. happening in many different communities. What can we do about it? It is happening in towns and villages. There are lots of authorities and agencies There are lots of useful sources of information Make sure your child: involved in tackling CSE , but parents and about CSE where you can find out more, • Sets their social networking profile to private so It’s happening to boys and girls from the public play a key role. only their real friends can see their information different kinds of backgrounds and walks for example www.barnardos.org.uk , • Never meets anyone they have only met online of life, not just those you might usually It’s very difficult for children suffering CSE www.nspcc.org.uk , www.paceuk.info unless accompanied by an adult they know think of as being at risk. to talk about it. One of the strong messages • Knows they can always talk to you or another from the children who have been through it trusted adult if they have any trouble on the internet It can be a hidden crime because the is how important it is for parents, teachers Report it victims don’t always understand that Help your child understand: and other adults to ask questions about If you know or suspect a child is in they're being abused. Or they are them and their lives - and keep asking • That personal details should never be shared dependent on their abuser and are too them. immediate danger, you should dial 999 with anyone online they don’t know offline scared to tell anyone what's happening. • What information is ‘personal’, including their straight away. email address, mobile number, school name, It’s a difficult problem for parents to spot Open and honest conversations with pictures of themselves because many of the warning signs children about friendships and relationship • That they need to think carefully about what of CSE are the sorts of challenges you are vitally important. Report it information and pictures they put on their profiles might expect to expect from any If you suspect a child may be at risk or Parents should involve themselves in their • That it is very easy online for people to pretend adolescent growing up. child’s online life. There are ways they can need some advice about CSE , you can phone to be something or someone they are not Social media is increasingly a route for limit the risks of online abuse and equip Children’s Social Care on 0300 124 2224 . • What a healthy personal relationship should and CSE . Smart phones and tablets mean it children to reduce those risks even further. shouldn’t be like 12 A day in the life of... A day in the life of… our contact centre We continue our series of ‘A day in the life of…’ by looking at a typical day for a member of our contact centre that looks after enquiries for the County Council.

Mon 07:45 These are the people you speak to when you I’m on the early shift, starting at 8am. I get myself ready for the day by checking for any phone our 0300 123 2224 number and who Mon answer emails sent to generalenquiries@ incidents from yesterday, which might impact 09:15 somerset.gov.uk , whether they’re about a today, and check for any emails that we Next up is a call to report a pothole. With child at risk, a pothole or to find out how to received overnight that need a response. 4,000 miles of roads in the county this is one There’s a road closure that has been of the more frequent calls we get. I get the register a birth. extended because the problem is more details of the location and log it for Highways serious than first thought, so I find out the to assess and prioritise for repairs. I remind If they can’t answer your query themselves, new opening date. I also have a quick check the caller that they can report a pothole they will do their best to point you in the on our performance figures. We aim to through our website and if they supply an direction of someone who can. answer all calls within 20 seconds. That’s a email address, they will then receive an real challenge at busy times, but we manage update on the status of the pothole and w ww.somerset.gov.uk to do it in about 80 per cent of calls. possible repair. Try the website first Don’t forget if you’re online, always take a look at our website Mon 10:00 www.somerset.gov.uk first. It’s got A call comes in about a child at risk. Usually lots of information about the calls like this go straight through to advisors Council and it’s services, who specialise in this area, but sometimes including the many things you callers don’t choose the correct option when Mon 08:00 they first dial. It’s not a problem. We’re all can do online, such as: There have been high winds and heavy rain aware of the process for taking these calls • Reporting a pothole overnight, so the first few calls are reports of and have a script on hand to make sure we fallen trees and blocked drains. I log the ask the right questions so that we transfer the • Applying for a residents’ locations and details on the Highways IT call to the specialist team. The Children’s parking permit system, which directs an officer to the scene team is trained in child protection, and if the to decide what to do next. I call to tell them concerns are about serious safeguarding they • Renew a library items about a fallen tree, which could mean a will contact the First Response team (made • Apply for school transport temporary road closure while the tree is cut up of social workers and the police working up and removed. together) immediately. A day in the life of... 13

Mon 10:15 Who does what? I take a couple of calls about registration office opening hours and charges for late The County Council and district return of library books. Then someone calls councils are responsible for on behalf of their elderly father who needs different things. minor repairs to his home. I signpost the caller to the Aster Living handyman service County Council services and give some advice about the services Mon 14:00 include helping and protecting offered. I could tell this has been a worry I receive a call from a young mum desperate children, young people and for them, so it’s great to be able to give them to find out what support there is to help her vulnerable adults, highways, some useful information, and it sounds like with her five-year-old. She’s struggling with school transport and admissions, it’s taken a weight off their mind. I also tell his behaviour at school. She gave me her libraries and registration services. the caller about our Somerset Choices address so I could find her nearest getset website, which has lots of information Centre and provide contact details and an District Council services about equipment and repairs. idea of what’s available. include collecting council tax, planning, licensing, housing, waste collections, recycling. Mon 13:00 After lunch I have my monthly line If you need more information about management meeting. My manager and I a district council service, you can talk about my performance, how quickly and find their contact details on page 19 . how well I’ve been responding to calls and emails, and we discuss as any training that I might benefit from.

Mon 13:30 Mon 15:00 I take a couple of back-to-back calls about There’s a call from a man very worried about school admissions, one about the policy of a his mum, who lives alone. She’s starting to specific school, another on how the process need some help around the house and he’s works and when they need to apply by. not sure about how to find social care These are common calls, usually from support. I take the details and pass this one parents going through the experience for over to the Adults’ team, which includes the first time – I’m sure it can all feel a bit experienced social workers. They will have a daunting. I provide the information and good chat with the caller to see if a social both go away confident that they know what care assessment is needed. They arrange for to do next. the man to take his mum along to a nearby community venue, where they can both meet a social worker. Often, just putting people in touch with local social activities is enough to restore their confidence, which solves a lot of problems.

Mon 13:40 Mon 16:00 An email about a lost concessionary bus pass That’s me done for today. I’ve dealt with over comes in. I answer the email, and send out 80 calls and emails. My teammates who the relevant form to the customer to started later will carry on the service until complete. Straight away another email this 6pm this evening, finishing and leaving any time requesting walking maps for Bridgwater. notes on outstanding calls for me and others I send out two maps to them. to pick up in the morning. 14 The Big friendly Read

The Summer Reading Challenge 2016 is your child’s chance to join in the celebrations of 100

years of Roald Dahl. 1

It runs in libraries throughout the summer 0 holidays, with incentives, activities and events designed to create a real buzz around children’s

reading. Starting from Saturday 16 July, the 0 Challenge is simple – children aged between four and 11 are asked to read up to six library books over the summer holidays. They can be any books they like – novels, facts books and audio books, they all count – and your library will have staff and volunteers on hand to help your children choose books they will really enjoy. But that’s not all… If you’re aged 12 and over College Bike Loan Scheme 12 you can get involved too! One-off administration fee of £60, plus a £99* deposit We’re looking for people to sign up as volunteers for the bike (worth £324). for this year’s Challenge. Last year almost 100 people volunteered with Somerset libraries to help If you’re in full-time college or at sixth encourage over 7,000 children to read during the form, you could be eligible for our College school holidays. Bike Loan Scheme. We can provide you Volunteers can expect to find themselves with a new bike, which includes a lock designing craft activities and creating displays for the library walls, as well as the day-to-day work of and lights, and basic training on cycling helping the children to find books. Volunteers will safely on the road. All you need to pay is also be responsible for registering children for the a one-off administration fee of £60, plus Summer Reading Challenge and recording and a £99 deposit for the bike (worth £324). celebrating their progress with stickers, certificates and medals. At the end of the year, the bike can be returned to us and the £99* deposit If you would like more information about the refunded. Or, you can keep the Summer Reading Challenge or you’re interested bike and we will keep the deposit. in becoming a volunteer, pop into your local library or visit www.srchallenge.weebly.com. But If you are interested in finding out more about the scheme, please be quick as the closing date to register is visit www.movingsomersetforward.co.uk/bike-loan , Sunday 10 July. and see the Claud Butler choice of models available this year and application form. HA Secret Somerset & Exmoor VEYO Explore hidden gems and lesser known places HE U ARD?

www.secretsomerset.uk

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Thesecret is well and truly out! t u

In fact not one but 50 secrets have r

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been revealed as part of a campaign to e

discover and share some of the county’s r i

lesser known but no less loved places or t

experiences. Thanks to a great response a g from residents and visitors identifying their FOSSICK e FOR FANTASTIC FOSSILS own favourites, tourism experts have been AMONG J URA SSIC AND T RIASSIC RO able to compile a ‘Secret Somerset and CKS Exmoor’ map showing 50 destinations WALK ALONG T HE OLDEST well worth exploring. ENGINEERED ROAD IN THE WORLD The Nature Secrets support Somerset’s claim to be one of the best places to see wildlife in A38 21 A4

M5 11 12 A county with more listed buildings than most the country with newly created coastal wetlands 25 8 visit our webpa43ges 33 27 10 A38 is sure to have plenty of historic gems as the and reed beds providing much needed habitats 39 5 37 18 9 22 30 44 35 45 23 24 2 47 A37 48 31 M5 26 Heritage Secrets prove. Evidence has been for rare species of birds and other creatures. 46 1 19 29 A361 7 14 3 34 28 16 A36 A361 A39 32 found of humans living in Cheddar more As well as new reserves we have ancient cliffs 20 40 41 4 A350 6 38 A303 42 than 9,000 years ago and one of the most 15 and woodlands. Whatever your interest or level M5 13 A37 A361 17 A303

36 remarkable examples of how our ancestors A361 A38 A303 of knowledge of the county there are bound to 50 49 A38 A358 A377 A3088 A361 A303 made their way around the moors is be surprises. www.secretsomerset.uk A361 A350

A303 Active Culture Heritage Nature preserved on the Avalon Marshes.

a 114TA24 7SS TA4 4NS 26 BA6 9TT 39 EX35 6NU 215TA4 4DP TA1 5AU 27 BS27 3UN 40 TA5 2EQ 316TA5 1HN BA10 0NL 28 TA7 0EP 41 TA22 9NU Hoaroak Water in Exmoor Royal Forest Bakelite Museum, Williton Ancient Sweet track at Shapwick Heath Best ‘pooh stick’ bridges, Malmsmead 417 TA7 0RB TA10 0BP 29 BA6 9DP 42 TA22 9EX c St. Audries Bay waterfall on coast path Willow Cathedral in Taunton St Leonard’s Church carved pews Wild garden at Fyne Court

518TA24 5UL TA24 8PB 30 BA11 4LW 43 TA8 1BU c Great Wood Volcano Walk Hauser and Wirth Gallery, Bruton Last Battle at Westonzoyland Dark Sky Reserve, Wimbleball Lake 619TA7 0DH TA5 1NQ 31 TA23 0PA 44 TA24 8HY 360 degree views at Burrow Mump Smoked eels at Brown and Forrest Lost village of Glastonbury Lake Bolving and Rutting Stags from Dulverton 720TA24 7PY TA4 3DS 32 BA7 7BP 45 TA5 1EG Coastal adventure trips from Minehead Porlock Bay Oysters Nunney Castle The lighthouses of Burnham-on-Sea t 821BS27 3QF BS23 1BE 33 BS26 2PP 46 BA6 9SX

Space Walk from Maunsel Lock Coleridge Cottage, Nether Stowey Washford to Watchet Mineral Line A story walk at Horner u 922TA24 6SE TA24 8QH 34 TA6 3DD 47 TA5 2PU Mountain Biking, Exford or Crowcombe St Agnes Holy Well at Cothelstone Castle Cary lock up Somerset’s own Jurassic Coast, Kilve 10EX35 6JJ 23 BA4 5NF 35 TA24 6SL 48 TA24 6TA Climbing & caving at Cheddar Gorge Sand Sculptures at Weston-super-Mare Ashton Windmill The ‘Booming’ bitterns of Ham Wall i 11TA8 2RS 24 TA23 0AQ 36 :ROI+DOOƓOPHGDW%DUULQJWRQ&RXUW TA19 0NQ 49 TA3 7EE Conygar Tower QR code poetry trail Samphire Music festival, Porlock Bridgwater’s Georgian heritage & arts Largest new wetland at Steart

12BS40 7XU 25 BS26 2AF 37 BA5 2UE 50 TA14 6RW l v Hidden beaches near Lee Abbey Kilver Court Secret reservoir at Dunster Castle Tall trees trail at Nutcombe Bottom 13 BA22 7HA 38 TA7 0SD Brean Down Fort Contains Art in Watchet Otterhead Lakes, Blackdown Hills

WW2 bombing decoy town on Black Down The Roxy Cinema, Axbridge Second oldest clock, Wells Cathedral Ham Hill Country Park t King Arthur’s Camelot at Cadbury Castle King Alfred’s story, Athelney & Taunton e u An interactive version of the map can be found r

online at www.secretsomerset.uk or it can be e downloaded and printed from the same site for use as a handy guide. ENJOY COASTAL ADVENTURES ON THE BE AMAZED BY THE WORLD’S GREATEST HIGHEST SEA CLIFFS IN ENGLAND Since the list was unveiled a number of people, COLLECTION OF BAKELITE including travel writers, have been ticking off the secrets and seeing how many they can do Temptations for all the senses are among the The Active Secrets range from relatively new in a day, a short break or over several visits. Culture Secrets, which feature traditional crafts, ones, such as paddleboarding, to those as old There are some quite well-known places with world famous collections, fine foods, music and as the hills such as walking, but the secret is hidden secrets and some hidden places with poetry. Myths and legends abound in a county knowing where to enjoy them. Somerset and famous links - tiny gems and open vistas, said to have seen the court of King Arthur and Exmoor with their coast and mainly rural new arrivals and ancient monuments. sheltered King Alfred from the Danes. character, lend themselves to active pastimes including climbing, caving, cycling and coasteering. you did petition ow? Com Your Somerset has teamed kn e! up with the tourism experts who helped Tim compile the 50 Secrets to offer readers an Somerset was recently the subject exclusive chance to enter a Secret Somerset and Exmoor competition. To enter visit: of a superb and highly innovative publication by www.visit-exmoor.co.uk/yscomp and follow the instructions. award-winning author and photographer Ian Brodie. There’s a variety of great prizes to be won so… His Visit Somerset e-book contains many of the places that feature in the Secrets list and can Good luck! be found here: www.visitsomerset.co.uk/ somersetebook 16 Adverts

êQGRXWDERXW I want to Changing lives these services. Changing communities Where do I go? , Supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism to lead ordinary lives YouSupporting First Support Service CIC adults is a Social Enterprisewith providinglearning innovative disabilities domiciliary & supported living solutions for adults with learning disabilities and autism in the South West. We call ourselves Youand First because autism you are theto most lead important ordinary person to us. Welives promise to work with you in a way that ensures you are the architect of your own support. You may only want our help on one day Youwith oneFirst thing, Support or you may Service need to haveCIC someone is a Socialwith you Enterpriseall the time. We providing can provide whatever it is you want and need. We will support you in the way, at the time and with the staff you innovativechoose. domiciliary & supported living solutions for adults with learning disabilities and autism in the South West. We work with you, our customer, in a way that ensures you are the architect of T: 01935 848581 – 01458 254260 M: 07436792738 your own support. We can provide whatever it is you want and E: admin@youfirstsupportservices.org.uk need in the way, at the time and with the staff you choose. @YouFirstSupport Why notwww.youfirstsupportservices.org.uk join our dedicated team of Support Workers? You will Changingbe instrumentalThe Bagehot lives Room, in The enabling Great Bow Wharf,people Bow Street,to live Langport, their Somerset lives TA12 in the9PN way they choose. Changingy We pay communities £7.85 an hour to our contracted and casual staff y We pay £8.85 an hour for working weekends Changingy Sleep In duties lives are, paid at £35.00 y We offer permanent, full time, part time and casual contracts Changing communities Supportingy Weadults do not with use Zero learning Hour Contracts disabilities y We provide an occupational, pension and autism to lead ordinary lives y We have an Employee Assistance Programme meaning you and your family have access to 24 hour counselling and suppor t You First SupportSupporting Service adults CIC is a with Social learningEnterprise providingdisabilities innovative domiciliary & supported living solutions for adults with learning disabilities and autism in the South West. We call ourselves andy autism We will to meetlead ordinarythe cost of lives your DBS check provided you You First because completeyou are the your most probation important period person to us. We promise to work with you in a way that ensuresYou First Supportyou are Service the architect CIC is a Social of your Enterprise own support.providing innovative You may domiciliary only want & supported our help on one y You will receive full training and monthly supervision day with oneliving solutionsthing, or for you adults may with need learning to disabilities have someone and autism with in the you South all West. the Wetime. call Weourselves can provide You Firsty becauseYou will you haveare the the most option important to personstudy to for us. aWe nationally promise to recognisedwork with you in a whatever wayit is that you ensures want youand are need. the architect We will of yoursupport own support.you in theYou way,may only at thewant time our help and on with one the staff you choose.day with oneDiploma thing, or you may need to have someone with you all the time. We can provide whatever it is you want and need. We will support you in the way, at the time and with the staff you choose. T: 01935 848581 – 01458 254260 M: 07436792738 E:T: admin@youfirstsupportservices.org.uk 01935 848581 – 01458 254260 M: 07436792738 E: admin@youfirstsupportservices.org.uk@YouFirstSupport @YouFirstSupport www.youfirstsupportservices.org.ukwww.youfirstsupportservices.org.uk The BagehotThe Bagehot Room, Room, The GreatThe Great Bow Bow Wharf, Wharf, Bow Street, Street, Langport, Langport, Somerset Somerset TA12 9PN TA12 9PN News

Foodie or gardener? Make a difference

Grant sparks repairs Somerset's first ‘library of things’ has secured a grant of more than £18,000 to cut waste, foster repair and encourage reuse. SHARE was set up by young Keen to help others in Somerset It is easy to find out more and get on the unemployed apprentices working with the social enterprise Edventure, recycle more, waste less and list for future training. and Frome Town Council. Backed by save cash? For information on Compost Champions, Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP), they successfully bid for £18,020 from There are two great opportunities to and contact details to ask questions and the Department for Business, Innovation make a difference just by chatting check on training days, take a look at and Skills. to friends and family, neighbours www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/more/ and others in your community. composting/champions For a small donation, SHARE loans a wide range of items, from tools to toys, Somerset Waste Partnership is backing For the Food Champions scheme and helping people save money and avoid both the Food Champion and Compost the national Love Food Hate Waste costly items gathering dust. With the Champion scheme. promotional campaign, there is new funding SHARE is promoting reuse, information here such as Saturday repair sessions, where In each of these schemes, volunteers www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/more/food experts help owners repair electrical get free training, support materials items, from toasters to computers. and some expenses for promoting To check on future Food Champion home composting or helping others training, email your details with ‘Food A SWP spokesman said: "We hope other save money by reducing food waste Champions’ in the subject line to towns and villages visit SHARE to see a through simple practical tips. [email protected] great example of how to cut waste, reuse more and bring together communities." Cashless success You can phone SHARE from Wednesday to Saturday on 07983 639611 or visit The trial at Taunton Recycling Centre of cashless www.sharefrome.org payments has gone very well. Residents have been arriving ready to pay for any charges or to buy Revive Frome has also opened a Community compost using Visa and MasterCard credit or debit cards, Fridge where individuals and businesses Visa Electron or Diners Club, including contactless cards. can share food still in date and anyone can take food they need. Only Taunton Reuse Shop at the recycling site has continued to use cash. Payments for domestic asbestos The average family wastes hundreds of and plasterboard will still be taken online in advance on pounds of edible food every year. For Somerset Waste Partnership’s website. The trial followed more on reducing food waste, visit a successful test at Chard Recycling Centre. www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/more/food To find out more about advertising in Your Somerset, email [email protected] A Personalised Education Somerset Care /ŶĚĞƉĞŶĚĞŶƚdƵƚŽƌŝĂůŽůůĞŐĞŽīĞƌŝŶŐ͗ 2 1991 celebrating 25 years 016 ĂŶĚ^ƵƉƉůĞŵĞŶƚĂƌLJdƵŝƟŽŶ BATH A Levels, GCSEs, Re-sits ACADEMY

Join us for Somerset Care’s Big Picnic Saturday 30th July | 11am-2pm | Goodland Gardens, Taunton

You and your family are invited to join our free birthday celebrations being held in Goodland Gardens in Taunton. ‘College leaders have created Bring a picnic and enjoy the afternoon. aĂĐŚŝĞǀĞƚŚĞŝƌƉŽƚĞŶƟĂů͛ culture where students are Highlights include; free bouncy castle, face painting, meet the nurtured and supported to owls and much more. For more information call us on: 01823 448 150 OFSTED Somerset Care, Acacia House, Blackbrook Park Avenue, Taunton TA1 2PX

27 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HX www.somersetcare.co.uk 01225 334577 | [email protected] www.bathacademy.co.uk

ROYAL NAVY FLEET AIR ARM MUSEUM Where aviation history soars

#maketime for heroes Book online & save 20% Visit www. eetairarm.com New Exhibition - The Navy’s Air War: Jutland 1916 Business Degrees

Richard Huish College, With fees from DELIVERING HIGHER South Road, Taunton, TA1 3DZ £3995* you can get EDUCATION & SKILLS IN [email protected] 01823 320800 a university business SOMERSET management degree www.huish.ac.uk/degreesand can continue to *Part time fee for entry on the FdA Business & Management and BA (Hons)work. Applied Professional Studies (Leadership and Management). Student nance available. To find out more about advertising in Your Somerset, email [email protected]

Contact us by telephone, post and email. 2016/18 There’s now just one number to phone for all Somerset County Council services. By telephone Other useful numbers 0300 123 2224 Citizens Advice Bureau Phone lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Consumer Helpline Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 4pm 0345 404 0506 on Saturdays.

Street Lighting Faults S By post 0845 601 0939 Somerset County Council, County Hall, (office hours) and Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY 0845 795 9639 School Term Dates (for out of hours emergencies) By email 2016/17 [email protected] Student Finance Direct Term 1: 1 September - 21 Oc ctober 2016 (Higher Education Students only) Term 2: 31 October - 16 December 2016 Please phone the numbers below 0845 607 7577 Term 3: 3 January - 10 February 2017 for the following services: Term 4: 20 February - 31 March 2017 Wellington Community Office Term 5: 18 April - 26 May 2017 (01823) 667279 h Fostering and Adoption enquiries Term 6: 5 June - 24 July 2017 0800 587 9900 District Councils 2017/18 Somerset Heritage Centre Mendip District Council Term 1: 4 September - 20 October 2017 (01823) 278805 0300 303 8588 Term 2: 30 October - 21 December 2017 Sedgemoor District Council Term 3: 8 January - 9 February 2018 Somerset Road Safety 0845 408 2540 Term 4: 19 February - 23 March 2018 (01823) 423430 South Somerset District Council Term 5: 9 April - 25 May 20o 18 Term 6: 4 June - 24 July 2018 Somerset Skills and Learning (01935) 462462 Taunton Deane Borough Council Please note: These dates will apply to Community and Voluntary 0330 332 7997 Controlled schools. Academies, Voluntary Aided, Foundation (01823) 356356 and Free Schools are able to set their own term dates and Somerset Waste Parnership West Somerset District Council holidays. Parents and carers are advised to check with their (01823) 625700 (01643) 703704 own school to confirm their school term dates and INSET days.

25th July - 31st August o Call now to book! ay Under 4’s Activities Cycle Profciency Course lid l o Wed 10th & Thu 11th August H £30 Balanceability 8.45am - 4pm Learn to Cycle Course 2 day course. Both days must be Mondays 9.00 - 9.45am completed. You will need your own bike and helmet. Certificate and s 5 sessions of Learn to Cycle course for children e medal included. Ages 9yrs +. iti age 3-4 yrs. Bikes and helmets provided. v Certificates on completion of the course. i 15 t £ c per A course First Steps to Football £15 Dulverton Play Days per Tuesdays 9.00 - 9.45am ion All Saints Primary School, Fishers Mead, sess Let your budding stars take their first Dulverton TA22 9EN ids footballing steps with our fun course! K e Active Kicks Football/Cricket Camp ntr r Ce o eisure Tue 16th August • 9.30am - 3pm F ts & L por Cricket Tots erset S Multisports Camp t Som Wednesdays 9.00 - 9.45am at Wes Mon 22nd August • 9.30am - 3pm Owzat! Little ones will be hit for six with this specially designed introduction to cricket!

Get online for full activity details... Keep boredom at bay this holiday Woodland Adventure Days with our fantastic holiday activities for kids! Our great range of sport, Fri 29th July/5th & 12th August art & craft and dance activities Enjoy an action packed day in the grounds of Dunster Castle. Games mean we’ve got something for such as camouflage & concealment, everyone, and all at great prices. scavenger hunt, capture the flag, slacklining, den building and Give us a call today for more much more... Ages 7yrs +. £18 per n information or to book a place! sessio

West Somerset Sports & Leisure Centre, Bircham Road, Alcombe, Minehead TA24 6AY T 01643 708815 www.1610.org.uk Hidden Taunton From roundhouses to gin palaces, almshouses to hotels, Hidden Taunton is a guided walking tour exploring some of the forgotten stories, vanished buildings and remarkable residents of Somerset’s County Town.

Castle Bow by Sargant, C.1835 View of Fore Street, C.1900

Each tour departs from The Museum of Somerset every Saturday at 11am and Wednesday at 2pm from now until the end of September. Cost: £3. Duration: 1.5 hours finishing at Taunton Visitor Centre. To reserve your place by phone (01823) 255088.

Deane Helpline is available to anyone young or old for a fee. Run by Taunton Deane Borough Council. Information is on the web site www.tauntondeane.gov.uk

What if... you or a loved one fell or were unwell at home and couldn’t get to the telephone? Simply touching a button will summon help, available 24 hours a day whether it’s a minor worry or a major emergency.

g ... you can rely on us.

g

Deane Helpline 01823 257185

Call our 24 hour phone line for enquiries