One month on from the launch of Somerset Choices in mid-July and there have been over 50,000 page views on the website – and praise all round.

Somerset Choices (www.somersetchoices.org.uk) provides easy access to information on local care homes, help at home, mobility equipment, personal assistants, lunch clubs, exercise groups, breaks for carers and lots more.

The website guides people through self-help forms and provides a directory of local services, products, groups and events in local areas.

Since the launch of the website on Friday 10 July, the Somerset Choices team have been busy promoting it in local towns. They have been to Wiveliscombe, Chard, Street, Taunton and Bridgwater to demonstrate the site and raise awareness of how it can benefit people.

Passers-by have praised the new website.

Pat Mayhew from Taunton, said: “I think it is a really useful resource and I have a friend I know that would find it very helpful to find some support caring for his wife.”

Andy White from Taunton, said: “It makes sense to have everything in one place. I think it is a great idea.”

Vanetta Merrick from Bridgwater, said: “I could have done with this last year when I was looking for support to help my elderly neighbour. It’s a great idea to have information like this in one place.”

Mary Hayward from Somerset and Westcountry Stairlifts, said: “Somerset Choices is a brilliant idea – a one stop website where people and carers can find everything from care products to care options. We’re delighted to be one of the first providers on the site. We wish the site every success.”

More events are coming up on the following dates:

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

Cllr William Wallace, Cabinet Member for Adults Services at Somerset County Council, said: “I am really pleased that people are using the new website and finding it helpful. Somerset Choices allows people to make informed decisions about who supplies their care and aims to help people to help themselves stay independent, healthy and well.”

Around 1000 care and support providers have now uploaded their details to the website. More local care and support providers are 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

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