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IS TH N Child Sexual IO IN IT Travel D Exploitation E pages Page 17 4&5 Volunteer drivers urgently wanted A day in the life of... pages 6&7 pages 14&15

Autumn 2016 Taunton Your Somerset Deane Keeping the county moving ore than £40m has been invested in Somerset’s roads in the last 18 months to keep the county moving and drive Mits economy forward. We’ve carried out a vast amount of work on schemes to reduce journey times, improve safety, support new housing developments and provide the transport network we need to help businesses thrive. More than £5m has been spent on major improvements to key roads and key junctions, including the Horsey and Hospital roundabouts in and the Huntworth roundabout at junction 24 of the M5. A further £900,000 has gone into upgrading traffic signals, with big schemes in Taunton, , and . More than £2m has been spent on nearly 40 Small Improvement Schemes across the county – community driven projects to tackle local highways problems. On top of that, we have invested over £30m in repairing and resurfacing the highway network. This vast programme of works has included the resurfacing of the A3088 Cartgate link road into Yeovil, the A30 in Chard and delivery of the largest surface dressing programme ever in Somerset. This represents a huge investment of capital funds (money we Congratulations to all Somerset can’t spend on the Council’s day-to-day running costs) in the county’s infrastructure. Even in these times of massive budget students who recently received pressures, making sure we have a quality road network is critical to the county’s future growth and prosperity. And, through our their exam results. Listening Learning Changing initiative we know that’s investment It looks like being another successful year for the you really value (see page 3). county’s schools. Pictured are GCSE students We do everything we can to keep it to a minimum, but with work from Kingsmead School in – on this scale some disruption is unavoidable and it can take time for new schemes to bed-in. As always, we’d like to thank road well done all of you. users for their patience. Continued on page 2... And don’t forget our new Travel Somerset website, a one-stop shop for traffic updates we’ve created to help motorists plan their journeys and avoid congestion. Find out more on page 17. Congestion solutions New moves to cut recycling site queues - centre pages 02 News

Foreword John Osman Leader Transforming health and care services

s the new school year gets underway I’d like to start by congratulating last Ayear’s contingent on their excellent A-Level, AS Level and GCSE results. It’s always great to hear about the real success stories. andmark plans to improve the way being admitted to hospital and recover more One that stuck in my mind is of a student with Lhealth and care services are quickly from hospital treatment. It also severe dyslexia, who having been predicted provided in Somerset are being means a shifting investment towards an E for English Language actually achieved initiatives that prevent illness, and help an A and exceeded his targets in eight developed. people stay healthier for longer. subjects. This is testimony to all the hard work All across the country NHS organisations and Our aim is to support people to remain as put in by the student and staff and I wish this local authorities are working together to set independent as possible, irrespective of age, year’s students every success. out how to make care better, more joined-up disability or illness. Also on the Council’s autumn agenda is and sustainable over the next five years. budget setting. This is a difficult time of the is working year for us as we try to cope with reduced Things need to change because people are living longer with more complex illnesses and alongside NHS leaders to develop the plan, government funding and increasing demand called Somerset Together, which will look at on all our services. that’s putting increasing strain on services. all aspects of the health and care system, Everything you and your communities can do In Somerset, the focus is on the need to from hospitals and GP surgeries, to the to help us is greatly appreciated. From the big support all of our residents to lead healthier community support people receive in their stuff like becoming a foster or adoptive parent lives and avoid preventable illnesses, as well own homes. (see page 8) or a volunteer driver (see pages as making it easier for people to access help 14 and 15), to using our online services to and support closer to home. It’s still early days for this work but look out report Highways or Rights of Way issues (see for more information and opportunities to page 16 and 17). It all adds up, it all makes a This means providing care more tailored to give your views on the plans in the coming difference – and it all helps us to help the individual needs, helping people to avoid months. people who need it most.

There has also been an increase in the Editor’s Info proportion of pupils achieving expected levels To get in contact with Your Somerset or to of progress in English and Maths during their advertise in this publication, contact GCSE time at secondary school. Lauren Fellingham on (01823) 359176 , email [email protected] or write to us at Your Somerset , Somerset County Full A-Level results and national performance Council, FREEPOST NAT 9109, , measures for comparison weren’t available at Taunton, TA1 4DY. success the time of going to print. But initial Key Stage We gratefully acknowledge the support of ...continued from cover. 2 data indicates that our primary schools organisations that advertise in Your Somerset , It’s a big ‘well done’ to all have maintained the but Somerset County Council can accept no improvements that have been responsibility for the products or services Somerset’s students and advertised. We advise readers to make their made in recent years and own enquires before purchasing products or pupils who picked up successfully managed major services. their results in August. changes to the curriculum Pssst... Your Somerset costs 5p per copy and assessment processes. to produce. Last year the county’s schools were the fourth most improved We are committed to helping in the country and in the top Somerset’s schools and their Correction and apology third for performance. Early pupils reach their potential. Incorrect figures appeared in the July edition of indications are that the hard Over 90 per cent of primary Your Somerset as part of the Balancing Act article. and secondary schools are The July article stated that the libraries budget was work of students, staff and £7.1m, but the correct figure is £3.784m. The parents has built on that success graded as ‘Good’ or better by £4.2m figure given for Heritage, Trading Standards, this year. Ofsted, but we are always Leisure services and other should have been pushing to improve. You can £7.580m. We apologise for this mistake, which was More than 60 per cent of find out more about our down to human error. The £3.784m libraries budget provides a network of 34 libraries and students achieved an A*-C in their English Strategic Vision for Education by visiting online services, events and activities in support of and Maths GCSEs this year, nearly a two www.somerset.gov.uk/strategic health and wellbeing, economic development and per cent increase on 2015. visionforeducation digital inclusion. News 03 Thank you! Flood reduction schemes in

the pipeline ur thanks go to the questionnaire, which is still Othousands of residents available until the end of who have taken the time to September. Visit ajor schemes to reduce the So far £9m of Department for www.somerset.gov.uk/ Mrisk of flooding across Transport funding has been spent share their views through listening to take part. Somerset have been given the on flood reduction schemes set out our Listening Learning green light. More than £800,000 in the Levels and Moors 20 Year Changing roadshows and Falling government funding Flood Action Plan, including the online questionnaire. and rising demand continues will be invested in projects to to put huge pressures on our improve drainage, making it raising of the road at Muchelney and installing culverts at finances. There will be tough easier for the county’s roads to Beer Wall We’ve spoken to more than on the A372. 5,500 people over the course spending decisions in the cope with severe weather and of the summer, gathering coming months, so it’s never reduce the risk of flooding. The remaining money has now feedback on council priorities been more important that we been allocated to these additional and our vision for Somerset. get your feedback about what From Exford in the west of the projects that will address long- you think should be our top county to Compton Pauncefoot in standing issues of road flooding At the time of going to print priorities. the east, locations across Somerset caused by regular blocking of ‘helping vulnerable and elderly people’ was, for the fourth The information gathered have been earmarked for works. gullies by tree debris. year running, clearly through Listening Learning Schemes include repairing or Changing is shared with replacing gullies on major roads The Somerset Rivers Authority is highlighted as our most valued area of work. ‘Investment in decision-makers and is like the A38 in Bridgwater and now co-ordinating the work set out available at various budget A358 in Chard, and surveys of the in the 20-year plan, as well as the economy and infrastructure’ and ‘attracting meetings to be considered existing drainage systems to inform ongoing initiatives to reduce the jobs and apprenticeships’ alongside all the other factors works to be undertaken by the risk and impact of future flooding were also very well supported. that need to be taken into Somerset Rivers Authority on the in the county. For more account, including individual A38 near Rumwell and Chelston information, visit www.somerset It’s not too late to have your consultations and the savings roundabout, near Wellington. riversauthority.org.uk say through our online that need to be made.

Celebrating two years of free school meals It’s been two years years. Not only have the where the whole school since the introduction children benefitted from (including all staff) sit of free school meals good quality, wholesome down together to eat.” for pupils across meals, but some of the schools involved have Every child in Reception, Somerset. In that time seen improvements in the Year 1 and Year 2 is thousands of free children’s social and entitled to Universal Infant quality, healthy meals emotional wellbeing, and Free School Meals. Each have been dished up to concentration levels. As school is responsible for one teacher comments: providing this and may children in Reception, ask you to complete an Year 1 and 2. “The children have all developed better table application form. Free school meals have manners - the use of For more information, visit been helping families save cutlery, for example. We www.somerset.gov.uk/free up to £437 per year per have made it a social schoolmeals or phone child over the last two experience at lunchtime 0300 123 2224 . 04 CSE

Child Sexual Exploitation ( CSE ) is a type of sexual abuse. It is when someone takes Child Sexual advantage of anyone under the age of 18 sexually, for their own or other people’s benefit or enjoyment. This frequently involves using threats, bribes, violence, Exploitation humiliation or emotional blackmail. The police, County Council, health services and all organisations involved in child protection want to raise awareness of – know the signs this issue.

It’s easy to think that Child Sexual Exploitation is something that happens in other places, not in a “As a family we don’t largely rural county like Somerset. But the reality is seem to fit the mould.” that it happens in communities across the country - We are not the sort of family who you would expect including Somerset - to girls and boys from all to need a social worker. And our daughter does not seem to be the typical victim of CSE . However, I am backgrounds. sure that with the rise of the internet we are not alone and cases like ours will only get more Nothing brings home the impact of this kind of common. As parents, we needed support to understand why she would not be able to think sexual abuse more powerfully than the words of of the perpetrators as bad or evil. the young people who have been affected by it. From a Somerset parent whose child was a What follows are real comments from young people from this region who have victim of CSE experienced CSE . There are many organisations and agencies working to tackle the issue of CSE , but “… it’s very hard for us to parents, family members or friends can see ourselves as victims and play an important part too. have any insight into what help we need.” Look out for the signs of CSE : going missing or regularly returning home late, regularly missing “Passing on information school, unexplained makes us very anxious, so expensive gifts, a lot of stuff does not get inappropriate behaviour, which may come across said.” as sexual, and suffering from sexually transmitted infections.

“Notice behaviour changes, Having open and honest conversations with children try and talk to us and notice about their friendships and relationships is vitally important. Parents should also get involved in their our unhappiness. Do not children’s online life, because social media is a blame us or ignore us.” major route for CSE . CSE 05 Report it. or If you know Learn about it. child is and Report it. suspect a Understand the signs iate duce If you suspect in immed what you can do to re ial 999 s of a child might danger, d the risk. There are lot way. be at risk or straight a useful sources of at you need some information available , advice about CSE , phone www.barnardos.org.uk d Children’s Social Care www.nspcc.org.uk an on 0300 123 2224. www.paceuk.info

I now know that I wasn’t in the wrong - it was the other people because they knew I was underage.

ife was good growing up, but then things changed when I found out my dad had Lcommitted a very bad crime. I felt shocked and confused and didn’t know how to deal with it. I then started meeting older people and we were getting drunk and high a lot. I would sleep with a lot of different people, miss school and I got into a lot of trouble. When social care got involved, it felt like the social workers were interfering and I didn’t like it. Since then I have had support from an adolescent support worker and a BASE (Barnardo’s Against Sexual Exploitation) worker. Their support helped me to open up about myself and talk things through. Before anyone talked to me I didn’t know what was going on and why everyone was worried, but then I met my Barnardo’s worker and she explained it all . After getting the support I needed, I started going to school regularly, being on time and didn’t get in as much trouble. Now I don’t see the social workers as much as I used to, and I’ve taken my GCSEs and have a place at college. I feel I’ve matured a bit. The past is the past and I don’t see the people I used to get drunk with. I don’t drink or smoke weed anymore, I don’t sleep around and I now know that I wasn’t in the wrong - it was the other people as they knew I was underage. I’m trying to get my life on track and my Barnardo’s worker is there if I need to talk. The social workers are also there to help my mum. In the future I think I would like to become a social worker because I have had them in my life, for my whole life, so I know how they do the job. I am now looking at flats, so one day I can move out, maybe get married and start a family of my own. 06 A day in the Life...

One of the most important jobs we do is to look after the county’s vulnerable children. As in the life they approach and reach adulthood they still need our support – that’s where the role of of a Leaving the Leaving Care Worker kicks in. It’s a tough Care Worker and vital job, as this insight into a typical day DAY in the life shows… Somerset County Council’s Leaving care to living independently. They like accommodation, education, Care Workers support up to 370 of support young people until they are training and employment Somerset’s Care Leavers. Their role is 21, and in some circumstances up to opportunities, looking after their to help young people with the journey 25. Each young person has a named money, and looking after their health. from childhood to adulthood, and from worker who helps them with things

I usually get in around 8:30am so that I can check through my emails Midday – Next up before any of my visits or meetings start. shopping! Adam*, I also send texts to all the young people one of the young I’m off to visit today, to remind them people we support, that I’m coming and to make sure has a job interview they’re there! next week, so we’re off to get him some smart clothes. After a bit of a struggle we finally find him some clothes that actually fit, and he looks great. While we’re out shopping I give him some friendly advice about preparing properly for the interview. I remind him that he must make sure that he’s clean shaven and showered and gets plenty of sleep the night before. I also make sure that he’s thought about what research he needs to do beforehand, so he’s ready for the interview. I encourage him to attend the 9:30am education, training and After a quick catch-up with employment focus group that my team I’m off to the first runs every Monday for young visit of the day. I’m going to people leaving care, as they will go through potential interview see Alice* , a young person questions with him. living in a foster placement who needs a bit of emotional support. She’s feeling really low and lonely at the moment. We have a good chat about things and then talk about what could help to make her feel better. I suggest that she Pit stop might like to come along to the Leaving Care group, which I’m helping out at tonight. It is a social group that meets weekly, where the young people get together, eat some dinner as a group and take part in various activities. I think this would really help. I make a 1pm note to catch up with her again A quick pit stop at the office to write next week to see how she’s doing. up my case notes from the morning. A day in the Life... 07

4:30pm It’s my turn to help out at the Leaving Care group tonight, along with two of my colleagues who do it every week. I chat to the young people about their day as they arrive and ask them my favourite question: “What was your happy moment of the day?” 5:30pm I help cook enough food for everyone in the group (it’s usually a 2pm guesstimate as some of Off out again, this time to see Josh* , a young person the young people have a who has a brain injury and can’t communicate verbally. tendency to turn up late!) He lives at home with his dad, but has some respite care. I usually get some willing I help his dad to set-up their new Kindle Fire, which will volunteers to help cook tea, be a really useful communications tool for Josh, and and keep the others busy explain all the different apps he can download. We talk setting the table or making about how games could help develop Josh’s fine motor cups of tea. skills, and how he can also download music and TV 6pm programs on it. I also show them how to use the Kindle’s Once dinner is dished camera and we take lots of pictures of their dog. up we generally have lengthy debate about something or other - today it’s about what makes a good social worker. The debate gets a bit heated so the Leaving Care Workers hose down the debate and we clear up the plates. Tonight I’ve put together a quiz and we all have fun – they’re a competitive bunch! After the quiz, I give some of the young people a lift home while others wait for their lifts.

*Names have been changed to protect the young people’s identities. Have your say and improve the ? Are you are a Somerset 3:30pm The final visit is to see Anna*. lives of all other young person who is in She has just moved into a new council house with her children in care? fiancée and baby son. On my last visit we completed a or who has left care? pathway plan, which we produce together and includes things like education, training and employment aspirations, and covers more practical things like where they would like ? Would you like to get to live, money management and leading a healthy lifestyle. We check through the different goals and talk about the involved? progress she’s made. Last time we met we agreed that she would register with the local GP, but she hasn’t yet. So, I remind her why it’s really important and suggest she does it Then why not join the Somerset in as soon as possible. They’ve also been having some issues with the neighbours and parking, so I tell them to contact Care Council (SiCC) or Somerset their Housing Association and offer to call them too if they Leaving Care Council (SLCC) by need to me to back them up. emailing [email protected] or phoning 07585 983356. 08 Fostering & Adoption The best things in l i f e come in all shapes and sizes... Could you offer a warm welcome to a child from your community who needs extra help, support and understanding?  Trudy & Matt

We are seeking know, we’re quite young at ADOPTERS for… Here’s just a heart…why can’t we foster more Would you like to taster of what teenagers?” ■ Children aged three and over, siblings and make a difference, Episode 1 disabled children who deserve a forever includes: Who they would like to see or start or expand become foster carers: family your family? Why they got into Trudy: “We need some ■ Fostering for Adoption, a child-centred fostering: more young, fresh blood…” initiative for babies and toddlers where it is Trudy: “We love children… Matt: “Enthusiastic people very likely they will be adopted, but not certain we can’t have any more that really want to make a ■ Our Concurrent Planning scheme for young Watch: Two of our foster children of our own, and difference, really want to get children, where adoption is a possibility, but carers have started a video just thought about what we involved, that want to put not a certainty blog about their fostering can do to fill our house up that child first … take that experiences. Trudy, 36, and with kids. child from whatever they’ve Matt , 40, are an enthusiastic Matt: “We love the busy- come from… ” …and 50 new FOSTER foster caring couple who ness of it. There’s always Trudy: “And let them have been looking after a 14 something to do, whether experience life…” CARERS to mentor, year-old girl and have three it’s as stupid as doing their Matt: “And try to educate motivate, support and boys of their own. To get a washing or going to and support them…” real insight into what it’s like meetings with the local Trudy: “So they can grow care for: to be a foster carer, take a authority, there’s always as a person, and hopefully in look at their blog on. loads to get involved with.” ■ An older child, aged 10 and over that time of them growing in YouTube at ■ your house…” Young teenagers as they mature into adulthood https://www.youtube.co Why they have ■ Brothers and sisters of all ages, so they can m/watch?edit=vd&v=08e fostered a teenager: Matt: “You can make that stay together pcPn2Imc. Matt: “We thought, you little bit of difference.” ■ Disabled children, to give them new experiences, and parent carers a break You can also Fostering & adoption event: Tuesday 18 October, ■ Parents and their young children come to one 7pm to 9pm, Bridgwater Costa Coffee, TA6 3BU of our National Adoption Week event: Thursday 20 October, ‘Like’ Fostering in Somerset upcoming 7pm to 9pm, Wessex Hotel, Street, BA16 0EF on Facebook or follow us on Monday 31 October, 7pm to 9pm, Twitter@fostersomerset information Fostering event: events: Wessex Hotel, Street, BA16 0EF.

If you’re interested in any of our Fostering or Adoption schemes, including Fostering to Adopt or Concurrent Planning, please phone 0800 587 9900 or visit www.fosteradoptsomerset.org.uk to enquire. News Reduce, reuse, recycle for Somerset - September 2016 Recycling sites cut congestion

New measures to cut Commercial customers, already Most residents limited to using 10 sites taking paid-for congestion, improve services ‘ waste, face further time and vehicle and enhance safety at ‘need no permit and should find restrictions to ensure they do not hold recycling sites will begin on fewer delays up local residents. Monday 3 October. To manage traffic at the busiest times, a small proportion of residents will Based on customer feedback and need to apply online to get a free, extensive research, the new steps easy-to-use, three-year permit for result from Somerset’s rising their van, pick-up or trailer. population, increasing vehicle numbers, growing waste levels, The vast majority of residents bringing and mounting annual figures for household waste in cars, including recycling site visits. These have estates, 4x4s, people carriers and jumped 400,000 in recent years to 1.5 campervans, need no permit and should Cross-border users with vans, pick-ups or million. see no change at recycling sites. trailers, encouraged to visit Somerset sites for free by nearby counties’ controls, will Numbers of the largest and least Except, it is planned, less congestion or be directed back to their own recycling manoeuvrable trucks and trailers will be queues and swifter, smoother, safer visits. centres rather than adding to Somerset reduced to help Somerset sites offer fast, council taxpayers’ costs. See centre pages for details. efficient and low-risk visits.

Waste Not Somerset is a new putting tasty, nutritious meals on campaign to foster greater the table, potentially saving community involvement in waste Love Somerset hundreds of pounds and making reduction, reuse, repair, recycling a big difference for those who and home composting. hate waste have very little. Encouraging helpful habits to cut As well as promotion for your waste, save money, and reduce our Whatever your group’s focus, it can group and its website or social media environmental impact, Waste Not engage your community by adapting through the new community waste Somerset offers fun ways to bring people resources from Somerset Waste action section of the SWP website, the together, help household budgets go Partnership (SWP) to create its own monthly Sorted e-zine, and wider media, further, and benefit your community. Waste Not Somerset activity. you can join a Waste Not Somerset Facebook group to promote relevant Community groups of all sorts – green or These could range from greener events. gardening, parish councils or food coops, gardening, cutting clutter, and making and many more – now have the chance better use of food, to helping furnish a To be part of – and benefit from – to play a major Waste Not Somerset role. home, share and repair things, manage Waste Not Somerset , SWP has resources your wardrobe, and pass on thrifty ideas to support you and your group set up a Millions of people are looking for ways to for families with children. display or run activities, such as Waste cut back on their waste, and for groups Not Somerset leaflets and posters with to help them achieve that change, Food is a great issue to highlight for saving tips, and loans of eye-catching thanks to the popular television Waste Not Somerset’s autumn launch. banners. campaigns on packaging and food by Sharing food-saving tips can help your Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. community waste less and cut the cost of Continued page 3...

We manage waste and recycling services for all local authorities in Somerset. For information on our services, see the back page or visit: www.somersetwaste.gov.uk Who needs a permit – and how to get one The new simple permit system These vehicles will no longer have access permit for a van and one trailer permit will actually involve very few to recycling sites for household waste with details of up to two towing cars. from Monday 3 October: Wait up to 10 working days for your free people out of all those who • Van over 3.5T gross vehicle weight. permit to arrive by post. An emailed or make more than 1.5 million visits • Box (Luton) van. downloadable confirmation will allow • Any van or pick-up towing a trailer. to recycling sites every year. interim site access. Your permit will be • Agricultural vehicle. ...continued from Page 1 To run your own Waste Not Somerset valid until 30 September 2019. Those who drive a car without a trailer, • Horsebox or box trailer. event, please email These add to the existing free ready- [email protected] . including an estate, 4x4, people carrier or • Trailer of over three-metre floor length or On every visit to any recycling site, display campervan, do not need a permit and with more than one axle. made Love Food Hate Waste For events involving waste issues, the permit on your dashboard or hang it resources that SWP already offers search for Waste Not Somerset at can carry on exactly as before, except for from your rear view mirror. Occasionally, facing less congestion or delays. For details of vehicles, trailers and permits, community groups, such as recipe www.somersetwaste.gov.uk . Got an site staff will want to check the card. cards, quizzes and activities, which event we should list? Add the details and to apply, go to www.somersetwaste. Permits cannot be transferred. Users of the following vehicles and trailers gov.uk/permits . No internet access but make it easy to run a stall at your local here: www.surveymonkey. must apply for a free permit at think you may need a permit? Go to any If your permit is lost, or your details or market, fete or other event. co.uk/r/WasteNot2016 . www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/permits : library to book time online with a helpful those of your vehicle(s) change, apply for • Van up to 3.5T gross vehicle weight. staff member at no cost. a new permit, and destroy the old one, as Great food, less waste a fresh look at food, including ways • Pick-up with single or double cab. it will be automatically cancelled. to grow your own, recipes for • Single-axle trailer of up to three-metre If you do need a permit, fill in your details, An excellent example of efforts to cut cooking fresh seasonal ingredients, floor length, towed by a car. including vehicle registration numbers. If Frequent users who need a permit will waste is the Sustainable Wells Food hints on reducing waste and advice you do not have a Somerset address, you want to apply immediately; others who Group’s “Food For Thought” on making productive compost to Permits allow recycling site weekday use, cannot have a permit. use a van, pick-up or trailer less often, just marquee at the Wells Food Festival grow fruit and veg. plus 1pm-4pm Saturday (not Sunday or need to ensure they have a permit before on Sunday 9 October, stuffed with 8am-1pm Saturday). Each Somerset household can have one their first visit after 3 October. tasty tips and hints on how to waste As well as activities and games to less and stretch your budget, among ensure there is something for much else. everyone, the Food For Thought Denying permits to out-of-county residents will marquee will offer ideas about being New steps to tackle delays ensure they neither add to the costs paid by With support from many community creative with food and making tasty Somerset council tax payers or leave local groups, there will be lots of helpful dishes with leftovers. For details, see: Somerset has a rising population While surveys show Somerset recycling site people stuck behind them in site queues. advice to help the whole family take www.wellsfoodfestival.co.uk. users rate them highly, with an 87% satisfaction Most surrounding councils already restrict the and greater vehicle ownership, rating, a majority of residents want action size of vehicles using their recycling sites or while each household is, on taken on congestion through new controls on Kitchen or garden – New volunteers needed now how often they can visit, or exclude visitors large vehicles and out-of county visitors. average, producing more waste. from outside their patch. By chatting to others in your community, you could help Somerset residents recycle more, waste less and save cash. Excluding the largest vans or trailers, and Somerset is usually a leader when it comes to With an increasing number of trailers towed by vans or pick-ups, will ensure action on waste, from the county-wide Sort It The Compost Champion and Food Champion schemes give volunteers free visits to recycling sites – up these vehicles do not delay or put at risk those Plus service to the first large-scale food training, support materials and some expenses for promoting home composting driving cars. Weekend permit hours will collections and the annual end-use register’s or helping others save money by reducing food waste through simple practical 400,000 in recent years – those separate different vehicle users, easing the innovative transparency. In this case, tips. factors all worsen site congestion. heaviest congestion. Somerset is following the example of others. It is easy to find out more and get on the list for a future one-day course in coming months. Top performance from 37,000 hours a year, and the network only Because they must pay for their waste and For Compost Champion information, visit: www.somersetwaste.gov.uk closes completely on Christmas Day, What about face restrictions about the sites they can use, /more/composting/champions Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. your recycling sites local traders businesses will not need a permit, but at eight And for Food Champion information, visit: www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/ of the 10 sites they use they will have to abide Somerset’s sites take dozens of different more/food. Somerset’s recycling sites – 14 recycling Somerset is unusual in having by the permit system, including when they can centres, and two community recycling materials, from oil, both cooking and 10 recycling sites that can visit and the size or combination of vehicles For future Food Champion training, email [email protected] with sites with £2 entry fees to help keep them engine, to wood, both natural and take both household and Sales success for reuse brought in. “Food Champion” in the subject line. open – are a big success story. man-made, and hazardous items. paid-for commercial waste. prompts a second shop At only Highbridge and Taunton recycling As well as being probably the best Sites received 74,000 tonnes of waste This both combats fly-tipping centres will those who pay face no restrictions After Taunton Recycling Centre’s network of any county in terms of the for recycling or burial in landfill in 2015-16, and helps local businesses on their vehicles or access times, but measures Reuse Shop success, a second such number and their distribution, site up almost 1,700 tonnes on 2014-15. stay efficient and profitable are in place to ensure this has little or no effect shop is planned, this time at Chard recycling rates range from an excellent by allowing tradespeople, on ordinary residents with household waste. Recycling Centre. Once construction 68.37% in Wells to an impressive 84.64% in In all, they were visited 1.56 million times contractors and service firms bids are in, it is hoped work can be , and have an average of 76%. in 2015-16 – up almost 5% on the year to quickly and cost-effectively For details, businesses should ask at any completed in time for it to open by before, and about 400,000 more visits drop off waste as they criss- business site or check: Christmas for bargain gifts with the The sites are together open in excess of than in 2011-12. cross the county. www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/business. reuse twist. Waste Services Guide 20 16 /17

Recycling and Refuse Collections Recycling Sites Updates and More Online Collection times can vary so please leave at the Somerset has 14 recycling centres with free entry to ■ Sign up for our e-newsletter, get severe weather edge of your property by 7am on collection day. deposit household materials, and two community updates, and find advice on how to waste less, recycling sites with entry fees. Taunton Deane has recycle more and save money at: Kerbside Recycling Collections recycling centres at Taunton and Wellington. www.somersetwaste.gov.uk ■ Food waste, and kitchen towel, in food bin Taunton is open seven days a week, 8am-4pm. ■ Find us on Facebook and Twitter: ■ Paper, including newspapers, magazines, Wellington is open Saturday 8am-4pm, Sunday www.facebook.com/somersetwaste catalogues, directories 8am-1pm, Monday 8am-7pm, and Tuesday- http://twitter.com/somersetwaste ■ Cardboard (flatten, take large quantities to Wednesday 8am-4pm. For service issues, such as a missed collection or recycling site) and brown envelopes replacement container, do not use Facebook or ■ Glass bottles and jars (rinse, unbroken, no table Material charges from £3.60 apply to hardcore, soil, Twitter but report it to your district council customer or cookware, no window glass) tyres and gas bottles. Check SWP website or Somerset Direct for opening times and charges. services – see below. ■ Food and drink cans (rinse, squash if possible) ■ Aluminium foil (bag, clean) To cut congestion, improve services and enhance Communal Property Collections ■ Aerosols (empty, do not squash or pierce) safety, new measures for recycling sites begin from Most blocks of flats have bins for paper, glass and ■ Plastic bottles (rinse, no tops, pots, tubs, trays) Monday 3 October (see Page 1) that could affect can recycling, and for rubbish. both domestic and business users. For details, visit: ■ Textiles (bag to keep dry, label “textiles”) – e.g. www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/permits Cut-Price Home Compost Bins clothes, sheets, blankets, curtains (not stuffed Residents can buy home composting bins from items, such as pillows) Recycling sites have facilities for: £17.98 (plus p&p) or buy one, get one half price ■ Shoes (tie in pairs, bag to keep dry) ■ Asbestos and items containing asbestos (only (prices valid to 31 March 2017). Quote code Keep different materials roughly separate in Bridgwater, Frome, Highbridge, , SOM13A at www.getcomposting.co.u k. Street, Taunton, Yeovil; double bag, seal. NEW: recycling collection boxes. Put extra materials – pre-pay on website, ring site before visiting) Somerset Furniture Reuse Network except food waste – in carrier bags. For ■ Batteries (car, household) Somerset’s furniture reuse charity network needs containers, contact Taunton Deane Borough ■ Beverage cartons, e.g. Tetra Pak (all except donations of good quality household items and Council (see below right). , Cheddar, , and appliances in working order to sell at low prices to Bank Holiday Collections Somerton) local people on limited incomes. Details: Christmas and New Year 2016/17 ■ Books, CDs and DVDs (only Somerton, Street www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/more/furniture . and Wells) All services continue as usual, including assisted ■ Cans (food, drink and aerosols) Customer Services and clinical waste collections, except: ■ Cardboard Contact Taunton Deane Borough Council about: Usual collection day Revised collection day ■ Electrical appliances and equipment ■ Collection days and calendars (check Fri 23 Dec 2016 No change ■ Fridges and freezers www.tauntondeane.gov.uk ) Mon 26 Dec 2016 Tue 27 Dec 2016 ■ Garden waste (see website or seek advice on ■ Kerbside recycling and refuse collections, Tue 27 Dec 2016 Wed 28 Dec 2016 Ash dieback, and Japanese Knotweed, including requests for new containers Wed 28 Dec 2016 Thu 29 Dec 2016 Common Ragwort and other controlled plants) ■ Garden waste collections (charges apply) ■ Assisted collections for those with difficulty Thu 29 Dec 2016 Fri 30 Dec 2016 ■ Gas bottles (charges apply) ■ Glass - bottles and jars moving recycling or refuse containers Fri 30 Dec 2016 Sat 31 Dec 2016 ■ Hardcore (concrete/rubble; charges apply) ■ Clinical waste collections Mon 2 Jan 2017 Tues 3 Jan 2017 ■ Hazardous household waste (e.g. garden ■ Communal recycling and refuse collections Tue 3 Jan 2017 Wed 4 Jan 2017 chemicals, paint) ■ Bulky waste collections (charges apply) Wed 4 Jan 2017 Thu 5 Jan 2017 ■ Lighting (fluorescent tubes, long-life bulbs) www.tauntondeane.gov.uk Thu 5 Jan 2017 Fri 6 Jan 2017 ■ Metal (scrap metal) [email protected] Fri 6 Jan 2017 Sat 7 Jan 2017 ■ Mobile phones for charity 01823 356346 Mon 9 Jan 2017 Usual collections resume ■ Oil (cooking and engine) ■ Paper (newspaper, magazines, directories) Contact Somerset Direct about: Garden waste collections suspended from Monday ■ Plasterboard (all except Castle Cary, Cheddar, ■ Recycling sites 26 December 2016, resuming from Monday 9 Minehead, Somerton, Wellington) (NEW: pre-pay www.somersetwaste.gov.uk January 2017 on usual days. on SWP website) [email protected] ■ Plastic bottles (all except Cheddar) 0300 123 2224 Easter, May and August 2017 – collection ■ Plastic food pots, tubs and trays (trial in Taunton and Wellington only) Your Somerset Waste Board representatives dates provisional, see website for updates. ■ Residual waste (including window glass) Taunton Deane Borough Council Usual collection day Revised collection day ■ Soil (charges apply) Cllrs Patrick Berry and Steve Ross Good Fri 14 Apr 2017 Sat 15 Apr 2017 ■ Textiles (clothes, bedding, curtains) and shoes Somerset County Council Easter Mon 17 Apr 2017 1 day later that week* ■ Toner cartridges for charity Cllrs David Hall and Derek Yeomans Early May Mon 1 May 2017 1 day later that week* ■ Tyres (charges apply) Spring Mon 29 May 2017 1 day later that week* ■ Vehicle parts (charges apply; only Bridgwater, Don’t Waste Your Somerset Summer Mon 28 Aug 2017 1 day later that week* Chard, Frome, Highbridge, Minehead, Street, A quick reminder that the new Waste Not Somerset Taunton, Wellington, Williton, Yeovil) *For example, Friday collection on Saturday. campaign is a great chance for local groups and ■ Wood interested individuals to take a green lead by If Collections are Missed fostering greater involvement in waste reduction, In usual circumstances, contact customer services Christmas and New Year 2016/17 reuse, repair, recycling and composting. and put out containers for two working days for a Recycling sites open as usual except all close catch-up collection. In severe weather, put out Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Promoted through Waste Not Somerset’s own recycling for up to four calendar days and rubbish Facebook group, it offers fun ways to help for up to seven calendar days. If still not collected, Business Waste Recycling communities come together to waste far less, put out by 7am on the next usual collection day. See website for waste company directory and recycle much more and make household budgets To maintain main services, we may suspend details of commercial recycling facilities available go further. garden and bulky waste collections. Clinical at Bridgwater, Chard, Frome, Highbridge, To find out more, see the centre pages and check: waste collections will restart as soon as possible. Minehead, Street, Taunton, Wellington, Williton and www.somersetwaste.gov.uk. For full advice, see the website. Yeovil recycling sites.

For further information visit www.somersetwaste.gov.uk Flu/Healthwatch 13

In a group at risk Flu can be You’re eligible Anyone aged from six months to 65 years with a Prevent very serious, if you are… long-term health condition such as so don’t put ◗ Respiratory or lung A child diseases (for example, Your child will get a quick, COPD, emphysema, off getting effective and painless nasal bronchitis, asthma) spray, which will help protect Heart disease them and help reduce flu ◗ the flu Liver or kidney disease spreading to others. ◗ Neurological conditions Pre-school children aged ◗ vaccination, Diabetes two, three and four need to ◗ Weakened immune system see their GP. Children in ◗ get it now. ◗ Asplenia flu school years 1,2, and 3 in primary school will receive Over 65 It’s free the vaccine at school. because you Pregnant A frontline health and Flu increases the risk of social care worker. becoming seriously ill if you Speak to your employer need it. are pregnant, as your to find out more. immune system is Why should we get weakened. Flu can cause the flu vaccination? serious complications for you The vaccine is the best and your baby, which could make you both seriously ill. protection we have against The vaccine can be safely an unpredictable virus. administered during any It’s vital that you have the stage of pregnancy. vaccine every year to protect yourself against different A carer For more information strains of flu, which evolve If you care for an elderly or speak to your GP each year. It reduces the disabled person, or a family or local pharmacist risk of serious illness, member whose welfare may or visit hospitalisation and even be at risk if you are ill with www.nhs.uk/staywell death. flu.

Last chance to The Healthwatch Somerset survey on have your say GP services is only live until the end of on GP services September. So don’t delay and make sure you have your say on how you access GP appointments and services in Somerset. You can complete the survey online at http://bit.ly/2a608ef . The information you give us will be used to help shape the development of Primary Care Services in Somerset. For more information, or to request a paper version of the survey, phone (01823) 751403 or email [email protected] 14 Volunteer drivers

Somerset County Council YOUR SOMERSET Autumn 2016 P15 Appointments WANTED! Volunteer drivers

Do you enjoy About You driving? Are you over 18? Please tick Do you have ‘yes’ Please tick community spirit ‘yes’ Do you have use of

and a willingness Please tick your own four-door to help others? ‘yes’ car?

Do you have some Do you hold a full, Please Please tick current driving tick spare time you ‘yes’ ‘yes’ could commit to licence with no volunteering? more than six points?

If you answered yes to all of the above…read on! Vounteer drivers 15

“I cannot praise the volunteer drivers We’re looking for highly enough - It is a wonderful job people from across that they do. If you need to use Somerset to help e them frequently (as I did) CCaasse some of them become people get to and from y friends!” medical appointments, studdy to day centres and to s leisure activities.

A transport service for vulnerable children and adults, described by its users as a ‘lifesaver’ and a ‘godsend’, is appealing for more volunteer drivers. Somerset County Council currently provides transport for eligible non-emergency NHS patients and social care users, ranging from young children to the elderly. A dedicated army of nearly 200 fantastic drivers act as volunteers, but the ageing population in Somerset means demand for transport is growing and more volunteers are needed. Volunteer drivers can come from all walks of life – male, female, old, young, working, retired – we Michael Platt a volunteer driver even have couples who travel together. If you have a few hours to spare and enjoy driving and ichael Platt, 76, is a landscapes and interesting people. helping people, please get in touch. retired teacher and After my first day out on the road I M got home and wrote an account of former head of department my day. It was over 3,000 words Your mileage expenses at Queens College. He lives long and gave a real insight into my will be reimbursed at with his wife in Taunton. experience as a volunteer driver. up to 50p per mile. Michael has been a Each time I went out I added to it volunteer driver for 15 years with tales about the people I had To find out more, phone Somerset You and gives up time on a met and the places I had been. By Can Do on (01278) 664180 or visit Monday and Friday, covering the end of my first year I had a www.somerset.gov.uk/volunteering around 60 to 100 miles each number of stories, so decided to put week as a volunteer driver. them together into a little book to sell for charity. I changed all names and addresses, so that it was He said: “Volunteer driving is very completely anonymous, and rewarding. I do it because I enjoy published it myself. I called it ‘Diary driving, I enjoy meeting people, and I of a Hospital Car Driver’. I sold all enjoy being useful. You get to know 500 copies I’d had printed and gave the people who use the service very all the money to good causes. well, and they really appreciate the help that you give them.” I’ve since gone on to write two more volumes about my experiences and “I am 85 years old and nearly blind, but I “When I started driving it was such a raised well over £2,500 for medical count my blessings for the service you give different role to being stuck in a charities. That’s my biggest me. To all that are part of this service, my classroom. I found myself driving contribution, and one that makes very sincere thank you!” around Somerset thinking about me very proud. It would not have what a fantastic county this is, with been possible had I not become a such a variety of beautiful villages, volunteer driver in Somerset.” 16 Explore Somerset

Get out and about, Explore Somerset

South West Coast Path and Selworthy Beacon In honour of the launch of Explore Somerset, we thought we’d bring back a few of your favourite walks from the Your Somerset archives. and Selworthy Beacon Somerset is home to more than 9,000 Rights of Way .

Now thanks to our new online mapping system it means getting out and about and discovering the wonders of our beautiful county has never been easier. Explore Somerset can be found at DOWNLOAD www.somerset.gov.uk/rightsofway and MAP allows you to plan your route across all www.southwestcoastpath.com / 3,800 miles of public Rights of Way in Somerset – ranging from coastal paths to moorland trails . The interactive system can also be used to simply report any issues you find on a Right of Way – such as a broken stile or blocked paths. You can log issues on the map, and it also gives you the option to upload photos to help wardens easily locate the problem. Then, if you leave us your email address, we can keep you updated and let you know when things have been The South West Coast Path starts at Minehead in Somerset and runs right resolved. around the South West peninsula to Harbour in Dorset, covering We will be looking at making further exciting 630 miles. improvements to the Explore Somerset website, which Selworthy Beacon is a short detour from the South West Coast Path and gives include developing a volunteer module for all the stunning panoramic views of Dunkery Beacon to the south, South Wales to fantastic people and groups who give up their time to the north, the Channel coast and to the east, and the help the County Council look after the Rights of Way network. North Devon coast to the west. If you have any queries about Explore Somerset, email The Beacon can either be accessed by walking from Minehead, or for a shorter [email protected]. Or, if you’re interested in walk, from Selworthy or Bossington, where car parks are available. For more becoming part of our team of volunteers looking after information about the South West Coast Path, or a printable map with our path network, then please visit directions , visit www.southwestcoastpath.com www.somerset.gov.uk/rightsofway or email [email protected] Travel Somerset 17

www.travelsomerset.co.uk

Your new Travel destination cfor live traffic and travel cSomerset information f you’re planning a journey in Somerset receive live updates by following and want to avoid any unnecessary delays, @TravelSomerset . And, if you spot a problem Icheck out the new ‘Travel Somerset’ that you think we might not be aware of - website at www.travelsomerset.co.uk before please tweet us directly so we can share it you set off. with others.

It’s a mobile-friendly website, so you can even The new website not only covers Somerset’s get live updates of unplanned travel incidents roads, you can also find information on buses 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while and public transport, live departure boards you’re on the go. (But please don’t use your for all Somerset’s train stations, flight details phone while driving – be safe and get a for local airports, and sections on walking and passenger to check for you.) You will also find cycling. The website will continue to be details of current and future planned developed and improved. roadworks and road closures on a simple searchable map. So take a look now at www.travelsomerset.co.uk . Sign up toc have So, let us be your eyes and ears on the road. live alerts about severe travel incidents sent Our traffic control team, who have a birds-eye directly to your phone or device, or register view of what’s happening on the county’s for email alerts about planned roadworks and busiest routes, is on twitter, so you can road closures on routes of your choice.

Spotted a Need a ride to Sixth Form or college? problem Students over the age of 16 The Student County can now apply for their Ticket costs £675 on our roads? Student County Ticket online at www.somerset.gov.uk/ and payments can Use our map to report it online. countyticket. be spread over a If you spot a problem on 10 month period. Somerset’s roads you can now The ticket, called the report it to us online using a ‘Love the Bus’ County Ticket, For more information visit new interactive map. allows students to travel to the webpage, phone Sixth Form or college on any 0300 123 2224 or email public service bus route The ‘Report It’ function allows people to [email protected]. across the county, including report any highways issues across all school bus routes where 4,206 miles of road in Somerset – from The County Council also available. potholes and blocked drains to overgrown signs offers a cycle loan scheme, or flooding. which allows students to hire It is the first bus ticket to a bike, lights and lock for a make use of our new year, with the option to Simply search for the location on the map, log the ‘Love the Bus’ Smartcard issue and fill in the details. You can also leave an purchase the bike at the technology, which in time end of the year. email address to receive updates on any potholes will cover various kinds of reported. To report a problem, simply follow the bus tickets, making it easier For more information, visit link on the Travel Somerset website at for passengers to pay for www.movingsomersetforward www.travelsomerset.co.uk . their bus travel. .co.uk/bike-loan . To find out more about advertising in Your Somerset , email [email protected]

17 20 ing FREE ENTRY spr in ing 8 Oct - 31 Dec en at Op

Open Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 am - 5.00 pm 01823 255088 , Castle Green, Taunton TA1 4AA

museumofsomerset.org.uk

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Get a feel for A Levels, vocational courses and college life 1 0 2 | 4 1 0 2 RegisterStrode College, Church online: Road, Street, www.strode-college.ac.uk Somerset BA16 0AB Tel: 01458 844400 Contact us by telephone, post and email. 2016/17 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 Council Term 1: 4 September - 20 October 2017 (01823) 278805 0300 303 8588 Term 2: 30 October - 21 December 2017 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 0330 332 7997 Taunton Deane Borough Council Please note: These are the term dates and holidays for (01823) 356356 community and voluntary controlled schools. Academies, Somerset Waste Parnership District Council free schools, foundation schools and voluntary-aided

(01823) 625700 (01643) 703704 schools have the freedom to set their own term dates . o

schools

Important notice l Starting or moving schools next year? Jon and Anne Snow If your child is due to start school for the first time (if they 9 9 Centre Directors turn five between 1 September 2015 and 31 August 9 9 ­13 Paul Street, 2016 ) or is set to transfer to junior, middle, secondary or 9 Reading 9 Comprehension Taunton, TA1 3PF upper school next September, then you must make sure 9 Writing 9 Maths 01823 276696 07941 056353 you get your applications in on time. Spelling GCSE English @ [email protected] Grammar GCSE Maths kipmcgrath.co.uk/taunton Deadline for secondary admissions facebook.com/kipmcgrath.taunton 31 Oct 2016 Deadline for primary admissions 15 Jan 2017

To download the primary or secondary school booklet for parents, to make an online application or for more information, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/admissions and choose the page ‘Apply to Start School’ or ‘Apply to Transfer School’. Or, if you need a paper application form or further advice, phone 0300 123 2224. To find out more about advertising in Your Somerset , email [email protected]

On Saturday 8 October the opens ‘Wild Art’, an exhibition of photography, sculpture and painting by the brothers Andrew and David Neal. Wild Art The brothers have been fascinated by nature since childhood. In the 1940s and 1950s they explored the Somerset countryside on family walks, cycle and canoe adventures. The boys collected plants, butterflies and other specimens to create their own mini-museum in the attic of the family home in Taunton. From these beginnings two very different art forms developed. David uses painting and sculpture to tell Brothers, David (left) and Andrew (right). stories that link the natural world to our everyday lives. Andrew’s photography features animal shapes and faces hidden in the landscape and invites viewers to offer their own interpretations.

Sculpture The museum, in Taunton, is open Tuesday to Saturday ‘Good Connections’ 10am until 5pm. The exhibition is free to enter and runs until 31 December. For more information, visit museumofsomerset.org.uk

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.

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Deane Helpline 01823 257185

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