Somerset Local Nature Strategy Consultation has been extended until 7th November
The consultation has been extended until 11.59pm on 7th November . The link to consultation page on our website is below
Somerset’s Nature Recovery Strategy – Consultation
“Children need at least one person in their life that thinks the sun rises and sets on them, who delights in their existence, and loves them unconditionally”
This quote by Pamela Leo might make us think ‘of course’, but not all children have this.
There are now over 600 children and young people in care – the highest this number has ever been. Some of these will have had experienced things in their short lives that we cannot imagine. We can’t fix this, but we can help by providing safe adults who show consistency, care and give happy childhood memories.
Route1 Advocacy and Independent Visitors service supports children and young people who are in care or have a social worker. They do this by matching volunteers with young people as either short term Advocates or longer-term Independent Visitors.
Children in care are placed in foster or residential homes across Somerset, and at times out of county. All of these children have a right to the same support.
Independent Visitors
These volunteers make a long-term commitment to one child in care. They visit the child once or twice each month to build a trusting, supportive relationship and friendship that can sometimes last many years. This can bring life-changing experiences and opportunities to a child or young person – and their Independent Visitor!
Advocates
Volunteers work alongside individual children to ensure their voices are heard, and their wishes and feelings are considered when decisions are being made which affect them. Each child’s support is usually short term and there is no expectation of a long-term commitment to a particular child.
A recent trainee volunteer said, “I started out thinking ‘what on earth can require 5 days of training?’ I now know why and think you have it just right.”
Your life experience will be highly valued, and you will be trained and supported in developing key skills. Your volunteering can be arranged to suit your availability.
For more information about Route 1 Advocacy and Independent Visitors, you can contact us by emailing: route1advocacy@somerset.gov.uk, calling 01749 822801 and our website is www.route1advocacy.co.uk
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My name is Lauren Davis and I oversee the Home Library service across Somerset. The home library service is a free initiative for individuals who enjoy reading but are unable to get into the library due to their own health and mobility or caring reasons.
We’re currently looking for new volunteers to support the Home Library Service in Minehead and the surrounding area. This is a rewarding opportunity for anyone who enjoys books and connecting with people. This volunteering role is flexible and can fit around individuals other commitments.
Our volunteers:
Individuals can find out more information about the volunteering role and application process via this link – https://tinyurl.com/HLSMinehead
If anyone has any questions or queries about the role then they are more than welcome to contact me directly 07814079831 or lauren.davis@somerset.gov.uk.
Please feel free to reach out if you would like anymore information.
Thank you for your help and support for this service.
Best wishes
Lauren Davis
Outreach Officer – Vulnerable Adults (including Home Library Service)
My normal working days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
Somerset Council
Email: lauren.davis@somerset.gov.uk
Teams: 01823 356639
Mobile: 07814079831
Please follow the link to view the above road closure; https://one.network/?tm=GB144815067 and the link for the Notice 2: https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1111/03-notice-2_144815067_3980444_b6fa58504e.pdf
The works are expected to commence on 4th November 2025 and last for 1 night (19:00 – 07:00) to enable Wessex Water to carry out reinstatement works.
The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site is not permitted on this occasion.
For any further information about this closure please contact Wessex Water on 0345 600 3600, quoting reference: ttro800048W(WS).
Please note that should you require to view a closure which is more than two weeks ahead, please visit https://one.network/?tm=GB144815067
With regards,
The Road Closure Team
Email: ttro@somerset.gov.uk
Traffic Management, Road Safety and Parking Services
Somerset Council
County Hall
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 4DY
Web: www.somerset.gov.uk
Travel Somerset – for live travel alerts, roadworks information and winter weather updates on Twitter @TravelSomerset and online 24/7 at Roadworks and travel information
Every year, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service ask local residents and businesses to take part in their annual precept survey. The five-minute form asks how people feel about the service they receive, and will influence the amount the Service receives from council tax in 2026/27.
The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority anticipates that by 2026/27, a saving of £4.8million will be needed due to reductions in government funding and rising costs of delivering services such as materials, energy and employment costs.
The £4.8million saving is based on a year-on-year increase of 2.99% to council tax over the financial year 2026/27. Every 1% increase to council tax precept amounts to almost seven hundred thousand pounds to the Service this year.
The following message from our Fire Authority Chair, Councillor Simon Coles explains the importance of the survey:
“It’s important for us as your Authority to understand your views when deciding on the budget for next year. This is why, every year, we ask our communities across Devon and Somerset to have their say about Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. I am Chair of the Authority, and it is our responsibility to ensure that your fire service is providing the best value for money and uses your tax money effectively, every penny can make a difference.
Each year we decide how much you pay from your council tax to fund the Service. Our decision will be based on the results of your feedback so please take part and share it with as many people as you can.”
What’s the precept at the moment
The Service receives part of its funding from council tax, known as the precept, and business rates. The current council tax charge from the fire and rescue service is £104.68 a year for a Band D household.
What the financial position means
The Authority is required to deliver a balanced budget, meaning outgoings do not exceed income. In previous years, reserves have been used to balance the budget, but the reserves have now been used so there are no general reserves that can be called upon. Therefore, costs will need to be reduced if necessary.
The Authority will always seek to use their resources available in the best way to minimise the impact of risk to communities in their area. The Service is reviewing our operating model to ensure efficiencies can be achieved but the funding gap is considerable.
An increase in precept does not mean that all services will continue to be delivered in the same way they are at the moment.
Please could you help us by sharing this with your communities through the poster attached, sharing our social media posts (@dsfireupdates) and completing the survey yourself before 3 December.
Further information can be found on our website.
Best wishes,
Megan Hegarty
Consultation and Engagement Officer
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
Phone: 01392344074
Website: www.dsfire.gov.uk
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