Somerset County Council is committed to supporting communities and young people who have, or want to develop, youth provision – it does this through the Youth and Community Service. The service will help you provide the best youth provision possible in your community.

They offer a wide range of support, resources, advice and information to communities and organisations, including:

• Support to communities
• Training
• Benchmark scheme
• Grants and funding
• Community Youth Club handbook
• Club Development
• Developing quality youth work
• Youth voice
• Endeavour credit awards

They also offer the Youth Equipment Store (YES) which hires equipment for children and young people and the adults working with them, at very affordable rates. The Store is based near Taunton and can deliver to recognised groups across Somerset.

There is a wide range of equipment from the camping and hiking tools needed to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to stage lighting and mountain bikes. YES also has a range of equipment and toys for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs. These include everything from sensory toys to mobility aids.

Type of provision

Universal - This is for everyone, including people with special educational needs and disabilities