Somerset Council’s Tenant Social Value Group is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to making a difference in the wider community, and the group’s latest project is already boosting positive change for the Conquest Centre in Norton Fitzwarren near Taunton.
Lead Executive Member for Communities at Somerset Council, Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts comments:
“Social value is key to our commitment to our communities and as part of the Housing Revenue Service’s procurement processes, we invite contractors to include an element of ‘Social Value’ within their proposals. Thanks to these generous contributions, our Tenant Social Value Group is able to work with sustainable, targeted projects to provide invaluable additional support and resources that benefit not just our tenants, but our whole community.”
Conquest Centre is an independent charity established in 1965. Having operated as an RDA (Riding for the Disabled) centre for many years, it has evolved in response to changing client needs and funding requirements. Today, Conquest Centre is an inclusive service offering therapeutic support to individuals of all ages and abilities. It provides a safe, natural, and non-judgemental environment that promotes emotional, social, physical, and mental wellbeing. A key feature of the Conquest Centre’s inclusive environment has always been its Sensory room – a crucial space for individuals with autism, anxiety, and sensory processing needs – which was in urgent need of refurbishment.
Jess Dixon, Conquest Centre Manager tells us:
“We are absolutely thrilled to have been selected for funding by the Council’s Tenant Social Value Group. The impact of the transformation has been immediate. We’ve seen increased engagement, relaxation, and demand for the Sensory room which is more than just a standalone feature; the room now integrates seamlessly with other therapies, really strengthening Conquest Centre’s holistic approach to wellbeing. Importantly, it is open to our wider community, helping to reduce stigma around mental health and neurodiversity.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been involved in creating this amazing space for our visitors and the local community – EEM, MD Group-Electric Heating, SENSational Spaces who designed and built the new space, the Tenant Social Value Group for their dedication in bringing the space to life and of course our wonderful volunteers, families and friends for their patience and enthusiasm.”
Cllr Smith-Robert continues:
“A huge thank you to our Social Value Group members led by Sharon Sloan and Sharon Yarde, for their passion and dedication in their efforts in bringing about this fantastic facility. The group is always on the look-out for sustainable, inclusive community-based projects which would benefit from financial support to make a real, lasting difference.”
Officially opened on 19 December 2025 by the Tenants Social Value Group, the newly renovated sensory space at the Conquest Centre is bright, welcoming and thoughtfully equipped with interactive light panels, tactile walls, calming furnishings, and sound/vibration features. The design is flexible to accommodate the diverse needs of children, families, and individuals experiencing trauma or emotional distress, and now provides a safe and soothing environment for all.
