Taunton Deane Your Somerset WINTER 2016

Stay well this winter Power of & We’re ready for winter - are you? Be a volunteer driver pages 6&7 page 8 pages 10&11 page 17 First class plan Somerset needs a university – and we will work to see one created in our county omerset faces a ‘brain drain’ more homes and more opportunities where young people leave to study are generated. Sin other parts of the country – and once they’ve gone, the majority do not “That’s why our strategic plan and come back. devolution deal proposal both have a university at their heart, as a key target. Over the coming weeks, we will publish Yes we face huge pressures with our loss our strategic plan – with a university a key of funding, but some items have such a target. And, at the same time we will, with strategic importance that we must do all our partners across Somerset and Devon, we can to make them happen. ” publish our bid to government for a devolution deal – again a university Thousands of jobs is a key ‘ask’ of government. Both our County Plan and the devolution Challenges deal focus on the need for homes and economic growth, with new business “We know we face challenges with an parks planned to create thousands of ageing population and all the pressure jobs across Somerset and a new ‘garden that brings on our services and those of town’ up for discussion. the rest of the public sector, ” said Council Leader, John Osman. To have your say, join in our various consultation events during the coming “This is in part fuelled by the large months – we will publish details on our proportion of our population who leave website at www.somerset.gov.uk Somerset to study and then find work The county’s strategic plan also sets elsewhere. targets on our children’s and adults’ “One of the major ways to tackle this services, economy and community issue is to see a university set up in the services. Taking money from someone county. We want to support this, and help without asking is theft. If you are create an environment where more jobs, For more information, see page 2. worried someone is being taken advantage of, tell us, we can help. Somerset THINKING IT? REPORT IT. Discover Skills & Learning CIC what you could be doing this year See our safeguarding feature on page 14 pages 4 & 5 02 News n

Foreword e Devolution w

s revolution

A new university for Somerset, more jobs, more

j homes, better road and rail links, improved

By Council Leader, John Osman u broadband and mobile phone coverage – these are just some of the key ‘asks’ we are making to he Government has made it clear we would like to see from government government as part of our joint devolution bid. Tthat our funding will be reduced through our Devolution Deal Proposal, s

each year for the next five years. That and also what we think we can deliver t puts us under huge pressure to deliver ourselves through our own County Plan. the much valued services we provide.

If you would like to learn more about i

These services include looking after frail both our devolution bid and the County n and elderly people, protecting children, Plan, more information will be available providing good roads, schools, local soon on our websites at transport and boosting www.somerset.gov.uk and . Somerset’s economy. somersetcountyplan.org.uk . . All of this was made We would love to hear your more difficult by the views, so please take part in Government’s spending our consultations when they review back in December. ? are announced. Details will be But there were some positive published on our website and announcements from the notices will be put up in public We have joined up with partners from across the Chancellor too. He has recognised that places, like our libraries. South West * to make a bid for more powers and funding for our social services is at more investment from government to a local level. breaking point and has ‘allowed us’ to We do have some difficult decisions to raise Council Tax by an additional two make as we try to make our reduced “Although the devolution deal is not agreed and we per cent to cover some of this. We will finances stretch further. But we also are still working up the detail, it is clear that this will make a decision on this in February. have some great opportunities to boost be an important opportunity for the South West, and our county and improve people’s lives. Somerset is taking a lead, ” said Council Leader, He has also offered to devolve powers John Osman. and investment to the regions. This edition of Your Somerset gives an Please take the time to get “We are working alongside businesses to see what will insight into our thinking as to what involved and have your say. help boost our economy and productivity – that is a key element throughout the proposal. We want to show government that by giving us devolved powers, we will Editor’s Info deliver increased growth. ” To get in contact with Your Somerset or to Transport, skills and joined-up health and social advertise in this publication, contact Lauren care provision are also key elements of the deal. Fellingham on (01823) 359176 , email [email protected] or write to “Our ideas for the NHS and social services working as us at Your Somerset , one are ground-breaking, and we are getting national Somerset County Council, interest. Devolution will help turn this from plans FREEPOST NAT 9109, through to reality. It will make a huge difference to County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY. residents, as well as helping make public finances go further, ” he said. We gratefully acknowledge the support of organisations that advertise in Your Somerset , but Somerset County Council * Devon County Council, all the district and unitary can accept no responsibility for the products or authorities within the two counties, two national parks services advertised. We advise readers to make and leading businesses through the Local Enterprise their own enquires before purchasing products Partnership to draft a proposal about what powers and or services. investment we want devolved from government to a local level. The timetable will see a devolution deal Pssst... Your Somerset costs 5p per copy proposed to the Government in the coming months. to produce. News 03 Libraries for the future The way that people use libraries is changing, so we need to change! News We need to make sure the library service is fit for the future, while delivering much needed financial savings. in brief We know how important the technology in our libraries and in Glastonbury in autumn 2016, library service is to people more opportunities to ‘do it with services including the Got a road across Somerset, so we online’. While other services, library, children’s centre, have bold new plans, for example children’s Citizens Advice, registration traffic problem? which set out how we centres, will benefit services and Mendip District will do everything we from sharing resources Council. Then find a solution can to make the with other public with our new Traffic service more services. This will lead Work is underway to gather sustainable and keep to an improved and feedback from residents Choices website! all Somerset libraries more efficient customer about the hub plans, We’ve launched a new website open. experience and reduce costs. including how and when to help people understand how As part of the plans, we are The new hubs will provide they access library services to tackle traffic issues in their working with partners to create modern, flexible spaces to and how the service could local communities. meet local community needs. better meet their needs in a number of hubs across the The Traffic Choices website We know that there is ‘no one county, which will bring several the future. provides information about size fits all’ solution and most public services together under different options that can libraries will see a reduction in If you would like to read more one roof. This includes libraries. be used to solve problems on opening hours, but we will work about this and share your views, the road. So, whether you’re We want to introduce more with local partners to find visit www.somerset.gov.uk/ concerned about pedestrian self-service options and new solutions.The first hub will open hubandlibraries. safety, speeding vehicles or inconsiderate parking, this is the first place to go. Flood protection Major flood protection work continues across Somerset in 2016, as the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) backs new schemes to protect people, property and businesses. The SRA has been set up to deliver higher standards of flood protection than normal national funding allows. The website has details on The biggest proposed scheme for 2016/17 is the latest all the various solutions which phase of works to improve the water-carrying capacities may be available, and uses of the River Sowy and King’s Sedgemoor Drain. This could pictures and video clips reduce the extent and duration of flooding across a wide to show how each option area, saving farms and wildlife from damaging summer works. It also explains the flooding. pros and cons. Other schemes for the first part of this year include, If you have a traffic issue then maintenance dredging – and new dredging – of the River you can view the options on Parrett, and local measures in Old Cleeve to Blue Anchor Traffic Choices website, then Road, Wembdon, Washford, Combe Florey, Enmore, get in touch with your local Wootton Courtenay, Holford, Minehead, Wigborough, Exton, parish or town council and Sampford Brett and Bicknoller. your County Councillor to discuss it further. If you would like to find out more about these schemes from the SRA and the Environment Agency, come along to a public drop-in For more information, visit session in Othery Village Hall, on Wednesday 3 February, between www.trafficchoices.co.uk/ 2.30pm and 7.30pm. somerset. 04 & 05 Safeguarding Adults Thinking it? Report it! Help us to protect vulnerable adults from harm F A Referrals are increasing – the C

T number of referrals to Somerset’s safeguarding team increased by 48 per cent between 2013/14 and 2014/15. Margaret’s story * Margaret was supported after worried neighbours voiced their concerns.

Margaret, who is in her 70s, lives in a mobile home with her husband and their dog. Neighbours reported that they were not coping well. The house was dirty, with rotting food everywhere. Margaret seemed very weak. Her neighbours said she was all skin and bone, and the dog appeared to be on its last legs. The safeguarding team gradually built up a relationship with Margaret and won her trust.

The social worker who led this case, said: “We were worried that they were embarrassed by their situation, A new campaign called ‘Thinking on others for their care, can be and possibly scared to go into hospital. Gradually we managed to persuade them that they had rights, and it? Report it’ has been launched neglected and taken advantage of by others in a number of ways. didn’t have to live like this. We arranged for a district in Somerset, urging people to nurse, occupational therapist and specialist care team make contact if they think This can be physical harm, bullying, to visit to encourage them and give advice.” someone is at risk of harm. discrimination, neglect or financial abuse. It can affect vulnerable men Margaret agreed to go into hospital. It meant the If you’re worried that someone is being and women from all social backgrounds. team could work on a care plan for her discharge, harmed or neglected in some way, or Abuse can happen anywhere. In some get the home cleared up and provide support to her not able to look after themselves, make cases, the abuser may be a member of husband. “We always respect people’s decisions. sure you report it. Our safeguarding the victim’s own family or someone who But we work with them and others to persuade services can look into it and find out is paid to care for them. That makes the them they have options.” what is happening. problem more hidden and we need people to come forward if they have any F A

We know that there are vulnerable suspicions that something might not be C Abuse – of the incidents people in Somerset who are being right. There may also be people who are T investigated in 2014/15, subjected to abuse, but they may lack unable to look after themselves but the ability, knowledge or support to haven’t sought the help that’s available. the most common types of challenge it or do something about it. alleged abuse were physical The campaign has been launched with That’s why we need people to speak up (35 per cent), neglect (23 per for them. If you suspect it, think it, hear support from Somerset’s Safeguarding it or see it, report it to us. Your Adults Board, a group of agencies, cent), psychological/emotional intervention could save someone’s life. which includes Somerset County Council, the police, the NHS and others, (19 per cent), financial (14 per People who are physically, emotionally who work together to protect vulnerable cent), and sexual (5 per cent). or psychologically frail and dependent adults from harm. F A

C Not always abuse – two thirds T of all referrals were not cases of abuse, but often resulted in the person having their care needs assessed or reviewed. Annie’s story * Annie’s story illustrates the crucial work of our safeguarding team in supporting people who neglect themselves after experiencing a traumatic incident in their lives.

Annie was found by police wandering drunk and half naked in the street. They got in contact with the safeguarding team. The social worker who led the What is adult abuse? case visited Annie – who is in her 60s – at home. Initially, Annie, who is very independent, didn’t want Abuse of vulnerable adults is widespread and complex. In many to talk, but the social worker eventually reassured her that she was there to help. Annie couldn’t remember cases, the type of abuse suffered by a victim is wide ranging. the incident. The police said that when they found her she talked about not knowing where her husband was. Physical abuse Neglect and acts of omission After some digging around, the social worker found This can include assault, hitting, This can include ignoring medical, out he was very ill in hospital and sadly, he later died. kicking, slapping, pushing, misuse emotional or physical care needs, of medicines, imposing restrictions failure to provide access to appropriate He had been Annie’s main carer, and it was clear that on another person. health, social care or educational she was vulnerable. She had problems with alcohol services, and withholding of the and was not able to look after herself. Her children, Financial or material abuse necessities of life, such as medicines, who don’t live in the area, were worried that Annie This can include theft, fraud, internet adequate nutrition and heating. wouldn’t be able to cope and would kill herself – as scamming, exploitation, and pressure she had often threatened. They felt frustrated and about wills, property, possessions or Discriminatory abuse wanted something done. The social worker said: benefits. This can include harassment because “This was a challenging case, requiring the support of race, gender and gender identity, of a range of agencies. Psychological or emotional age, disability, sexual orientation or abuse religion. “It was agreed that a psychiatric nurse and community This can include verbal assault, support team would visit and make an assessment.” intimidation, emotional abuse, Organisational abuse deprivation of contact, threats of This can include neglect and poor care The case continues but the social worker is clear that harm or abandonment, humiliation practice within an institution or specific the safeguarding team have made a difference. She or blaming. care setting, such as a hospital or care said: “We have to make sure that Annie is given home, or care provided in the home. choices, whether that’s respite care, home help or a Sexual abuse day centre. If she chooses not to take them, then that’s Self-neglect This can include indecent exposure, her decision, but we have to keep giving her choices This covers a wide range of behaviour, sexual harassment, inappropriate and supporting her with the choices she makes.” such as neglecting to care for personal looking or touching, and sexual acts, hygiene, health or surroundings, and which the adult has not consented to includes behaviour, such as hoarding or was pressured into consenting. * Names have been changed to protect the identities or not getting to medical appointments. of people involved. How can I report? To report concerns, email [email protected] or phone 0300 123 2224. In an emergency, always dial 999. 06 & 07 Stay Well this Winter Stay Well this Winter Cold weather doesn't have to go hand-in-hand with illness. Here are some simple things you can do to help yourself stay well this winter.

Keep warm – this may help prevent pregnant women, carers and some There’s lots of help and advice on colds, flu or more serious health conditions, young children to make sure that they staying warm and well during winter such as heart attacks, strokes and are protected against catching flu and at www.nhs.uk/staywell , or phone pneumonia. developing serious complications. 0300 123 2224 .

Eat well – food gives you energy, which The NHS ‘Stay Well this Winter’ campaign Or, phone the NHS 111 health helpline helps to keep you warm. So, try to have urges people over 65, or adults and children when you don’t know what local health regular hot meals and drinks throughout with long-term health conditions, such as service you need, or if you become ill after the day. diabetes, stroke, heart disease or respiratory your GP surgery has closed. The 111 illness to prepare for winter with advice on number is free from mobiles or landlines Get a flu jab – flu vaccination is offered how to ward off common illnesses, so they and available 24 hours a day, 365 days of free of charge to people who are at risk, don’t require a hospital visit. the year. What will you do with your Winter Fuel Payment?

n 2010, after one of their supporters asked if past two winters in Somerset alone, and with one he could ‘recycle’ his Winter Fuel Payment to in three pensioner households now thought to be Ihelp pensioners in crisis in the coldest months, in fuel poverty, the need for local support is the Somerset Community Foundation launched greater than ever. the Surviving Winter Appeal. Here’s what they had to say: Since then over £100,000 has been raised in Somerset, which has been redistributed to local “A client in her 60s lived off her savings and charities and community organisations able to then sold her possessions. She lit candles to reach hundreds of people in desperate need save electricity and heating costs. ” of help. “When we visit we make an assessment and The funds are used directly to help people with carry out an energy survey. As a result we have their fuel bills or to make sure services, been instrumental in referring several people such as lunch clubs, meals on wheels for grants for insulation, which will make their and community transport, can go the homes warmer and cut down what they spend extra mile in the coldest weather. on fuel. ” In 2011, the Somerset Community “Thank you, this money means that we can Foundation spearheaded the have our heating on more in the colder days national campaign, with over for longer. ” £2m raised by Community Every penny donated is directly recycled in this Foundations throughout the way, while the cost of running the scheme is country, helping an estimated covered by gift aid received from the Government. 7,500 people. To support the appeal or ask for help, With over 500 recorded visit www.somersetcf.org.uk or phone ‘excess winter deaths’ over the (01749) 344949 . Working together to respond to winter pressures As the weather gets colder local hospitals and GP practices get busier and demand for adult Do you have social care support increases. Our adult social care services support people to leave a long-term hospital quickly and safely. They also help people stay independent and well at home – avoiding the need to health go to hospital. condition? We work very closely with our colleagues in the health service to make sure people’s move from hospital to home, or a care home, is as smooth as possible. And in turn this allows the hospitals to free up beds and treat more people during this very busy time of If you feel like you’re the year. getting a cough or a cold on top of your existing In September 2015 we set up a ‘Health condition, get advice from your pharmacist before Interface Service’ where dedicated social it gets more serious. care teams are based in the hospitals.

Having the team in the hospitals has led to much closer working and better planned discharges – so people go home at the right time and with the social care services they need. By working together we are meeting the needs of people in the best way possible and helping to manage the huge demand on the health service in the winter months.

Play your part this winte r

oluntary agencies play an important role during the winter months. They are the eyes and ears on the ground for emergency responders and Vpublic utilities in a range of emergencies, from power cuts to house fires. The Somerset Emergency Voluntary Agencies Group - SEVAG for short - works alongside all six local authorities in emergency situations, especially when residents need welfare support. Organisations within SEVAG can be called out at any time by the Somerset Local Authorities Civil Contingencies Unit Duty Officer. êQGRXWDERXW SEVAG has trained, skilled and very organised volunteers who offer a variety I want to of specialised aid, for example first aid, transport, counselling and visiting vulnerable people. If you feel you could give some time to volunteer and would like to join one these services. of these agencies, visit: Where do I go? British Red Cross at www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer Royal Voluntary Service at www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/volunteer Wessex 4x4 Response at www.wessex4x4response.org.uk/join/ St John Ambulance at www.sja.org.uk/sja/volunteer.aspx Burnham Area Rescue Boa t at http://burnham-on-sea.com/barb/ Samaritans at www.samaritans.org/volunteer-us

To find out more about volunteering, visit the volunteering page on the Somerset County Council website at www.somerset.gov.uk/volunteering Power

Suzanne Hannaford of Social Worker Adults Social Care We’ve launched &a nationwide drive to recruit staff to some of the most important jobs at Somerset County Council.

The ‘Power of &’ initiative is Children’s Team showcasing what the county and Recruiting permanent social workers for Children’s the Council has to offer as it Services is particularly important as we carry on our looks to recruit social workers for ambitious improvements. It’s an incredibly important Children’s and Adults’ Services, as and rewarding job. At any one time, our social workers & well as engineers and staff to work are working with over 3,000 children, on building projects. including around 500 in care. Even in these difficult financial times, people who can We have a commitment to reduce fieldwork caseloads do these highly-skilled, valuable and rewarding jobs are down to an average of 14 (fewer than most other local in great demand nationwide. authorities) and our team managers should have teams of no more than six. These commitments will allow social workers to spend more time on individual cases so that they can deliver the kind of support they, the Council, and residents want to see.

We call it the power of ‘ &’. It’s a small word, but it’s a big deal. Because it captures the & spirit of Somerset: inclusive & optimistic, progressive & forward-thinking. Adults’ Team As our population grows and ages, having enough social workers to support vulnerable adults is We have a range of permanent posts available at increasingly important. We spend around £100m the County Council and we’ve been improving every year in this area, and a further £60m looking our rewards package. As a new recruit you can expect after adults with learning disabilities. a competitive salary, a relocation allowance, flexible & working and a real commitment to career development It’s an exciting time for Adult Services. We’re working that will bring out the best in you, so you can do your ever closer with partners in the NHS, the police and We challenge best for Somerset. beyond, with an increasing focus on providing support what’s gone in the community. You’ll get autonomy and support in before. &, Living in Somerset you’ll know what a fantastic place equal measure and we’re committed to civilised most importantly, this is to live, work and raise a family. So, if you work in working hours. we do it together. any of these roles, but not for Somerset County Council, please get in touch to find out what we have to offer. For information about the exciting roles available, And, if you have friends or family in other parts of the rewards that come with them and what it’s like the country who may be interested, why not let them to work at the Somerset County Council, please visit know what’s on offer here and encourage them to www.socialcareandmore.co.uk find out more? Fostering 09 Make 2016 matter - foster for Somerset Despite first appearances, you don’t have to be Seven steps super human to be a foster carer! But the difference you could make to a child or teenager to fostering… who needs that extra support is . extraordinary 

Step 1: Phone 0800 587 9900 We urgently need circumstances, experienced abuse or visit www.foster Read more  ordinary people or neglect, or have parents unable adoptsomerset.org.uk who can offer a to care for them. They need to download or to be safe, stable home to a child over enthusiastic, resilient and sent an information the age of 10 when their own supportive foster parents or booklet. Step 2: family is unable to. Children and families to be there for them, Fill in paperwork and young people may have complex and give them hope. initial checks Step 3: Attend training Step 4: You will need to be over 21 It doesn’t matter if you’re single, Your assessment with a spare room in your home, married, in a same sex relationship,  enthusiasm, a willingness to learn  own or rent your home, have Step 5: and bucket loads of patience. children of your own, or not. The Foster Panel recommends if you should be approved Eve and Matt foster young people aged between 13 and 19, and wouldn’t have it any other way. Eve is 45 Step 6: and a full-time foster mum and Matt, 41, is a self- Start fostering! Say hello to employed builder. They live with daughter Sophie, who  Step 7: is 25, dogs Clifford and Gus, and their talkative parrot, Ongoing development Eve and Matt! Bella, who all play their part in their fostering family. and support Eve says: “We’ve both been through a lot in our lives. I experienced domestic abuse growing up, spent time in women’s refuges and went to five different secondary  schools. Take your first I can really relate to the children, step today – come to our information and what it’s like to have nothing. event at Taunton’s Holiday Inn Express “So I can deal with a lot of the things that crop up. on Monday 1 There’s always something new that comes to the table when it comes to fostering young people, but nothing February, between fazes us.” 7pm and 9pm. Or, phone 0800 587 Matt adds: “We can relate to most circumstances the or visit children have found themselves in. We find a lot of 9900 children who have come into care haven’t got father www.fosteradopt figures. I’ve not seen my dad for 23 years, so I can talk somerset.org.uk to them about it, which helps them open up about for more information. their own situations.”

To find out more about fostering or 0800 587 9900 adoption, phone: www.fosteradoptsomerset.org.uk Spring Chilton Trinity Gardens

A38 We’re ready for A362 A3098 A39 A39 Berkley Down

Newtown winter – are you? Sydenham FROME Our Highways Team is ready for winter with seven new gritters to keep our roads safe Northfield A372 A362 when temperatures plummet. A361 A3090 We have a fleet of 23 gritters and a stockpile of 7,000 BRIDGWATER tonnes of salt at depots across Somerset, ready to treat Marston around 900 miles of road every time ice is expected. Hamp A38 Gate Little Keyford Key Pre-Salting Network Motorway/Trunk Road A38 Cheddar A37 County Boundary A361 A Guide to Salt Frome Minehead The average life of a gritter is around seven years, after that, Shepton Only 7g of salt is needed per square just like a car, maintenance costs rapidly increase. So it’s Wells Mallet metre to prevent ice forming – that’s important that we keep our fleet up-to-date so we can A361 about a tablespoon. The salt used by cope with everything winter can throw at us. Glastonbury Somerset Highways on the roads is A361 covered in What roads do we treat? Bridgwater A39 We treat just over a fifth of Somerset’s roads, keeping the molasses. This busiest routes clear whenever ice is expected. We try to A37 means that it prioritise roads that link towns, villages and hospitals, sticks to the road communities on high ground and the important routes M5 surface better across the county for long distance travel. where it is Dulverton needed and Taunton A303 protects vehicles against corrosion.

Wellington © Crown Copyright and database Right (2015). Ordnance Survey 100038382. A37 When do the gritters come out? A358 Yeovil We carry out gritting when road surface temperatures are predicted A303 A37 to drop below 1°C and frost or ice YEOVIL A359 is expected. Precautionary salting A358 Priorswood normally takes place in the Chard evening or early morning, but we will usually do more during Hollands extreme weather. Halcon

Summerlands Rain can wash salt away, in very low temperatures and salting Penn Mill J25 may not be enough to prevent freezing – so drivers are always advised to take extra care in winter. A38 A30 For more information about Somerset County Council’s winter maintenance programme, Preston Plucknett Getting about including maps of all the roads treated, please visit www.somerset.gov.uk/winterservice. A3088 Galmington Always take extra care in cold weather. Only the busiest roads Holway

are salted and most are not. So plan ahead and drive carefully, Cromeytrowe particularly if frost has followed rain. Remember to: Keep up-to-date this winter with gritter twitter! If snow falls or • Prepare your vehicle for winter it gets a bit icy, you can get live updates from our Highways teams • Allow extra time for your journey A30 by following @somersetgritter on Twitter. If your’re not on A37 • Give gritter and snow ploughs plenty of room TAUNTON B3170 • Carry a shovel and blankets in your vehicle Twitter, then you can visit www.somerset.gov.uk for updates. 12 & 13 A day in the life of... A day in the life of… a gritter driver We thought we’d make this edition’s ‘A day in a life of…’ feature a bit more seasonal by finding out what it’s like to be a gritter driver. We also find out what they get up to when it’s not so chilly out there. We asked one of the West Somerset highways team to tell us about their day.

3.30pm

I arrive back at the depot and unload all the equipment, materials and waste from my day’s We have a work. I then head into the office to receive specific fleet of 23 instructions for this evening’s salt run. Tonight gritters I’m on the M1 route, which covers Porlock, Exford and Simonsbath on Exmoor. I’m told to lay seven grams of salt per square metre starting at 4.30pm.

7.45am 4.00pm My day begins at Minehead Highways Depot where After carrying out all the 4.30pm I start by checking vehicle checks on the over my vehicle to gritter and completing I get into the cab and make sure it’s safe the paperwork, I use the leave the depot to start and get started on 12.30pm depot’s loadall to fill the the salt run. I follow the the paperwork. Its gritter with two scoops, in-cab driving instructions then off to start the I receive a call from my which is about three from the Sat Nav system. day job... When I’m Depot Manager. He tells tonnes of salt from the I stay in touch with the not driving a gritter, I me that I need to do a salt barn, where it’s Depot Contact and the carry out standard highway ‘salt run’ tonight at stored. I give the loaded ‘Scout’, who checks maintenance works all over 4.30pm, so I need to get and unloaded weights to driving conditions on the West Somerset. Today I’m back to the depot a bit the Depot Contact so that road network, so that if helping to lay a new drain at early to get ready. After they can monitor salt there are any problems, Monks Cross, Exford. a bite to eat, work supplies. I am made aware of them continues on the drain, and they know that I’m but before heading back safe. to base I make sure that the site is safe. We salt 900 miles of road

5.00pm 5.30pm 7.15pm

When the gritter is I arrive at a village with My last job of the day is spreading , it is limited to very narrow streets. I to take the gritter over 30mph so that the salt is can just about get to the wash bay and accurately placed and through between the give it a good clean with the salt crystals flying cottages on either side. the pressure washer to from the spinner at the But there’s a problem - a 6.50pm remove any corrosive 7.45pm back don’t damage the parked car is blocking salt. I then fill her up windscreens and the narrowest section. After spotting some water and complete all the I eventually head home bodywork of passing The gap is just too seeping onto the road necessary paperwork. for my tea and to see vehicles. I’m driving narrow to get through surface from the bank Before I leave, I let the my family. It’s been a along a wide, long and without scraping the car. above, and giving it an Depot Contact know long day but I think I’ve straight piece of road With some difficulty, I extra blast of salt to stop it about the water coming done a good job and with my yellow beacons reverse all the way back freezing, I arrive back at from the bank and the served my community flashing and a car to the junction and do a the depot, almost two and problem with the well. At least I know overtakes me doing three point turn. I make a half hours later. I have parked car. that they’ll be a little about 60mph. This is a note to report this covered 40 miles of road safer out there on the really dangerous as when I get back to the with salt and have driven roads tonight. visibility is poor and he depot, so we can contact another 10 to get to and doesn’t know if the road the driver and request from the start point. I is icy in front of me. that they park a bit more press the on-board considerately in future. weighing button to get the What if I was an remaining loaded weight ambulance or a fire of the gritter and give this engine? Fortunately for figure to the Depot me (but not for the Contact. I have used villagers) this road is a about two and a half cul-de-sac, so I don’t tonnes of salt on the run. have to get to the other I then spin out the side. I re-join the Sat remaining salt back into Nav route and continue. the barn, so that it can be Keep up to date with daily used next time. updates from our Winter Maintenance Team by following @somersetgritter on Twitter. Somerset Discover Skills & Learning CIC what you could be doing this year with Somerset Skills & Learning CIC Whether you want to improve your employability, start an apprenticeship, learn a new skill, start a hobby or improve your health - we can help. Access to English & Maths Higher Education Children & Young sSkupportiing llPeops les Workforce Traineeships Teaching & Exercise, Health & Wellbeing Modern & Foreign Learning ApLpanguagres entAipcpreenticseshhips ips Floristry Sugarcraft Health & Social Care Cmomputaing t& hMs anufacturing Business Skills & Construction General Interest Arts & Craft conCreative Wrsiting & Poettry ruction

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s n p lle s Cham E Person Pathway to Employment t Young u

We’re proud to be supporting young people to d improve their employment prospects in Somerset y

llen Collard has been working as a Young Persons Champion in an engagement and participation WWW.SOMERSET.GOV.UK Eteam at Somerset County Council since April. She completed her A-Levels and decided to take on a role with the Council during her gap year. She intends to study medicine at university and wants to be a GP. here are a number of projects programme, and offers opportunities to and schemes up and running vulnerable young people who might Ellen explains: Tto help young people from all struggle to gain employment through Working for the Council on my gap year has given backgrounds gain new skills and work traditional routes. [ ] me the opportunity to learn more about the local based experience. These include politics behind healthcare, build on my personal skills traditional apprenticeships, working with So far 75 young people have been a“nd gain a deeper understanding of society in Somerset Skills and Learning and the supported into a variety of roles across general. Pathway to Employment Scheme, as the Council as apprentices, interns or graduate trainees. These young people I work in a team that was set up as part of the well as new partnerships with Musgrove Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Park Hospital and Somerset College. may have previously been in care, have [ ] a disability, or learning difficulties, and reforms. My role is to make sure that children and y“oung people with SEND have their voices heard £500,000 has been might have found it more challenging to find employment without the scheme. and are represented well throughout Somerset. invested in the Pathway to Employment Scheme In 2014 the Council also began work I love working for the Council. I have learnt more on Project Search, a partnership [ ] about the world around me in the last seven Th[e iCo]uncil already has a well- scheme with Musgrove Park Hospital months than I did in my whole education. It’s been established apprenticeship scheme. and Somerset College, which supports g“reat to be given the opportunity to meet and work Thanks to this, young people in 18 to 24-year-olds with learning with so many lovely families and young people, and to the county have gained new skills in difficulties or disabilities to find develop such a wide range of skills. As a young person children’s centres, nurseries, schools, employment for a year. with a disability myself, I feel lucky to have been able transport, IT services – and even in the to voice my own experiences, but also hear and share the experiences of so many other young people. It has County Hall restaurant. Many of the So far, we’ve helped original apprentices have gone been amazing to meet so many young people with a 75 young people into passion to help improve the services in Somerset for on to secure permanent roles in employment the Council. young people with SEND. The Pathway to Employment Scheme, S[incie ]the beginning of Project Search, For more information a”bout any of these which was launched in 2013, runs 12 people now work at the hospital, schemes, phone (01823) 355330 or alongside the apprenticeship with support from Somerset College. email [email protected] Business Degrees

Richard Huish College, With fees from DELIVERING HIGHER Photo: Interns from Project Search South Road, Taunton, TA1 3DZ £3995* you can get EDUCATION & SKILLS IN Front Row: Laura Ellison, Alex Trevisick, Amy Gage, Karl Brice [email protected] 01823 320800 a university business SOMERSET Middle Row: Hannah Phillips, Dawn Peters, Dan Samuels, management degree Becca Gardner, Caroline Faithfull www.huish.ac.uk/degreesand can continue to Back Row: Harry Tavare, Jamie Saunders, Ryan Manaton *Part time fee for entry on the FdA Business & Management and BA (Hons)work. Applied Professional Studies (Leadership and Management). Student nance available. Prices correct at time of printing. 16 Health V

Dry January to a O Community L car schemes fresher February U e’re already racing through the energy, weight loss and more money in Helping your local month, but it’s not too late to join your back pocket. N community to get Wthe thousands of people who have If you’ve been giving Dry January a go – around.

already taken the challenge to go ‘Dry’ this you’re probably already feeling the benefits T January. Whether you take part for a few of giving your body a break from booze. So, Have you ever thought about days or weeks it’s a great opportunity to if the change of habit has done you good, E setting up a community car rethink your current drinking habits - and you might want to carry on drinking a bit

E scheme? you could benefit from better sleep, more less in February and beyond. Community car schemes can R The guidelines will help keep your risks to a minimum: really transform the lives of people who struggle to get Women should not Men should not about, or live in rural areas. regularly * drink more regularly * drink more They’re run by volunteers and than 2 to 3 units a day than 3 to 4 units a day tend to be organised in rural areas where many isolated or And also try having some days off when you don’t drink at all disadvantaged people, both *Regularly means drinking everyday or most days young and old, use them as their lifeline. One unit of alcohol is: These schemes can be easily 1 single measurement Half a glass of wine set up with little formality. You of spirits just need some volunteer drivers prepared to use their own cars, and a couple of Half a pint of regular people willing to run and beer or cider Alcopop 1 small glass of sherry co-ordinate the scheme. The Change4Life website has lots of useful information to help you keep your drinking under control, visit www.nhs.uk/Change4Life TOOL KIT If you’d like to talk to someone about your drinking, there are people trained to help who can offer local, one-to-one, confidential, free support. Phone the Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service on 0300 303 87 88 . To see how easy it is to do, take a look at the car scheme toolkit, which is available at www.movingsomersetforward. E-cigs – how safe are they? co.uk. Or phone (01278) 664180 . It gives you all the E-cigs, also known as vaporisers, are an smokers to take up vaping (e-cigarettes). information you need to set up alternative to smoking tobacco, but how But if every smoker switched to vaping, your own car scheme. The safe are they for your health? tens of thousands of lives could be saved toolkit contains three sections: We asked the Director of Public Health, every year. Trudi Grant:“The first thing to say is that “E-cigarettes are a safer form of nicotine 1. All you need to know smoking tobacco is very harmful to than tobacco, so if you currently smoke advice health - half of all smokers die tobacco and want to cut your risk or from it. quit altogether, try using e-cigs or 2. A draft constitution and “E-cigarettes are quite new products like nicotine patches and rules that can be adopted and there is still some mouth sprays, and to use as much by any new scheme confusion about them. as you need when you need it. 3. A driver’s handbook to “What we do know is that Basically, smokers should try help guide the driver e-cigarettes are significantly vaping instead of smoking tobacco, safer than smoking tobacco. but the best option is of course to For more information about “Nicotine can be found in both quit altogether or don’t start in the other community resources, cigarettes and e-cigarettes. As a substance, first place.” visit www.somerset.gov.uk/ it isn’t particularly harmful on its own, it’s the If you want to quit smoking, having free localchoices. tar and carbon monoxide in cigarettes that professional support from Smokefreelife cause most of the health problems. Nicotine Somerset (0800 246 1063) gives the best is highly addictive, so we wouldn’t want non- chance of quitting successfully. Volunteering 17 Volunteer drivers

A lifeline transport service for vulnerable children and adults in Somerset is appealing for more volunteer drivers

e provide transport for eligible non-emergency NHS desperately needed. Volunteer driving is a rewarding opportunity to patients and social care users, both young and old. This get out and about, help others and meet new people, while Wincludes trips to hospital for medical appointments, or providing a vital service in your community. transport to day centres or schools. Anyone can be a volunteer – the only criteria is that drivers must A dedicated army of nearly 200 fantastic people from across the be over 18, have use of their own four-door vehicle, and hold a full county act as volunteer drivers. But the ageing population means UK driving licence (with no more than six points). All mileage demand for transport is growing and more volunteers are expenses will be reimbursed at up to 50p per mile. Meet one of the team What the passengers say*

Richard Heath , 68, is a retired sales rep “I am 85 and nearly blind, but I count my blessings and former milkman from Butleigh, near for the service you give me. To all that are part of this Glastonbury. He has been a volunteer driver service, my very sincere thanks! ” for 12 years now, and is one of our star volunteers, covering anywhere between “I think this is a marvellous service. There is no doubt 750 and 1,000 miles during the week. I could not get to my many appointments without it. Therefore I can even say it is a life-saver! Thank you It’s nice to be able so much. ” to put something back in “Your drivers have all been wonderful - friendly, helpful and considerate. I really could not manage and make a difference without the service you provide. My thanks to you all. ” He said: “The best thing about volunteer driving is the I rely on the community freedom. I need something to keep me busy and this gets me out of the house. The hours car scheme are very flexible, so I can pick and choose when I want to work and how many hours I do “Appointments other than Yeovil Hospital are each week. Volunteer driving is very rewarding. impossible for me to make. Your excellent service I enjoy driving anyway, but I particularly like to takes away all the stress and logistical problems to meet different people from all walks of life. reach appointments at Taunton and Bristol. Please Most of all, it’s a chance for me to help those convey my thanks to all your staff and drivers. ” who are less fortunate than myself. It’s nice to be able to put something back in and make a *Comments taken from 2014 annual passengers difference. ” survey

If you would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer driver, please phone Somerset You Can Do on (01278) 664180 or visit www.somerset.gov.uk/volunteering. 18 Advertising

Now Open Cooksons Court, Yeovil We have care homes throughout Somerset. For more information on your nearest home: 0800 9884 337 | [email protected] www.somersetcare.co.uk Contact us 19 Contact us by telephone, post and email. 2016/17 There’s now just one number Somerset Skills and Learning to phone for all Somerset 0330 332 7997 County Council services. Other useful numbers Wellington Community Office By telephone (01823) 667279 0300 123 2224 Student Finance Direct Phone lines are open from 8am (Higher Education Students only) to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and 0845 607 7577 from 9am to 4pm on Saturdays. Street Lighting Faults - 0845 601 0939 By post (office hours) and 0845 795 9639 Somerset County Council, (for out of hours emergencies) County Hall, Taunton,

Somerset, TA1 4DY Citizens Advice Bureau Consumer S Helpline - 0345 404 0506 School Term Dates By email [email protected] District Councils 2016 Please phone the numbers below Mendip District Council Term 3: 4 Jan - 12 Feb 2016 c for the following services: 0300 303 8588 Term 4: 22 Feb - 24 Mar 2016 Sedgemoor District Council Term 5: 11 Apr - 27 May 2016

Fostering and Adoption enquiries 0845 408 2540 Term 6: 6 June - 20 July 2016 h 0800 587 9900 South Somerset District Council (01935) 462462 Somerset Heritage Centre 2016/17 Taunton Deane Borough Council (01823) 278805 Term 1: 1 Sept - 21 Oct 2016

(01823) 356356 Term 2: 31 Oct - 16 Dec 2016 o Somerset Road Safety West Somerset District Council Term 3: 3 Jan - 10 Feb 2017 (01823) 423430 (01643) 703704 Term 4: 20 Feb - 31 Mar 2017 Term 5: 18 Apr - 26 May 2017

Term 6: 5 June - 24 July 2017 o

“a family run business” If you would like to have your say on the proposed school term dates for 2017/18, visit the Council’s consultations website at www.somersetconsults.org.uk from Monday 11 January. For more information or a paper copy or large print version of CALL IN AND SEE

the consultation, write to Wendy Kerslake, Slomerset County THEScooters FULL RANGE to suit ... all Full after sales service for your Council, C402c County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY or phone peacerequirements of mind (01823) 356683. MOBILITY Scooters and Wheelchairs for Hire. The closing date is Friday 4 March. AIDS SALES SERVICE REPAIRS

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Important information for parents and carers about school and academy admission arrangements from September 2017.

School admissions policy, governing the arrangements for all children who are due to start, transfer or move schools for the 2017-18 school year, will be set from 28 February. This notice applies to all local authority schools and some academies, voluntary aided and foundation schools. For a list of these schools and academies, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/admissions

For a copy of the admission arrangements, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/admissions or phone (01823) 356146 . Any objections to this policy must be made to the Schools Adjudicator by 30 June. For more information about how to raise an objection, visit www.education.gov.uk/schoolsadjudicator.

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.

Deane Helpline 01823 257185

Call our 24 hour phone line for enquiries