Introduction
We support you to find solutions in your community to keep you independent for longer.
We work with you and our partners in the health service and community organisations to provide really useful information and advice so you can get on with your life.
We call this Community Connect
- You can get information and advice quickly
- You can get the support you need to stay independent
- You can get help to find out about what is happening in your community and to meet new people
- You can find out about volunteering opportunities
- You can find out about equipment to support you to live at home
- If you are a carer, you can get advice and support with your caring role
Read our Market position statement 2019 – 2022 to find out how we are responding to the changing needs of the people of Somerset.
Where to go for information and advice
Talk – to a social worker, a volunteer or community agent at a Community Connect drop-in. You can find all the dates and venues here. The team at the drop-in can help with everything, from finding a local social group and support with money, to help with transport or support for carers.
Look – online on Somerset Community Connect. The website provides information about local services, groups and events. This short video is an example of how Community Connect works – Alan and Pat’s story
Read stories from people who have been helped by Community Connect.
Visit – the Independent Living Centres (ILC) for advice about equipment. You can speak to someone about your options and ‘try before you buy’. To make an appointment email adults@somerset.gov.uk
Email – us to arrange to speak to someone about what matters to you and what is available to support you. Email adults@somerset.gov.uk
You can follow any of the links in ‘Adult Social Care’ to take you to more detailed information about Adult Social Care support.
Advocacy
Advocacy is when someone independent helps another person to understand what they are being told, and supports them to make sure their opinions are heard.
Understanding the care and support system can often be daunting, especially if you have no one to talk things through. Our staff will always try and help you themselves, but by talking with an advocate they may be able to cover and perhaps explain in better ways what some of the complex processes and possibilities are for you. You can find out more on the Somerset Community Connect website.
Independent advocacy service
If we think you would benefit from the support that an advocate can provide, and have no one else available to you who can do this, such as a family member or friend, we will ask an advocate to become involved.
In Somerset, our independent advocacy service is provided by Swan Advocacy.
Swan Advocacy contact details
Somerset Office, Hi-point, Thomas Street, Taunton, TA2 6HB
Phone: 03333 44 7928
Email: Somerset@swanadvocacy.org.uk
Website: swanadvocacy.org.uk