A new website that will help people across Somerset access care and support in the county is now here.

Developed by the County Council and the NHS, Somerset Choices (www.somersetchoices.org.uk) aims to help people help themselves stay independent, healthy and well. It will put people in control of their care and wellbeing and give them more choice when it comes to who provides their care and support.

The new website guides people through self-help forms, provides easy access to information and a directory of local services, products, groups and events in their local area. Such as care homes, help at home, mobility equipment, personal assistants, lunch clubs, exercise groups and breaks for carers.

Cllr William Wallace, Cabinet Member for Adults Services at Somerset County Council, said: “We hope Somerset Choices will transform the way people access care and support services. It will give people more choice and allow them to make informed decision about who supplies their care. Plus they can find local social groups, support groups or exercise clubs to help them keep themselves healthy and happy.”

The site is now live in a test version – which means people can access the site but lots of work is still going on behind the scenes to improve the content and respond to feedback. More local care and support providers are also being encouraged to upload their details so that the site contains a really comprehensive directory of local services. If you have any initial feedback on the website please email: help@somersetchoices.org.uk

There will be promotional activity to raise awareness of Somerset Choices including newspaper and radio advertising and events across the county.

The event dates and locations are:

Saturday 11th July at Wiveliscombe Town Centre
Saturday 18th July at Chard Town Centre
Saturday 25th July at Clarks Village in Street
Saturday 1st August at Taunton Town Centre
Saturday 8th August at Bridgwater Town Centre
Saturday 5th September at Minehead Town Centre
Friday 11th September at Shepton Mallet Town Centre
Wednesday 16 September at Wells Town Centre
Friday 25 September at Yeovil Town Centre
Saturday 26 September at Junction 24 in Bridgwater

Anyone who attends the event can talk to a member of the team about Somerset Choices and what it will offer and try the site out.

The Somerset Choices website has been developed by Somerset County Council, in partnership with the local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and District Councils.