IS H T N N IO I IT ED

Your Council Tax explained Protecting Somerset’s Children Somerset means business A day in the life of... Fostering pages 4&5 pages 8&9 pages 10&11 pages 12&13 page 16

Spring 2016 Taunton Your Somerset Deane This year there is a new New flood fund to charge on your Council Tax bill for the Somerset protect Somerset Rivers Authority page 5 (SRA) . The SRA’s purpose is to provide Somerset an extra level of flood Rivers Authority protection for families and communities across the whole of Somerset. SRA plans for 2016/17 prioritise extra maintenance to rivers, roads and structures, such as pumping stations, because existing funding Somerset Rivers Authority Chairman, John Osman is not enough to cover the county’s needs. BOOST FOR JOBS & CARE ambitious projects to boost jobs, ring-fenced for adult social care. Somerset’s Council leader But bills up as better education and prospects, You will be able to see this in explains in his ‘opinion column’ better health and improved roads your Council Tax bills landing on on page 2. The challenge of and broadband, as well as a bid doormats this month. funding care as our population Government for more devolution of powers ages has not gone away. from Government to Somerset. Somerset County Council will have to manage funding cuts It will be tough to try and achieve cuts bite. At the same time, the County our ambitions with cuts to our Council will have to manage of at least £40m over the next BIG opportunities and big funding. But your Council has funding cuts of at least £40m four years. agreed to explore how to create challenges lie ahead for Somerset over the next four years as the a university for our county, to as the County Council sets it Government follows its long-term Although a help, this will not actively look at where we could budget for the next year and its plan to end its support for local translate in extra money available build a new garden town, to sights on ambitious projects to authorities’ day-to-day spending. to spend in this crucial area. The identify potential sites for new boost jobs and the economy. £3.9m it raises will be absorbed business parks to encourage The Chancellor also allowed by the extra costs of the new new jobs for Somerset, and look Recent decisions at County Hall councils to raise a further two per National Living Wage increase at how we can contribute to have seen proposals for hugely cent in Council Tax this year, introduced this year as national energy initiatives too.

Community pages 14&15 News waste action 02 News n Foreword

e Nominate your

w ‘Somerset Star’ FForoeworrdeword volunteer pril More money to spend on our provide the best services we can, s 9 A Fri 2 elderly vulnerable people – all working with limited budgets. There is still line - sounds like a no-brainer doesn’t Dead it? Why wouldn’t a council with a There is a clear message across all j time to get councils to our residents. Funding growing elderly population like u your nominations ours, not cheer the Government is being cut. At Somerset County for its decision to allow councils Council alone we know we will lose in for this year’s to increase Council Tax by two £40m of Government funding over s the next four years - and all Somerset Star

per cent to invest in our adults t social services? councils in Somerset face the Volunteer Awards.

same financial challenge.

But there is a catch. Even with that i Working with ‘Somerset You Can Do’ two per cent Council Tax rise, there Where you can help is by and the local volunteer networks, n will barely be any money left to supporting your own community. we’re delighted to be once again spend on the elderly in Somerset. There are vulnerable and lonely throwing our support behind this very

people in villages and towns . special campaign to say a big thank across Somerset. Why not form The reason is simple. The . you to all those hardworking Government has ‘allowed’ us to a community group to help them, . volunteers and volunteer groups across the county even just to arrange social events raise Council Tax by two per cent, who play such a vital role. which will raise an additional and visits? Why not look at how £3.9m. But at the same time it has you can volunteer to give increased the national living wage, something back to your local which will cost £3.8m. area? Or let your council know if you can see ways they can Having said that, the increase save money or improve their Somerset Star in the National Living Wage is services. welcome and will support low paid workers across our county. We will do all we can to help you when you need it – my challenge Mendip As Council Tax bills arrive this is, can you do the same for your Sedgemoor month, I want to emphasise the Taunton Deane neighbours, your local businesses, West Somerset great work carried out by all South Somerset your own communities? councils – parish, town, district and your County Council. We all Let me know what you do and we v There will be five winners crowned in total, work hard to help and support will publicise community spirit in one from each district area, chosen by the people who need it most, to these pages in future editions. o local volunteer network. Each district will present their ‘Somerset Star’ with their

l award at events planned to coincide with

Editor’s Info u National Volunteers’ Week, which runs from Wednesday 1 until Sunday 12 June . To get in contact with Your Somerset or

to advertise in this publication, contact n District Star nominations will then be put Lauren Fellingham on (01823) 359176 , email [email protected] forward to win the prestigious County Star or write to us at Your Somerset , t Volunteer, which will be awarded at the Somerset County Council Chairman’s e Somerset County Council, Awards in the autumn. FREEPOST NAT 9109,

County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY. e You can nominate a ‘Star Volunteer’ We gratefully acknowledge the individual or volunteer group online on the

support of organisations that advertise in r Somerset Celebrating Volunteering website Your Somerset , but Somerset County Council at www.scvolunteering.com or for more can accept no responsibility for the products or information, contact your local Volunteer services advertised. We advise readers to make Centre. The deadline for nominations is their own enquires before purchasing products Friday 29 April. or services. Pssst... Your Somerset costs 5p per copy For more information about Somerset You to produce. Can Do, see page 7. News 03

Listening Learning moving forward Changing is back A303 A358 Major road projects moving forward Much-anticipated improvements to one of Somerset key transport routes have taken a significant step forward. The full dualling of the A303 and A358 in Somerset will be key to the county’s infrastructure, and therefore economic growth. Funding for the £2bn scheme was announced in late 2014, and in February, Highways England held several public events to outline the improvements and their benefits, as well as explaining the This year’s Listening Learning Changing roadshow necessary consultation and planning process. kicks off at the Royal Bath & West Show in June. The works also include smaller scale improvements over the Blackdown Hills between Ilminster and Over the summer we’re Last year nearly 4,500 We’re hoping to hear from Honiton. The planning for the A358 dualling will planning to be at local residents got involved at even more of you this incorporate the developing plans for improvements of shows and town centre the events, online or by year, so keep a look out Junction 25 at Taunton where the A358 joins the M5. events across the completing the survey in for the Listening Learning The County Council, colleagues in neighbouring county, seeking your Your Somerset – 1,000 Changing marquee at more than the year events and town centres authorities, along with local businesses, lobbied hard views on the Council’s for these improvements, which will make the route budget priorities and before! Overall, people this summer. told us that ‘helping safer and bring major benefits to the local and other issues. vulnerable elderly people 69% of regional economy. stay in their own homes’ You’ll be able to try your respondents The A303 helps connect the South West, London hand at balancing the was their top priority, and the South East, and while the majority of the budget using a giant set followed by ‘attracting agreed or strongly road has been dualled, there are still over 35 miles of scales, complete a jobs and apprenticeships’. agreed with the of single carriageway. These act as bottlenecks and short survey about some Council’s push for cause congestion at peak times, particularly in the key issues and show us 82% agree that summer months and at weekends, and increase the your priorities using our we should be more devolved risk of accidents. ‘think tanks’. power sharing buildings Surveys of business across the region show Falling funding from with other significant support for the scheme, which should Central Government and The top three ways help businesses operate, create jobs and attract rising demand for services public sector residents receive further investment. as more people live longer information about organisations The improvements are split into three sections: A303 means that our budget is Council services are: Amesbury to Berwick Down, A303 Sparkford to under unprecedented This mirrors the results pressure. That’s why it’s from previous years, • Your Somerset Ilchester, and the A358 Taunton to Southfields. more important than ever although last year newspaper 63% Each section will be subject to initial public that we give people a ‘helping vulnerable • Printed newspapers consultation on proposed options and a pre- chance to share their adults...’ was a (local or regional) 50% application consultation once a preferred option has views and tell us what significantly more • The Council’s website been identified. For the Sparkford to Ilchester and matters to them. dominant priority. 32% Taunton to Southfields sections it is hoped the initial consultation will start before the end of this year. If For a copy of the full report, visit www.somers3et.gov.uk/listening the process runs smoothly then the expectation is that work on the ground will start in 2020. 04 Council Tax Your Council Tax explained Over the next year we will H £A£cc£oun£t R£efe£ren£ce:£ 12£345£67£890££ spend more than £312m on £££e£re£’ ££££££ y s w ou hat Chargeable Dwelling: our services, and we will invest a £££££ p£a£££ ££££The£ Cre£sce£nt ££££££££ (Ave y Taunton rage Ban Somerset further £75m on major building hou d D £££ ££££se£h £££ £££££TA1£ 1D£Y ££££££ projects, like new schools, roads old) Property Valuation £Ba£nd:£ D ££ and funding business growth. £££££££££££££££££££ £££££££C£ou£nc£il £Ta£x B£il£l 2£01£6£/1£7££££££ With a growing elderly population, our frontline % change social care services do a great job but they are ££££££££f£rom£ pre£vio£us ££££££££££££ year really stretched. That’s why the Chancellor has given all councils the opportunity to increase ££S£om£er£set£ C£ou£nty£ C£ou£nc£il £ £ £ ££1£,0E4£8£.00£ £ 1.9£9£% £ Council Tax by an additional two per cent to Adult Social Care...... £L20.80 New £££££th£orit£y..£.....£.....£....£... ££1£2.8£4 £ £ £ N£ew££ invest directly into these services. ££So£m£erset Rivers Au P #*District council...... £146.20 2.65% ££££££££££££££££££9%£ £ We provide services to thousands of people ££Po£lic£e...... M...... £178.26 1.9 day in, day out. And of course it all costs. ££Fi£re.£.....£.....£....£.....£....£....A.£.....£....£.....£.....£....£... ££7£9.9£8 £ £ £ 1.£99%£ £ The next few pages give you more information *Parish Council..S...... £58.18 3.87% * Based on the average cost for District about how the County Council’s part of your and Parish Coun£cils i£n So£mer£set. £££T£ot£al£ ££1,£54£4£.26£££ £££ £ £££ Council Tax is spent. From April 2016 the Government has permitted Somerset authorities to raise an additional precept equivalent to up to 1.25 per cent of their i Band D charge to fund the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), until Government Grants primary legislation is given allowing the SRA to raise funds of its own. 15% Business Rates # District councils will raise their own share of the flooding fund through their precept, except for Sedgemoor who will provide its share from the Council Tax 20% Community Development Fund. 65% £££££££££££££££££££££ £££££££e£s£££S£o£me£rs£et £Co£un£ty £££ Where do Council gets funding oney from three main ££th£e£ m£££££££s£ou£rc£es£. ££££££ ££££co£m£e£ ££££££££££££££ Net from? Budget £42m from Government Grants, £63m from Business Rates and £312m £207m from Council Tax. That raises a total of £312m for our services. On top of that, we will need to raise a further £100m through fees and charges in 2016/17 £££££££££££££££££££££ to fully cover our costs. In addition, the Council receives £236m from government, which is £££££££££££££££££££££ passed directly to schools. £££££££££££££££££££££ £££££££££££££££££££££ £ The £42m government grant will reduce to £6m by 2020 Council Tax 05

££th£e££££££££££££££££££ ere Wh gets What we do… e£y ££££££££££££££££££££ mon t Somerset County Council will £p£en£££££t£his£ ye£ar£ sp£en£d £mo£re£ th£an£ £££ s £312m on services. This money £££££££is£ sp£e£nt £on£ th£es£e s£er£vic£es£: £££ Adults Services ■ Government is cutting back our 40% funding Environmental The movement ■ Somerset’s elderly population Services increases demands on our services including in this year’s ■ roads More vulnerable people need our 19% budget is due to: help and support Children’s ■ National policies, like raising the Services Support National Living Wage, put a further 22% and Other strain on finances Services ■ We want to spend more on vital 14% Somerset schools and to invest to bring Debt more jobs to Somerset Financing Rivers Public Authority Health ■ In addition to Somerset County 4% 0.7% 0.3% Council spend, Government provides a grant of £22m for Public Health

1% Building local resilience 12% Resilient Infrastructure 7% Somerset Urban Water Management flood protection for Somerset Rivers Authority Extra 1% Land Management The Somerset Rivers Authority 79% Dredging and will carry out important River Management additional flood preventative work in locations across 2016/17 Somerset, including in Approximately £2.5m will be spent on a Spend by type of work Sedgemoor, Glastonbury, Frome, wide range of activities across Somerset Muchelney and Isle Brewers. This that focus on reducing the severity and will include dredging and extra impact of all types of flooding. work to pumps, sluice gates, raised banks, culverts and other flood management assets. It will For more information, also reinstate annual maintenance email [email protected], to West Somerset streams, and visit www.somersetriversauthority.org.uk, West Sedgemoor and Aller Moor where you can view a copy of drainage ditches and rhynes. The Stream, or phone 01823 358340. For more information on our accounts:

Read information on our budget at www.somerset.gov.uk/accounts Email [email protected] Write Somerset County Council, County Hall, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY 06 Help at your first call Help at your first call Since September last year a team of Jo’s story adult social workers, occupational “You have been great Jo’s son called us because he was really worried and got back to me and about his mum’s health and the condition of her therapists and adult social care got things sorted within home. Following a conversation with Jo’s son, the days not weeks. I team discovered that Jo was really suffering with workers have been based at our cannot say how much her arthritic hip, which was making her less contact centre. that this has meant to mobile and affecting her overall health. The team This exciting new way of working is about helping me.” (Compliment from customer.) organised for a carer to go to Jo’s home twice a people make quick links within their local communities day, starting the next day, and for someone from that can help them support themselves to stay healthy the NHS Integrated Rehabilitation Team to assess and well, with local teams focussed on helping those her mobility and hip pain. The team also most in need. suggested that Jo’s son got in contact with the District Nurse hub to request an assessment of her other needs. Jo was keen to get out and visit her local church with her friends and welcomed The new team: the help to improve her mobility and the support • provides information and advice about local from carers. Jo’s son was really grateful for the activities, groups and clubs quick action, advice, support and information, • signposts people to appropriate services using the which was all delivered in a friendly manner. Somerset Choices website • organises care and simple equipment that can be arranged over the phone Marjorie’s story • provides information and advice to customers on The team received a call from a woman whose their care needs mother Marjorie was beginning to struggle living • responds to queries that require an urgent alone following the death of her husband. response Marjorie’s memory was also starting to deteriorate and the daughter was understandably becoming There are lots of activities going on in communities concerned. The team provided details of a across the county, from Active Living Centres, community group that met near to where Marjorie flexercise classes and walking groups, to pub lunch lives, and also a local befriending scheme, which clubs and dementia caf és. All of these give useful provided a volunteer to take her along for her first support to people who may be starting to feel that visit and introduce her to the club. Marjorie is now they need some extra help, and it’s often a case of an active member of the group, has joined the signposting people in the right direction when they local lunch club and regularly goes along to first get in contact with us. nearby flexercise classes. All of this has helped rebuild her confidence and independence and to Average call durations have enjoy life again. increased from 12 minutes Somerset’s older population is growing. By to 23 minutes. Giving 2030 there will be an extra 56,000 people aged callers a chance to talk, 65 and over living in the county – 30 per cent of and us a chance to listen. the population compared to 23 per cent today.

If you need information and advice on adult social care and local services, visit www.somersetchoices.org.uk . The website contains a self-help questionnaire and a directory of local services, products, events and groups. Volunteer 07 Volunteer to help people in your community The Council’s volunteer service provider, ‘Somerset You can Do’ are on the hunt for willing volunteers to work with adult social care services in their local area.

We’re looking for people to help us to find out what’s going on in their local communities, including activities

S and events taking place. People who can be around to make others feel welcome at a community venue being o used by our social care team, chat to people and provide information and advice on local support services. m As well as being a really rewarding thing to do, you will also be making it easier for people to find the right

e support from within their local community when they need it most. r

s Sally was one of the first e people to volunteer for this t type of role.

Y Sally has spent time building an

o information bank of local groups, activities and events, and making this

u information easily accessible. She is also on hand to support people in using

‘Somerset Choices’ to find additional local support. c

a She said: “I've always enjoyed helping people. In this role I show people around, sit and have a cup of tea and chat

n while they wait for their appointments. It makes them feel at ease and it's a great feeling to know I'm making such

a difference." D o If you enjoy working with people and want to make a difference - why not volunteer?

For more information, phone Somerset You can Do on (01278) 664180 or email [email protected] . Or visit i http://somersetyoucando.weebly.com to find out more about this and other volunteering opportunities. Now Open

, Yeovil Watch our animated film about Somerset Choices, Cooksons Court which can be found at www.somersetchoices. We have care homes throughout Somerset. org.uk/about-this-site/help . It’s really helpful if For more information on your nearest home: you are not quite sure what you are looking for on the website, or if you need a bit of help finding your 0800 9884 337 | [email protected] way around. www.somersetcare.co.uk 08 Protecting Somerset’s Children Somerset supports national campaign to tackle child abuse

Have you ever worried professional with a role in looking after Myth: Reporting a child or family to the ‘social that a child you know children, for example a police officer, services’ means the child will be removed then you can raise concerns with from their family immediately by social is being neglected or them. If you have a concern about a workers. abused? What did you child at your child’s school, then raise Fact: Social workers protect vulnerable children do? A third of people it with the school – there will be a and provide support to families in need of who suspect child abuse member of staff with a responsibility to assistance. Sharing your concerns with a listen to safeguarding concerns. They local authority rarely means a child is do nothing. are trained to understand when a child taken into care, but could mean the may need help from a children’s social authorities spot a problem sooner and can In the South West, 37 per cent of the worker or whether another agency take action to help the child and the family public are put off reporting because could support the family. concerned. Ultimately the decision for they think they might be wrong. removing a child from their family rests Preventing child abuse and neglect. The reality is that information is usually with the courts. gathered from lots of different sources, Although child abuse and neglect Myth: People will know it is me that reported. from teachers, GPs and from the can happen, lots of work goes into Fact: When you report to Children’s Social Care police, so any report made by a preventing it. Our social workers work you will be asked for your details and can member of the public would be just hard with lots of partner agencies, discuss if you’d prefer your details were one part of a bigger picture. including schools, the fire service, kept private. job centres, district councils and the Together, we can tackle child abuse. police, to help families before they Myth: Child abuse doesn’t happen in my In 2014/15, more than 400,000 need the support of a social worker. neighbourhood, I live in a good area. children in England were supported Some of our social workers took the Fact: Whatever their background, age, gender, because someone noticed they needed opportunity to join the police at a race or sexuality or wherever they live, any help. We all have a role to play in community day in Bridgwater Town child or young person could be abused or protecting children and young people Centre recently, and spoke with local neglected. Child abuse and neglect can from all forms of abuse and neglect. families and children to let them know occur anywhere . If you are already in contact with a the kind of work we do.

If you suspect child abuse or neglect, phone Somerset County Council on 0300 0300 123 2224. 123 If you are worried about 2224 a child’s immediate safety, phone 999. Protecting Somerset’s Children 09

When our social workers do get involved, they help to make sure the child’s voice is heard. Earlier this year we asked some of the children and young people that we support to tell us why their social worker deserved an award. We received over 60 nominations. The children and young people who nominated said: “Sh a e is lwa fu alw ys nny “He gives ays ha an me lots of s do ppy d and sup time ays es an port. He is sh wh d and funny e w at s makes me ill he laugh” do”

Two of our Children’s Social Care staff, Gregg and Linda, received an award for the amazing difference they have made to children’s lives in Somerset.

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ions inat 6nom0 10 Somerset means business Somerset means business 11

definitely a pleasant change to London. completely made it our own. Wheddon Cross Minehead So far it has been extremely good for The location is great, so close DirtbikeXpress is a family AVITechnologies are one of the AVITechnologies, especially from a cost to the town and the local train run business which leading suppliers of digital point of view. We were losing so much station, plus the car park is Somerset means specialises in being the photographic gift products in the money living and working in London, huge if customers need it. UK and Europe. paying extortionate rental fees, so that biggest online Motocross However, it’s the size of the accessories has been the most noticeable change clothing and units that have really allowed store. CEO Alistair Westbrook: “We decided to for us. In the future we are looking our business to develop. With move our business out of London and forward to making the most of the free They offer their customers the so much space to expand we down to Somerset based on the business support you get as a tenant at convenience of being able to have been able to really competitive rent prices available at the the Enterprise Centre. We will be order products, 24 hours a day, increase our stock, which Wheddon Cross Enterprise Centre. Our working with the Enterprise Centre’s 365 days a year. Owner and means we can process and business is such that we don’t need to development team to put together a founder Steven Dyer: “We have ship products straight from the be in town to work effectively, and the business plan to allow us to continue been at Minehead Enterprise warehouse for next day delivery. nice rural working environment is to keep moving the business forward.” bDriving ueconomsic growithn is one oef our tops priors ities Centre since it opened. We Our whole experience of moved into a brand new, moving to the Enterprise modern unit that had never Good jobs, prosperity and growth benefit The Enterprise Centres in Centre has been really positive, when they decided to move onto other been used before, and over the business has continued things, and my business started to take everyone and by attracting people of working Keyford Court, Frome, Dulverton, Wheddon that time we have to expand.” off, I took over the lease. The staff who age it off-sets Somerset’s ageing population. Cross, Minehead and Frome run Keyford Court have been really Highbridge are home to friendly, helpful and always listen. It’s clearly something that is important to you Tea N Cake is a catering business Starting and expanding a small 45 businesses, supporti4ng 5 specialising in afternoon tea for too. Our Listening, Learning, Changing business can be a really daunting campaign has found that ‘attracting jobs’ is around 100 jobs, with weddings and other events. experience, but with the Somerset consistently the public’s second highest priority another 20 or more expected Enterprise Centre is hasn’t been like for the Council, second only to looking after to be generated this year as Owner, Tamsin Westbrook: “I never that at all. To people who might be vulnerable adults. thought my business would be big unsure about whether to take the leap, businesses grow. 100 enough to have my own place, so I talk to them, you might be missing a started by sharing a unit. However, great opportunity.” We can’t control economic growth, but we can Here are some examples influence it. We support existing businesses and encourage new ones to start-up or relocate to of the businesses that our the county. Enterprise Centres have 20 helped flourish. Somerset’s Discover P

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economy b t o :

9 V i £ s i t

S

is worth Dulverton o m e r

The Original Funky Mailing Bag Co’ produces s e

Through our key role in the Local Enterprise t Partnership, we have helped attract many colourful, eye-catching mailing bags, which and I can easily access a Highbridge number of my clients along millions of pounds of investment. are now available in Germany, Portugal and online across Europe. MediaHound Films creates the M4 corridor to London. The Earlier this year the ‘Secret Somerset Share your secrets! cost of the facility is great value and Exmoor’ campaign was launched The campaign will continue over The majority of growth in Somerset comes from music videos, training films, Founder, Alastair Correya: “We chose the Dulverton and I can present myself as a to promote the area’s hidden gems the summer, so it is not too late businesses with five or less staff and often in TV advertising and short Enterprise Centre because it was very local to where feature films. reputable business in a and encourage visitors to spend more to share your secret places with rural locations. So nurturing ventures of this size I was living and because I loved the atmosphere of professional environment. time exploring our wonderful county. us on social media:- is an important part of the Council’s strategy. of homes and the Centre. It didn’t look like your average industrial Simon Knight, CEO and The added bonus of having Cinematographer: “The business advisors on hand is businesses in estate. The wooden design was very modern and The views of local residents were The availability of suitable space can be a real 0% good looking, plus Dulverton is a great little town. broadband speeds at the great, as I will be seeking sought in order to find the best ‘off the barrier for small businesses. To tackle this we 9 Devon and We don’t have to put up with noisy mechanical Highbridge Centre are fantastic. advice on my business plan beaten track’ places to visit - places and marketing strategy. Also have developed a network of five Enterprise Somerset should businesses around, which you would normally As we upload a number of that many visitors do not know about, Centres. These provide light industrial and office expect on a more traditional industrial unit. Working videos to clients on a regular working alongside other tenants but which have a fascinating story to has given me a number of ideas space to encourage small business to set-up have superfast broadband by out of the Dulverton Enterprise Centre has given us basis this is crucial. The tell. Hundreds of people submitted location means that I have a about how I could expand my their favourite ‘secret’ places and a and grow in rural areas. the end of 2016 the space to fulfil larger orders without blowing the bank on the massive rental prices you would expect short commute from home, business model.” map of the top 50 secrets has now closer to a big town.” been produced. Twitter and Instagram: Competitive rents, flexible tenures and support @SecretSomerset to start-up and expand make them ideal for new Discover the map online at Facebook: /SecretSomerset Somerset’s Enterprise Centres are managed by the Torbay Development Agency (TDA) 5 In 2015 there were 23,615 ventures and expanding small businesses. ,61 www.visitsomerset.co.uk/secretsomerset Use: #SecretSomerset on behalf of Somerset County Council. To find out more about potential opportunities, 23 active businesses in Somerset or www.visit-exmoor.co.uk/secrets. Email: [email protected] visit www.somerset-enterprise-centres.co.uk 12 A day in the life of... A day in the life of… an Occupational Therapist

We continue our series of ‘A day in a life of…’

I write up all my with an Occupational Therapist from one of case notes from ye sterday’s visits and our Adult Social Care Teams. Our occupational order the I te equipment nd to ck and check a y adaptat J da ions. my d therapists offer vital help, advice and 0 to iary first, 12.0 so that I can information, and have specialist knowledge pr ioritise my of equipment and alterations, which can up ite work fo wr otes r se n help people and their carers manage more ca the day. easily. Their ultimate goal is to keep people independent and help them to live an ordinary life, which many of us take for granted.

Here is extract from a typical day in the world of an Occupational Therapist. In Somerset, there were 855 emergency hip fractures and include any urgent referrals, for over 4,000 people over 65 example, if someone’s condition has deteriorated and they can’t were admitted to hospital as carry out or assist their carers 9.30am – I write up all my case a result of a fall in 2014/15. with their everyday living tasks, notes from yesterday’s visits and which could put both the person order the equipment and and the carer at risk of injury. In adaptations that I felt were 8.30am – My day usually starts this situation we would arrange a needed. around 8.30am, depending on home visit so that we can assess my appointments. Sometimes it the person’s needs and order any can start a lot earlier if I need to equipment that could help to assess or review a person’s reduce the risks. If we find that morning routine with a care the decline is due to a medical agency. I get into work, log onto need we would then involve the my computer and with a cuppa district nurse and the local GP 11am – I leave the office and in hand, check my diary, emails, if necessary. head out on my daily visits. phone calls and respond to First off today is a Moving and whatever needs my immediate Handling visit. I’m going to see attention. I tend to check my 10am – Next up is our Linda and her husband, Dave. diary first, so that I can prioritise Occupational Therapy case Linda is severely disabled. my work for the day. allocation meeting, which is Her condition has recently pretty much what it says on the deteriorated so much so that she If I am on Occupational Therapy tin. I find it a great opportunity to can no longer stand, so is (OT) duty for the day, I check for get together with other team struggling to get in and out of any actions, which need to be members and discuss any bed - even with her husband’s dealt with that day. This could complex cases I might have. help. They already have a A day in the life of... 13 through-floor lift installed, as a stair-lift wasn’t practical in their small house, but it does mean Over one in four that most of their bedroom is households in Somerset taken up with the lift. Linda and Dave were a bit resistant at first contain only residents about having more equipment in their bedroom. I talked them aged over 65. through a couple specific moving 4pm – I spend the rest of the and handling techniques and his posture, which has now been afternoon checking back through suggested that they may need delivered. When I saw him today my emails, and responding to additional support from a care for his review he was sitting in it, any phone messages. Usually if I agency, but they were adamant well supported and clearly very have time, I then carry out a few that they wanted to remain comfortable. He explained that it follow-up calls with existing independent. Taking into account had made a huge difference to clients and fill out the necessary the practical issues presented by his quality of life and enabled documents. I then update my their small house, they agreed to him to carry on being as ‘normal’ diary and book any further visits a ceiling track hoist. I made a as possible – enjoying TV I need to make. note to arrange this when back in programmes and reading in the office and recommended a ‘living room chair’. 2pm - After lunch I write up my further visits to teach specific case notes from my visits and get moving and handling techniques the ball rolling for Linda’s hoist. Up to half of people and to carry out a moving and Sometimes the equipment we handling risk assessment. need isn’t a ‘stock item’, so we aged 80 or older have to source it from the internet. If the item is being fall each year. provided under the Disabled Facilities Grant, we may need to have further discussions with one of the housing officers in the Housing Standards Team. It’s also really important following a Moving and Midday – Off to another visit Handling (M&H) visit to to see Jack, who was write and update the recently diagnosed with M&H documentation Motor Neurone Disease. in a timely manner When I first met Jack, and share with all 5.15pm – Off home now. It’s he had been given a those involved in going to be a late one tomorrow special bed, but had Linda’s care, so night as I’ve got to go and meet no suitable chair to that any potential with the family of a client who sit in. I assessed risks can be work full-time, so they can’t meet him for a avoided. with me until after 6.30pm. specialist Modula chair system to support News Community waste action Somerset's latest waste action conference conference shared. If your group is highlighted the great ideas and hard work involved - or wants to be - in waste issues, of many community organisations. Dozens contact Somerset Waste Partnership's of groups were represented at the day- community engagement officer by long event in March in North Petherton. putting “Conference” in the subject Here are a few of the groups that line of an email to participated and the ideas that the [email protected].

Get creative with scrap Shed support You can find fantastic rescued resources Somerset Levels and Moors Sheds has for crafts and creativity at Children’s established a workshop at Burrowbridge, Scrapstore Taunton, one of several around bringing back to life a building that Somerset. Scrapstores collect safe, clean suffered badly in the 2014 floods. materials - paper to fabric - from business Welcoming men of any age and ability, it to use as a creative resource. Any group meets twice a week, with various projects, or individual working in a creative play, from building birdboxes, toys and planters care, educational or therapeutic setting from recycled timber to refurbishing tools. can become a Scrapstore member to For information, visit slams.org.uk or access materials that would otherwise contact Ivor Dixon on 01458 250603 or be discarded. For your local scrapstore, [email protected]. see www.somersetwaste.gov.uk

Fighting hunger With the help of fantastic volunteers, FareShare South West takes surplus in-date, chilled and non-chilled food from the food industry and distributes it to 150 organisations that support vulnerable Championing food people. It distributes across Somerset with Somerset’s new Food Champions scheme mini-hubs in Bridgwater, Taunton and Wells, provides free training, support and tools to and one planned for Yeovil. For enquiries volunteers keen to pass on practical tips to about receiving or donating food, or help others in their community save money volunteering, contact Mo on 0117 954 2220 by reducing food waste. With 11 trained or [email protected] , or Champions so far, the scheme supports the check www.faresharesouthwest.org.uk. national Love Food Hate Waste campaign. Save with modern nappies Training for new Champions is planned for The world of modernwashable nappies has Village goes green autumn 2016. For information, check come a long way from terry squares and Green Wedmore co-ordinates, explores www.somersetwaste.gov.uk. safety pins; today’s are easy, efficient, and encourages sustainable living, from attractive and save plenty energy to food, on the Isle of Wedmore. of money while not filling Its work has included setting up repair landfill sites. Somerset events and swap days, holding produce and West Somerset markets, organising litter picks, and Cloth Nappy Library promoting environmental issues through is one of several local media, talks, film nights, its own local groups website, a Green Fair, and sessions in supporting parents schools. It has also encouraged local with helpful advice, food and shops through its “Is It Local” demonstrations and Cookbook, developed community even loan kits of cloth woodlands and a community orchard, nappies to try. For and co-organised Fruit Trees for groups promoting cloth All to bulk buy fruit trees. For information, nappies, see www.somersetwaste.gov.uk. see www.greenwedmore.co.uk News

Asbestos goes online to boost safety and security

New online arrangements for Residents must wrap or plasterboard or plaster and asbestos and plasterboard double bag all asbestos £12 per sheet or equivalent Call to compost have started to enhance or asbestos containing sack of asbestos or ACM, Free training courses are on offer this recycling site safety and materials (ACM) in thick with payment online by month to anyone who can help security, cut environmental plastic and seal them with credit or debit card. gardeners get the confidence to pollution and ensure full gaffer or duct tape, before Minimum order is one compost at home or enhance their skills. treatment costs are met. taking them to the site, and sheet or sack. making contact with site Backed by Somerset Waste Partnership, Complex and costly to staff to show proof of As an online option, eco-education charity the Carymoor treat, both materials require payment. collections of asbestos and Environmental Trust is recruiting volunteer special handing; asbestos as ACM from residents – sealed Compost Champions, with free one-day a significant health hazard, Unlike asbestos, plasterboard in plastic in advance – are training courses on Saturday 23 April at plasterboard due to and plaster are safe to available for the treatment Hestercombe House near Taunton, and pollution risks. Somerset’s handle but the gypsum they cost plus a fixed collection Saturday 30 April at Carymoor asbestos is buried in landfill contain reacts with organic fee. and plasterboard is material to create toxic Environmental Centre near Castle Cary. A guide to ACM items recycled. hydrogen sulphide and manufactured before climate changing methane. For more details, email A new online payment asbestos ceased to be used, [email protected], system at www.somerset SWP is encouraging those from storage heaters to floor call 01963 350143 or visit waste.gov.uk allows with excess plasterboard or and ceiling tiles, is available www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/more/ residents to pre-pay to plaster to save money and on the SWP website. composting/champions. deposit asbestos and materials by recycling them plasterboard and get a through their supplier, or to Paid-for business deposits of receipt. To ensure there is sell or give them away. plasterboard or plaster are adequate bin space, they taken at some recycling sites then contact one of the Treatment charges for these – listed on SWP’s website – seven sites that accept materials is £4 per sheet or but business deposits of asbestos to arrange a visit. equivalent sack of asbestos cannot be made. Plastic fantastic trial to simplify your payments at site Taunton Recycling Centre is trial, given today's wide going cashfree next month range of charged-for - Tuesday 3 May to Tuesday materials, such as 31 May – to only accept domestically-generated Visa and MasterCard credit vehicle parts, gas bottles, and debit cards, Visa soil, hardcore, tyres, Electron and Diner’s Club, asbestos and plasterboard. including contactless cards. Businesses using Taunton Have you renewed? Covering all payments pay to recycle or dispose Thousands of residents are this week except those at the Reuse of their waste materials, getting their first new garden waste Shop, this trial follows a from timber to plasterboard. collection, having signed up or renewed successful first test at their subscription. For details, contact Chard's site in February. For recycling site details, district council customer services, or check see www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/collections/ Staff security and customer http://www.somersetwaste. garden-waste. convenience prompted the gov.uk/sites/. 16 Fostering Case Study: Chris and Ian Would you  Chris and Ian Chris says: “We knew we like to make a difference have been in a wanted to start small and see where it took us. We started civil partnership out as carers on the emergency Do you want to start or for eight years fostering scheme, Friday to and foster two Monday, for ten months. Initially ? we looked after five to ten-year- expand your family? teenagers. olds, but as time went on, found we worked better with the older children. If you want to foster, and identify yourself as lesbian, ed gay, bisexual or transgender e start “W g our (LGBT), do what you feel is right. ays: startin . Ian s about rs ago If it’s something you want to do, inking en yea th ut sev we you should go for it. For us, ily abo ecided fam e we d fostering is about making the the tim ncially At be fina e. difference. When you see how ed to er hom need a bigg ter and in ed bet far the children have come; what stable , secur moved ent they’ve achieved, it makes you o we , and w S ncially feel really proud. It’s getting them bs fina jo e.” to believe in themselves and m ther fro recognise their potential.” As a foster carer in Somerset, you can!

Foster carers are ordinary people who make an extraordinary difference – by What do we offer? being there for children who are unable ■ A rewarding career working for a to live with their birth families. not-for-profit organisation! ■ Fantastic training and regular Did you know? A whopping 600 extra support, and being part of a people are needed to become foster carers committed team for children living in care in the South West, ■ On-call advice, so someone is says The Fostering Network charity. always on hand to help ■ A weekly fee and allowance to Our biggest areas of need are for people cover the cost of looking after with the energy, enthusiasm and space to: the child ■ ■ Offer an A pay and progression scheme, older child, aged 10 and which rewards carers for their over, a loving home ■ skills, experience and learning, Give young teenagers guidance and and for helping siblings stay stability as they mature into adulthood together ■ Help siblings of all ages stay together ■ Payments in-between placements ■ Offer disabled children new for our specialist schemes where experiences and give parent carers need to be available at carers a break home. Find out more!  Whatever your circumstances, sexuality, gender, ethnicity or income, it’s what you have to offer a child we care about most. To enquire about Fostering for Somerset, or Fostering to Adopt, visit www.fosteradoptsomerset.org.uk phone 0800 587 9900 or come to our next information event. Details are available at www.fosteradoptsomerset.org.uk/events Healthy weights 17

Heights and weights check for children

Every year, throughout the country, children in Reception (aged 4 and 5) and Year 6 (aged 10 and 11) have their height and weight measured at school. This is called the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP). It’s part of a national campaign “Why should my to help children maintain a healthy weight. FAQ child take part?” By taking part in the From 2016, if you live in Somerset and your child is in Reception or measurement programme, we are able to monitor Year 6, you will receive a letter within six weeks of the the growth and health measurements being taken to let you know which of children and then weight category your child falls into. In Somerset offer support and “I’ve had a letter guidance where it we want to give families as much support and saying my child is is needed. information as possible, so that overweight - What they feel happy about their should I do?” It can be upsetting to children taking part in read that your child is the measurement overweight but the letter programme. is sent to you to make sure that you are aware of your child’s weight, and “I know my child is overweight to give you an opportunity, as a and I don’t want them to feel family, to work together and, “Why do you measure embarrassed by getting weighed maybe, make some lifestyle children? Isn’t it changes. Your GP will know that at school. Can I opt them out of your child has been weighed and obvious which children the programme?” will have access to your child’s are underweight or results and be able to give you overweight?” support and advice.

It can be difficult for parents The measurement programme is not to tell, just by looking, that compulsory. Parents will receive a their child is overweight letter giving them the opportunity because both their height and weight are to opt their child out of the measuring changing as they grow. Also, because programme. However, if your child is more children are becoming heavier at overweight, we can offer you some a younger age, we’ve become used to solutions to help them lose the seeing bigger children. excess weight.

What other help and support is available? There are a variety of different ways to Somerset help your child achieve a healthy weight: Zing Somerset is launching a new • You can go online for practical advice about lifestyle course to give families time increasing physical activity and healthy eating and space to think about: at www.nhs.uk/change4life and • Eating well www.nhs.uk/ncmp3 • Looking at what’s in a food label • You will also be given contact details for your • Getting more active local school nurse who will be able to offer • Healthy recipes advice and support • Managing stress • You may also like to explore As well as a chance to try out www.zingsomerset.co.uk where you will find different activities and games each out about local activity clubs and get further week. For more information, support for the whole family email [email protected]

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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 By post 0845 601 0939 Somerset County Council, County Hall, (office hours) and Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY 0845 795 9639 (for out of hours emergencies) By email [email protected] Student Finance Direct (Higher Education Students only) Please phone the numbers below 0845 607 7577 School Term DS ates for the following services: Wellington Community Office 2016 (01823) 667279 c Fostering and Adoption enquiries Term 5: 11 Apr - 27 May 2016

0800 587 9900 District Councils Term 6: 6 June - 20 July 2016h Somerset Heritage Centre Mendip District Council (01823) 278805 0300 303 8588 2016/17 Sedgemoor District Council Term 1: 1 Sept - 21 Oct 2016 o Somerset Road Safety 0845 408 2540 (01823) 423430 South Somerset District Council Term 2: 31 Oct - 16 Dec 2016 (01935) 462462 Term 3: 3 Jan - 10 Feb 2017 o Somerset Skills and Learning Term 4: 20 Feb - 31 Mar 2017 0330 332 7997 Taunton Deane Borough Council

(01823) 356356 Term 5: 18 Apr - 26 May 2017 l Somerset Waste Parnership West Somerset District Council Term 6: 5 June - 24 July 2017 (01823) 625700 (01643) 703704

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Compassionate nursing care in charming surroundings – at a realistic cost children £p2er7 (5-18) Saturday Beauchamp House is a Care South Country House home, offering the highest quality nursing care for all levels of need, from short term respite to high dependency and palliative care. To request a brochure, arrange a visit or fi nd out more, contact £pe5r .h6ou8 r www.care-south.co.uk or call Beauchamp House on  01823 481500 Registered Charity No. 1014697

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they have made a payment and displayed their Blue badges ticket. This means that if a Blue Badge holder pays for Blue Badge holders using car parks operated by one hour of parking, they will be able to park for Taunton Deane Borough Council will need to pay two hours, with the second hour free of charge, for their space from Monday 4 April. providing their valid Blue Badge is clearly displayed. Monday Currently, Blue Badge holders are entitled to Y free parking in the council’s car parks but this is Information on the changes will be advertised. due to change. However, drivers with the badge For more information, please visit 4 APpAril will be entitled to 60 minutes free parking once www.tauntondeane.gov.uk 20 Events Anna Keay Talk Celebrating Wednesday 8 June Events on the Quantock Hills Somerset Day 7.30pm The Director of the Somerset Treasures Landmark Trust gives a A special tour around Wednesday 11 May talk to launch her new Come and take a look biography of the Duke of Cothelstone Manor at a special exhibition of Monmouth, ‘The last Saturday 21 May Somerset archive Royal Rebel.’ Cost: £10 2pm (2-3hrs) treasures at St. James (booking required.) A tour organised by Friends of Quantock around this Church, Taunton Victor Ambrus historic listed manor not normally open to the public. 10am-4pm. Entry is free. Also there is a fine 12th century church in the grounds and St Agnes Holy Well. The visit will be followed by Taunton Town Tours afternoon tea in the house. Cost £13.50 , which June - September includes tea. Please register your interest with Barbara (Tuesdays & Saturdays) Shaw on (01823) 432812 or [email protected] by Friday 25 April. Walking tours exploring Current Exhibitions ‘Hidden Taunton: • New exhibition of A Historical Tour of the watercolours and Hay Meadow Walk County Town.’ Cost: £3 drawings by Taunton Saturday 11 June (booking required.) artist, Harry Frier. 3pm (2hrs) Treasures of the • Retrospective exhibition Museum of Enjoy a Friends of Quantock In the Night Sky of illustrations by Time organised walk around Durborough Farm in Aisholt, a Somerset Friday 13 May Team artist, Victor small hill farm and a site of Special Scientific Interest. Enjoy a talk by South 7.30pm-9.30pm Ambrus. Entry is free. Janet has won awards for her environmentally-friendly West Heritage Trust Family workshop covering methods of farm management. The walk will be Head of Museums, Steve all aspects of observing For more information, followed by tea and cake in the farmhouse kitchen. Minnitt at 2.30pm at the the night sky, including visit www.museumof Numbers are limited, so please register with Barbara Museum. Cost: £5 history. Cost: £5 somerset.org.uk or phone Shaw on (01823) 432812 or [email protected] . (booking required.) (booking required.) (01823) 255088. This is a free event.

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

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