Somerset Council has launched two consultations inviting people to share their views on the future funding of services supporting families and people facing significant challenges.
The consultations relate to Somerset Family Support Service, delivered by Safe Families (and is known as the ‘Safe Families’ service in Somerset), and also Rise, which is delivered by The Nelson Trust.
Both consultations close on Monday 7 December 2026.
The Council wants to understand the benefits of continuing funding for these services, the potential consequences of ending funding, and to explore any alternative approaches, before taking final decisions.
Somerset Council continues to face significant financial challenges, with rising costs and growing demand for essential services, including adult social care and children’s services. As part of its work to improve its financial position, it is reviewing spending, including funding for services it is not legally required to provide (often described as non-statutory services).
Both Rise and Somerset Family Support Service (Safe Families) fall into the non-statutory category, but no decision has been made on either. Withdrawal of funding would save the Council around £350k each year.
Somerset Family Support Service (Safe Families) provides early help to families experiencing difficulties. Its aim is to prevent problems escalating to the point where more intensive or statutory support is needed.
Rise provides specialist, voluntary support for women who have previously had one or more children removed from their care and may be at risk of future care proceedings. The service aims to improve outcomes and reduce the likelihood of more children entering local authority care.
Lead Member for Children, Families and Education at Somerset Council, Cllr Heather Shearer, said:
The financial pressures facing the Council are significant, but we must also understand the consequences of any change, not just the savings it could deliver.
No decisions have been made. We want to hear directly from the people who use these services, their families and those who work alongside them about the difference this support makes, and what ending funding could mean.
These consultations are about support that matters to people’s lives. We encourage people to take part in the consultation exercise as it will help inform the decisions ahead.
Your voice matters
The Council is inviting feedback from people who use the services, their families, volunteers, partner organisations and the wider community.
Responses will help understand the potential impact on those receiving support and on other local services, and will be considered alongside other evidence before final decisions are made.
To read the consultation information and share your views, visit the Somerset Council’s Citizen Space website.
Safe Families consultation 2026 – Somerset Council – Citizen Space
Rise (previously Pause) consultation 2026 – Somerset Council – Citizen Space
Please respond by the end of Monday 7 December 2026.
Findings will be considered and shared, before presenting a report to the Executive early in 2027.
ENDS
