Visitors to Taunton’s library will now be able to pre-book free Occupational Therapy assessments along with all the other library services on offer.
Today (3 September) saw the official opening of Taunton’s Somerset Independent Living Centre (SILC) – the third of its kind in the county but the first to be housed in a library.
SILCs are run by Somerset Council. Visitors who pre-book SILC appointments can receive a free assessment from the onsite Occupational Therapy team.
During an assessment, the Occupational Therapy team member will talk with an individual about their needs and can show equipment and technology that can make everyday life easier, whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, or around the home. They also offer helpful solutions for carers and provide unbiased, practical advice.
Watch the following video for a helpful summary of some of the adaptations and support that is available at SILCs:
The official opening at Taunton Library today saw demonstrations of some of the equipment and technology that was on offer, as well as encouraging attendees to tour the centre and experience it for themselves.
Councillor Sarah Wakefield, Lead Member for Adults Services, Housing and Homelessness at Somerset Council was one of the attendees.
She said:
It was great to have a look around the new SILC based at Taunton library today and having one of our SILCs in such a central and accessible location is fantastic news for residents in this part of our county.
If you, or someone you care about, is struggling with daily living tasks at home or with maintaining regular contact with family and friends or there are concerns about being able to check on that person and their welfare, I really recommend that you book an appointment and have an assessment by one of the knowledgeable Occupational Therapy team at our Shepton Mallet, Yeovil, or Taunton locations.
The SILC has 3 designated parking spaces in the nearby High Street car park as well as offering convenient access via local bus services.
Visitors to the SILC at Taunton library will also have access to the wide range of services that Somerset libraries provide, including:
- free blood pressure monitor loans;
- the Home Library Service;
- free iPad loaning service;
- sessions to help people to use technology;
- specialist book collections to support health and wellbeing;
- free low impact activity sessions; and
- many other regular groups and activities where people can make new friends and learn new skills.
There is also a huge range of eBooks, eAudiobooks and even eMagazines available online for free to Somerset Library members.
To find your local library, visit the Council’s Libraries page.
To find out more about SILCs, visit the Council’s Equipment to help you page.
Image from left to right: Jessica Rundle, Nikki Dyer, Cllr Sarah Wakefield, Mel Lock and Julian Bellew.
