Author Archives: Julia Richards
Don’t be lonely this Christmas
Anyone who fears they may be lonely this Christmas is being urged to make use of a directory of events and activities available over the festive season. The festive season is a time when families and friends traditionally get together but it can be tough for anyone who is on their own, not through choice. […]
Have your say on plans to upgrade the A303
Somerset residents are urged to have their say on plans to upgrade the A303. Highways England has today (Friday 26 January) launched a consultation on proposals to improve the single carriageway section of the A303 between Sparkford and Ilchester, including widening the road to a dual carriageway and improving safety of connections with the local […]
Family Support Service: next steps considered
Plans for a new Family Support Service will be discussed at Somerset County Council next week. The Council’s Children’s Services are looking to develop the service to help make support for families and children as accessible as possible for those who need it most. It would bring together the Council’s getset service (which includes Children’s […]
‘Home First’ relieves pressure on Somerset hospitals
Home First, a Somerset health and social care initiative, is freeing up hospital beds during this busy winter period by giving people the care they need at home. Although the numbers of people being admitted to local hospitals has increased significantly, the number of people facing unnecessary delays in leaving hospital has reduced by an […]
Sparky the dragon gives volunteer drivers a Christmas surprise
Sparky the dragon, Somerset County Council’s mascot, surprised volunteer drivers and patients with mince pies and Christmas cheer at Taunton’s dialysis centre, last week. Sparky thanked the drivers for their dedication and the valuable support they provide to non-emergency NHS patients and social care users, ranging from the elderly to young children. Nearly 200 dedicated […]
Hospital stays reduced thanks to Home First
A new social care and health initiative in Somerset has already helped hundreds of people return safely home earlier from hospital. Since the initiative launched in September over 300 people have been supported to move on from hospital sooner and average stays in hospital have been reduced by five days for each person. As soon […]
Over 60 per cent of calls resolved first time to keep you independent
More people are having their care needs successfully met on their first phone call to the County Council, thanks to Somerset’s innovative new ways of working. Around 60 per cent of Adult Social Care phone enquiries to the Council’s customer services, Somerset Direct, are now being resolved on the first call and on some days […]
High praise for West Somerset team at Social Worker of the Year Awards
Somerset County Council’s Adult Social Care team from West Somerset received high praise as a finalist at the national Social Worker of the Year Awards 2017. At the ceremony in London the team were honoured as finalists in the ‘Team of the Year’ category for their innovation, creativity and outstanding work with vulnerable adults. Over […]
‘Outstanding’ teacher training in Somerset
Somerset’s teacher training programme has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for the high level learning, support and opportunities offered to trainees. The top rating has been maintained since 2005 and Somerset School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) is recognised by the National College for Teaching and Learning (NCTL) as being in the top 25 per […]
Comic book workshop at Taunton Library
Comic fanatics are invited to attend an exciting workshop at Taunton Library on Saturday 25 November. The workshops are hosted by Neill Cameron, author of the Phoenix Comics works Tamsin in the Deep and Mega Robo Bros. Neil will discuss his work and show the children how to create their own awesome comics. Join Neill […]
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