Somerset residents are being encouraged to think about their future care needs at a free health and social care information day near Taunton.
The event, organised by Somerset Council with local partners, will take place at Trull Village Memorial Hall on Thursday 1 October from 1pm to 4pm. It is open to everyone, regardless of whether they currently receive adult social care support.
Planning early can help people understand their choices, find practical support and make informed decisions before their circumstances change or a crisis occurs.
Residents may wish to attend to start to plan for themselves, support a relative or friend, or simply learn more about the help available in their community.
Visitors will be able to speak directly with Somerset Council adult social care practitioners and social workers, as well as local organisations offering information, advice and guidance.
Support available on the day will include friendly conversations about care and support, local activities and services, and free health checks.
Organisations attending the event will include:
- Thrive,
- Mind in Somerset,
- CHS Healthcare,
- ARK at Edgwood CIC,
- Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.
Further organisations will be confirmed nearer the date.
Councillor Sarah Wakefield, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Adults Services, Housing and Homelessness, said:
Adult social care will affect all of us and those we love and care about at some point in our lives, and it is never too early to understand the options available. Planning ahead can help ourselves and those we care for to stay independent, make informed choices that reflect what matters to them and find the support they need and can access before they reach a crisis point.
We know the system can feel overwhelming and that people do not always know where to begin. This event brings trusted organisations together in one place, so residents can ask questions, understand what may be available and start planning with confidence.
I encourage residents to come along, even if they do not need support now. A conversation today could make a real difference later.
This event was set up with the support of local Comeytrowe and Trull Councillor Dawn Johnson. She said:
I encourage people from across Comeytrowe and Trull and nearby areas to come along, ask questions, find useful information and start planning for their future care needs.
We have many isolated people in our communities who find themselves living alone, unsure how to access transport, to socialise, and meet with people and to know to where to go to find information on adult social care.
As a representative of the community, I hear of the challenges that residents face and hope that this event will help answer the questions that arise, and bring people together in a safe place to talk about their concerns.
This event is part of a countywide series bringing trusted health and social care advice closer to local communities. Similar events have already taken place in Yeovil, Taunton, Martock and Wellington, with more planned for the rest of 2026.
There is free public parking at the venue, which is wheelchair accessible. Free tea and coffee will also be available.
For people who are unable to attend, the council held online webinars last year about some of the most frequently asked questions about adult social care which residents can still watch on their YouTube channel.
Useful information about what to do when thinking about social care for the first time can also be found on a step-by-step guide on the council’s Adult Social Care journey page.
