Somerset Sight is a local charity that has been supporting sight impaired people across Somerset for over a hundred years and in 2019 we proudly won the Queens Award for Voluntary Service.

One of the services we offer is the Volunteer Visiting Service, whereby volunteers are matched locally with a sight impaired person for regular visits for company and support and to alleviate their loneliness and isolation.

Volunteer visitors help with a variety of tasks such as reading, correspondence, or making appointments, going out for a drive or just a cup of tea and a chat.  Many volunteers get great satisfaction and enjoyment from their voluntary work, many friendships are formed and the people they support very much look forward to their visits, some telling us that it is the highlight of their week.  Full training is provided and we cover all reasonable expenses. See link below for more details

Somerset Sight – VVS – Volunteer Poster 2022

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New Domestic Abuse Services

A new approach to domestic abuse services in Somerset aims to break the cycle of abuse, reduce repeat offending and offer stronger support for victims and families. Somerset County Council’s domestic abuse service – Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (SIDAS) – launches its new service this week (1 April) which will incorporate additional investment in safe accommodation and support to victims, perpetrators and children across Somerset.

The new wider service will offer a more holistic type of support, with interventions for anybody, of any risk factor, whose life is impacted by domestic abuse that they are experiencing or have experienced in the past.

From the first week in May, the support hub will be physically opening its doors between 5pm and 8pm – allowing people to access one-to-one support in person. In addition, the service is launching a number of pop-up hubs across the county allowing the public to get in person support in their area. To find a hub location near you got to: https://somersetsurvivors.org.uk/community-support/

SIDAS will be working with schools, businesses and other organisations to increase awareness of the signs of domestic abuse and how to respond to it. 

There are five elements that have been awarded to three organisations:

• Central Hub – The You Trust –

Providing a place of contact for victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse. The Central Hub will coordinate those peoples’ support, ensuring they get the best service

• Children and Young People – The You Trust–

Specialist support for children and young people who have experienced or witnessed abuse

• Advocacy and Support – The You Trust –
  Providing one-to-one and group support for victims of domestic abuse
• Safe Accommodation – Julian House –

Providing an increased range of safe accommodation options for people of all genders with or without children who are fleeing domestic abuse

• Counselling for adults and children who are in Safe Accommodation – Fearless

James Dore, SIDAS Strategic Manager from The You Trust, said: “We are pleased to be working with Fearless and Julian House, to provide this new and expanded service. Working together we will be able to help more people than ever before.”

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, sexuality or religion – and help is available to anybody experiencing it. Domestic abuse remains an under-reported crime, particularly among male victims, older victims, and young people.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, worried about someone you know, or are concerned about the impact of your behaviour towards others, then help is available: www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk or by telephoning 0800 69 49 999, between 8am – 8pm.

In an emergency you should always dial 999. If you are worried that an abuser may overhear your call you can remain silent, tap the phone and dial 55 when prompted by the operator who will send help.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired you can register with emergencySMS.net. Once registered you will be able to send a text to 999 if you require help in an emergency.