Document Category: Service Themes

This Trussell report presents a comprehensive assessment of hunger in the UK in 2024. It finds that food insecurity has increased to 16% of households, affecting 14.1 million people, despite falling inflation and no reduction in food bank use. Hunger is driven primarily by low incomes, debt, insecure work and an inadequate social security system, disproportionately affecting disabled people, families with children, renters and marginalised groups. Drawing on large-scale surveys and lived experience research, the report shows why food banks remain widely used and sets out policy changes needed to reduce severe hardship and end the need for emergency food.

A Growing Health Tool Kit is a practical guide produced by Garden Organic and Sustain to help community food growing projects work with the health and social care system. It explains how health commissioning works, how to develop and present food growing activities as health services, and how to gather evidence and measure impact. The toolkit brings together research on the physical, mental and social benefits of gardening, alongside product examples, evaluation tools and case studies of commissioned projects. It is designed to support community growers to secure funding, build partnerships and contribute to public health outcomes.

July 25 House of Commons Library research briefing – an evidence-based overview of food poverty in the UK, covering household food insecurity, food bank use and free school meals. Latest national statistics, trends over time and disparities by income, region, ethnicity and family circumstances. It also examines the impact of the cost of living crisis and food price inflation, outlining current government policy and funding arrangements. It is designed as an impartial reference to support understanding, analysis and decision-making, drawing on official government data and major charity datasets, including Trussell food bank figures and Department for Work and Pensions statistics.

Spark iT was founded in 2021, as the UK emerged from Covid, to tackle digital exclusion at its roots. Today, partnering with community spaces to run
Digital Cafés across Somerset each month, more than 30 cafés open their doors. Each with trained and friendly volunteer Digital Champions on hand, ready to help.
They’re free, welcoming to everyone, and support people to use the internet safely and access online services that support their health, wellbeing and daily lives.

This document gives practical insights into cradle-to-career (C2C) models and community-based approaches for improving social mobility. It provides actionable steps, case studies, and 15 innovative practices that can be adopted to support under-resourced children and families. By reading, VCFSEs will gain strategies for partnership, community engagement, and sustainable impact, helping them drive joined-up, relational support and systemic change in their local areas. Holyrood School in Chard is one of the case studies

PROMISEworks latest results from a year of imbedding impact and presenting needs analysis.

This report, “Stigma in the System,” explores how stigma is embedded in the UK social security system, impacting claimants’ financial security, mental health, and trust in the system. ​ It examines public perceptions, institutional practices, and internalized stigma, revealing how these factors discourage people from claiming benefits they are entitled to. ​ The report highlights the emotional toll of navigating the system and offers recommendations to humanize, simplify, and better resource social security, aiming to reduce stigma and improve outcomes for claimants. Essential reading for policymakers, advocates, and anyone interested in creating a fairer, more supportive welfare system.

Countywide strategy focusing on strengthening community resilience, voice and connection; models localised solutions to health, transport, food and housing needs and amplifies community insights into policy.

Sets out Somerset’s programme for preparing local planning documents that govern housing, economy, community facilities and infrastructure – providing the statutory context for community development and place-based investment decisions.

This report explores the role and impact of Locally Trusted Organisations (LTOs) in the Big Local programme, which empowers residents in 150 areas in England to lead community transformation. LTOs manage funding, provide governance, and support resident-led decision-making. The research highlights the dynamic and complex relationships between LTOs, Big Local partnerships, and Local Trust, emphasizing the importance of trust, clear communication, and effective governance. Recommendations include improving induction processes, regular relationship reviews, and sharing transferable learning to support resident-led change beyond Big Local.
The report advocates for sustained policy and infrastructure support for community-led initiatives

The Big Local programme uses key service providers, known as Locally Trusted Organisations. Their main role is to manage Big Local funding on behalf of volunteer-led partnerships. This paper sets out what Local Trust knows about Locally Trusted Organisations in general and in relation to resident-led decision making and control. It identifies gaps in knowledge and questions to explore through research. This is mostly focused on instances where the relationship does not work.

A complete toolkit that explores what co-production is, information on 5 key themes – collaboration, diversity, respect, empowerment and involvement. This document has links to further documents and resources that may be useful for those who are exploring their co-production journey and how to include people from their community within their organisation(s) or service(s).

A learning guide for anyone involved in commissioning or funding decisions who wants to apply a co-governance approach. Includes examples and links to further resources to learn more.

A learning guide for anyone wanting to use a co-production approach within research or evaluation activities. Includes key recommendations, an example and further resources that may be useful

A learning guide for anyone who wants to ensure their co-production work involves a diverse range of voices where everyone can participate

A learning guide for growing sustainable groups, designed for anyone who wants to support a community group to grow and develop in a way that is sustainable and not reliant on external funding

A learning guide to create a co-production culture. If you’re part of an organisation that wants to foster a culture of co-production – where people’s lived experiences are listening to and valued – this is the guide for you. An explanation of what it means to create a co-production culture and examples of how this has been achieved elsewhere

A learning guide exploring the key principles of co-production. For anyone looking to move beyond the definition of co-production and dig deeper into the principles and values that underpin the approach.

A learning guide from Stronger Together about co-production. It provides an overview of co-production and the benefits of using the approach, with resources and examples provided

A co-production toolkit from Ageing Better. This toolkit user guide outlines the different tools available for co-producing work in communities and is designed for those completely new to coproduction or those who wish to gain confidence. With different resources available for different audiences, this document outlines what co-production is, the values and principles, who benefits and what topics are covered by the resource library.

A learning guide for Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), for anyone looking to support others in your community to set up activities using their existing skills, strengths and networks. Especially useful for those working in service delivery or development roles, or those who are part of their local community or have lived experience.
Outlines what ABCD is, examples of how it can be applied, top tips and links to other, relevant learning guides.

Understanding Integration: How to Listen to and Learn From People and Communities is a practical framework that can be used to help support systems listen to and learn from people and communities about their experiences of integrated care. Designed for anyone working within a local health and care system, it is intended to encourage NHS, local authorities and other local partners to work, listen and learn together.

A document from 2021, outlining the 8 principles and implications of place based working, in the context of the emerging Integrated Care Boards (at the time). The document is a practical framework to help partners embed community development with strong links to community cohesion. It emphasises the importance of the lived experiences of people in communities, co-production and place-based delivery. It offers a variety of tools, case studies and prompts that VCFSEs can adapt to improve community outcomes.

This toolkit was developed through the work of Common Ambition Bristol (CAB), a community powered co-production project.
•The toolkit shares the learning from the first three years of Common Ambition Bristol’s co-production process.
• It will be of use to teams who want to co-produce health service improvement with minoritised communities.

The Somerset VRP Annual Report outlines multi‑agency work to prevent and reduce serious violence through early intervention, data‑led action and community partnership. Key activity includes governance for serious youth violence, Safer Somerset Priorities tactical meetings, police Early Intervention Team work, behaviour‑change education for pupils, town‑centre youth safety programmes, online harm reduction, and commissioning of high‑impact interventions such as A&E navigators, sports mentors and school‑based “teachable moments”. The VRP prioritises knife crime, street‑based violence and sexual violence for 2025–26, with a strong focus on safeguarding, prevention and community safety.

Somerset’s refreshed Joint Forward Plan sets out how the Integrated Care System will deliver the county’s Health and Care Strategy from 2024–2029. It focuses on five priorities: restoring financial sustainability, developing the workforce, improving system flow, strengthening integrated neighbourhood teams, and transforming population health. The plan responds to significant financial pressures, growing demand and inequalities, and places strong emphasis on prevention, partnership with the VCFSE, data-driven decision making and supporting people to live healthier, independent lives.

The 2024–25 Annual Report outlines progress against the Police and Crime Plan’s five priorities: strengthening neighbourhood policing; reducing violent crime (including male violence against women and girls and serious youth violence); preventing crime through partnerships; supporting victims; and improving policing standards. Key achievements include 10,000+ hotspot foot patrol hours, expanded violence‑reduction programmes, improvements in victim services, and enhanced scrutiny, training and community engagement. The report highlights collaboration with local authorities, VCFSE organisations, and national partners to build safer, more confident communities.

The Somerset Council Plan 2023–2027 sets out the vision for building a fairer, greener, healthier and more resilient Somerset. It focuses on four priority areas: tackling the climate and ecological emergencies; improving health and wellbeing; reducing inequalities; and strengthening Somerset’s economy and communities. The plan emphasises prevention, community involvement, partnership working, improving access to services, supporting education and skills, enabling sustainable growth, protecting vulnerable residents, and promoting cultural, economic and environmental resilience. It also highlights the role of Local Community Networks, sustainable transport, green technologies, inclusive services, decent housing, and supporting local jobs and opportunities.

The Somerset Safeguarding Adults Board Strategic Plan 2025–2028 sets out priorities for protecting adults with care and support needs by improving community engagement, addressing homelessness-related safeguarding risks, strengthening responses to domestic abuse and exploitation (including all‑age exploitation), enhancing transitional safeguarding, and improving the application of the Mental Capacity Act. The plan emphasises co‑production, early intervention, practitioner training, multi‑agency pathways, and partnership working with community groups, third sector organisations, and the Safer Somerset Partnership.

The Somerset Children and Young People’s Plan (2024–30), shaped by the voices of 6,000 children and young people, sets a shared vision for a safe, child‑friendly Somerset where all young people are happy, healthy and prepared for adulthood. Developed by partners including Education for Life Board, Public Health, Connect Somerset, Safer Somerset Partnership and the ICS Children, Young People & Families Partnership Board, it outlines priorities spanning education, healthy lifestyles, mental health, community safety, relationships and adulthood preparation. For VCFSE groups, it highlights collaboration opportunities, early‑help roles, community‑based support and ways to shape services through youth voice.

The Improving Lives Strategy (2019–2028) sets a shared vision for improving health, wellbeing and life chances across Somerset by tackling the wider social determinants of health. Developed by the Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board and partners including Somerset County Council, NHS organisations, the historic district councils, Avon & Somerset Constabulary and Healthwatch, it focuses on prevention, fairer life chances, stronger communities and healthier, more independent living. For VCFSE organisations, it outlines partnership roles, opportunities to influence priorities, shape prevention work, strengthen community resilience and collaborate across sectors to support disadvantaged groups and deliver local impact.

The Integrated Health and Care Strategy for Somerset (2023–2028) sets out a shared vision to improve health, reduce inequalities and redesign services through prevention, early support and integrated system working. Developed jointly by Somerset Council, NHS Somerset, the Somerset Integrated Care Partnership and the Somerset Health & Wellbeing Board (with strong involvement from the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector) it positions VCFSE organisations as key partners in shaping neighbourhood‑based care, supporting disadvantaged communities, and strengthening prevention, wellbeing and local engagement.

The Safer Somerset Partnership is a statutory group working to reduce crime, disorder, anti-social behaviour and re‑offending across Somerset. Its community safety plan aligns with the Improving Lives strategy, Fit for My Future strategy, Children and Young People’s Plan and the Somerset Safeguarding Adults Board strategic plan, and complements the police and crime plan for Somerset. Covering June 2022 to March 2025, it focuses on high‑impact issues such as anti-social behaviour, hate crime, serious violence (including violence against women and girls), victim protection, youth crime and county lines.

Before/during/after flooding guidance and practical community preparedness content supporting cohesion and resilience.

Evaluation of Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP)’s project – Beat the Street – which was run in Shepton Mallet & Wells in 2023. This is an evidence-based, mass participation programme that enables long-term behaviour change and improved partner working. It connects individuals with their local environment and supports people to make simple modifications to everyday behaviour. Includes a mix of qualitative and quantitative data and what behaviours have been changed as a result.

Evaluation of Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP)’s project – Beat the Street – which was run in Yeovil in 2022. This is an evidence-based, mass participation programme that enables long-term behaviour change and improved partner working. It connects individuals with their local environment and supports people to make simple modifications to everyday behaviour. Includes a mix of qualitative and quantitative data and what behaviours have been changed as a result.

Evaluation of Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP)’s project – Beat the Street – which was run in Bridgwater in 2020. This is an evidence-based, mass participation programme that enables long-term behaviour change and improved partner working. It connects individuals with their local environment and supports people to make simple modifications to everyday behaviour. Includes a mix of qualitative and quantitative data and what behaviours have been changed as a result.

Evaluation of Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP)’s project – Beat the Street – which was run in Taunton in 2021. This is an evidence-based, mass participation programme that enables long-term behaviour change and improved partner working. It connects individuals with their local environment and supports people to make simple modifications to everyday behaviour. Includes a mix of qualitative and quantitative data and what behaviours have been changed as a result.

The Connect Somerset Impact Report 2024 showcases how VCFSE organisations play a central role in Somerset’s early‑help system. Connect Somerset is a partnership of Somerset Council, the NHS, education and community services. Overall, the report demonstrates how VCFSE involvement enhances early intervention, community resilience and accessible local support – providing useful insight into how the sector contributes to, and benefits from, joined‑up local systems.

An overview of the ‘spinning out’ process – statutory services becoming their own entity, including examples of why that might happen and what may need to be considered. May be useful considerations for VCFSEs when looking at wider system planning. Important to note this is a presentation and not full detail is provided and it appears to be an older document. Intended to provoke general thinking rather than be a step by step guide

This guide provides practical advice for councils on how in‑house services can be delivered through alternative models such as social enterprises, staff mutuals, cooperatives and other employee‑led organisations. The publication includes the top ten issues to assess when evaluating a proposal, sample response letters, and guidance on TUPE, pensions and procurement. It may also be useful for VCFSE organisations to understand how local government is expected to assess and respond to such requests, offering insight into the processes and considerations councils must follow.

Official detailed CIC annual report form example, to demonstrate what the CIC regulator is looking for from a report to demonstrate public benefit. Also includes a link to gov.uk website for further guidance and support completing the form

Official simplified CIC annual report form example, to demonstrate what the CIC regulator is looking for from a report to demonstrate public benefit. Also includes a link to gov.uk website for further guidance and support completing the form

Trends, approvals, dissolutions and case studies of CICs – useful context for VCFSEs weighing CIC structures for traded income.

Explains how social value is evaluated in public procurement and includes award criteria and metrics. May be useful to help VCFSE organisations see how they can demonstrate outcomes or align with government processes.

Government guidance on CICs: things to consider, asset lock, dividend caps, statutory obligations etc. Useful for charities exploring diversification.

Annual report covering 2024-25. Includes strategy, details of “Wilder Somerset 2030” and the steps being taken to develop and thrive in inclusion, income generation, being an authentic voice and leading change.
Somerset Wildlife Trust report on their goals, outlining the steps taken towards them and also what they plan to do next. Includes “A movement for nature”, volunteer development, and community engagement across Somerset’s landscapes.

The Somerset profile from the Annual Museum Survey. This data is from 2020 and provides snapshot metrics of Somerset museums (visits, income, staffing, volunteers); baseline context for local heritage planning.

Up-to-date interactive reports can be found on the Museum Development website

The Museum Development programme supports museums in the South West. Page 24 details the context of support provided to the Somerset museum landscape. There are useful examples of work that has happened elsewhere in the region, statistics from the Annual Museum Survey and detail of how equality, diversity and inclusion work has been supported.

Annual review of the 2023-24 year for the Octagon Theatre and Westlands Entertainment Venue. The closure of the Octagon occured during this time and there is detail of the wider community engagement work that occured. Including but not limited to Yeovil Literary Festival, leading the Music Hub and the growth of the Arts Engagement & Outreach programme. Work areas included children and young people, art for health and wellbeing and supporting education with opportunities for pupils and training for teachers.

Year‑in‑review of performances, screenings and participation; includes in‑house pantomime production and engagement outcomes. Details community events such as playdays and projects that have been run for health and wellbeing, access and inclusion and the environment.

Details co-created approaches in Taunton, Somerset, showing how arts-led and green-space activities build community capacity and shape inclusive places. It offers practical steps, templates and evidence to support arts, culture & heritage. A partnership between Somerset Art Works and North Taunton One Team.

Details co-created approaches in Somerset, showing how arts-led and green-space activities build community capacity and shape inclusive places. It offers practical steps, templates and evidence to support arts, culture & heritage with links to community spaces and places.

Taunton Brewhouse Annual Review 2024 showcases arts, culture & heritage delivering social impact across Somerset – strengthening participation, wellbeing and inclusion. Programmes for older people and youth theatre, partnerships and access initiatives connect audiences, nurture skills and build community cohesion; children & young people; mental health and wellbeing; equality & diversity. Useful evidence for VCSEs planning creative engagement and place-based activity.

Taunton Brewhouse Annual Review 2023 showcases arts, culture & heritage delivering social impact across Somerset- strengthening participation, wellbeing and inclusion. Programmes for older people and youth theatre, partnerships and access initiatives connect audiences, nurture skills and build community cohesion; children & young people; mental health and wellbeing; equality & diversity. Useful evidence for VCSEs planning creative engagement and place-based activity.

A report from NHS Somerset (Integrated Care Board) that outlines the collaborative working happening in Somerset to support the veteran community.

Mixed‑methods evaluation showing reductions in depression, anxiety and PTSD; highlights value of integrated veteran staff and social support.

Ten council case studies; practical learning on governance, pathways and commissioning to support local Armed Forces communities.

Local authority policy commitment under Armed Forces Act 2021; principles, duties and fair access for the Armed Forces community.

National achievements and commitments; useful context for Somerset AFC partnership planning and VCFSE engagement.

Lived‑experience insights and recommendations on healthcare access for serving families, veterans and reservists in Somerset.

Council progress update, governance/Officer Champions, and duty context across housing, health and education relevant to the Armed Forces community.

Round‑up of national and local developments, funding and events for the Armed Forces community, including partnership opportunities for groups.

Updates on Somerset’s Armed Forces Covenant delivery, champions, and statutory duty changes, plus local initiatives and hubs that charities can link with.

Explains access routes and support via Transition, Intervention and Liaison (TILS) and Complex Treatment Service (CTS) including South West contacts.

People-centred neutering model addressing barriers, partnership working and behaviour-change to improve cat welfare in priority communities.

Somerset river habitat audit with recommendations for riparian management; useful for fisheries, land managers and community groups.

Woodland management and nature‑based wellbeing outcomes in the Blackdown Hills; relevant to forestry practice and land stewardship.

Independent evaluation of a nature‑based wellbeing programme in Mendip Hills National Landscape, with volunteer hours and outcomes

Plain‑English UK GDPR explainer for charities (roles, lawful bases, DPIAs, breaches); handy as a board/manager primer.

Short tips for small charities: KPIs, training, incident plans, retention/erasure and transparency; links to ICO charity hub.

Sets out a county-wide framework for recruiting, supporting and celebrating volunteers across 70+ roles. Clarifies standards, safeguarding, data protection, and the Central Volunteer Team’s processes.

A comprehensive resource which explores the ‘why, what, who, when & how’ of involving children and young people in consultations for service development. While the intended audience is Local Authorities, there is lots of information, activities, practical guidance and case studies which will be useful to the VCFSE sector.

The toolkit is intended for use with Key Stage 2 aged children, in order to support them to conduct a research and action project in their school to make changes on things within their school or local community which matter to them.

This report presents the findings from activity conducted in 2024 by a multi-agency group aimed at understanding the lived experiences of children, young people, parent carers, and those who support them in accessing help for managing their emotions and mental health.
The report builds upon existing intelligence, incorporating local and national data, including insights from prior surveys. By centering the lived experiences of those involved, it
identifies barriers to accessing support and highlights areas for improvement.

This workbook is for anyone interested in community based research. It is for someone new to research as well as someone who has more experience. Each page takes you through a step in the research cycle. So, it starts with what your community needs and ends with how community members can get the best of out of the research project.

The fundamental concept of the Dementia 100: Pathway Assessment Tool is to provide a mechanism for capturing and understanding the characteristics and specific requirements that are considered key to the development and delivery of service and care needs for people living with dementia and their carers. The Dementia 100 extracts and combines pertinent information from multiple sources into a single, consolidated tool for self-assessment. Completed at Place level, it provides a holistic and integrated view of service provision. At system level it aids strategic planning and sharing best practice.

‘The World Turned Upside Down’ is a play that was staged in Exeter in January 2022. This film shows both the play itself and the process of creating it. We hope that many different types of people will be interested in ‘The World Turned Upside Down’. This guide is designed to help you set up and run your own screening in your local community. Inside are suggestions for how to set up and facilitate a screening event, but everyone’s set-up and audience will be unique. Pick and choose what will work best for you.

The Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project (DEEP) have produced guidelines for journalists, organisations and communications departments to inform why language about dementia matters. It allows people to use words and descriptions which was accurate, balanced and respectful. The language used to talk about dementia influences how people with dementia are views and also how they feel about themselves

How is research reducing health disparities? The UK Dementia Research Institute published this report in 2022. It looks at the statistics of dementia research and considers how health inequalities may play a role in understanding the true impact of dementia. They explore how dementia research may help to understand how and why different groups are affected differently by the same diseases, in order to target nterventions where they are most needed to maximise their benefit. “We must reject longstanding biases in scientific research, and instead innovate in the name of inclusivity”

Supporting South Asian carers of relatives with dementia in Rochdale – an Evaluation Report
An evaluation of the Dementia Dekh Bhaal (meaning ‘to care for dementia’) project, set up by tide (together in dementia everyday). The project was commissioned to address the needs of South Asian carers by developing and delivering a training package for professionals, campaign to increase awareness and use the power of stories to change perceptions. The project used an Asset Based Community Development approach and used ‘Lived Experience’. It was seen as successful and was recommended to be embedded in other community engagement projects

A Perspective from Carers of People living with Dementia
tide (together in dementia everyday) conducted some research looking at the experience of carers of people living with dementia, who are often surrounded with support from many services but feel isolated and crowded with responsibility. This full report explores 6 key themes identified, with additional insights and stories shared. Recommendations for national change are provided

A Perspective from Carers of People living with Dementia
Research undertaken in 2021 to look at the experiences of carers of people living with dementia, who are often ‘engaged’ with many support services, but feel isolated and crowded with responsibility.
An executive summary of the report

tide (together in dementia everyday) have created a booklet for anyone working with carers of people with dementia, to help them support those individuals with living grief

The experiences of family carers when the person they have looked after goes into a care home. Tide (Together In Dementia Everyday) sought feedback from carers once the person they cared for had moved into a care home. It was a lack of consistency across care homes and prompted tide to raise awareness of this disparity and make recommendations for future action.

A guide for those living with dementia and their carers and family. The toolkit is arranged in 5 themes – stay safe and well, stay connected, keep a sense of purpose, stay active, stay positive. It was created based on research and co-production with a group of people with dementia and carers. Includes links to research and signposts to further information for resources to help people with dementia. An example of how documents can be made accessible, with explanations about QR codes etc

This document sets out the vision of a group of dementia organisations in the UK who have come together as One Dementia Voice. It outlines how these organisations are thinking differently about their support for those living with dementia, and how wider societal barriers can be overcome with the right support. It addresses frequently asked questions and provides suggestions on how to embed ‘Dementia and Hope’ into your organisation. There are also many personal stories and examples of how ‘reasonable adjustments’ can and should be made for people with dementia.

Good practice in young onset dementia

This document summarises the findings from The Angela Project, a 3 year long Alzheimer’s Society funded research study. Researchers consulted young people living with dementia and their families, international clinical experts and service providers in the largest study of young onset dementia ever carried out in the UK. It aims to raise awareness of inequalities and provide evidence-based recommendations for good practice on areas of diagnosis, patient support, post-diagnostic support and service design and delivery.

In 2022, Innovations in Dementia working with a number of libraries in the UK to explore their experiences of dementia and opportunities for further work and connection. This document outlines some key findings from that research, divided into 4 key sections: Key statistics about digital exclusion, ‘how to’ tips on bidding for and managing funded dementia projects, case study examples and ‘how to’ guides for supporting and encouraging people to access simple technology. Whilst aimed at libraries, findings apply to anyone considering dementia support and digital inclusion

IDEAL is the largest study of living well with dementia in Great Britain and began in 2014. The eveidence will enable the development of new policy, interventions and initiatives to transform the lives of people with dementia and their carers. The policy brief sets out key messages, key findings, provides information about IDEAL and signposts to resources and research papers

The Labour Party National Youth Strategy, which outlines the actions the government are committing to over the next 10 years to secrure the future that young people have told them that they want

A report commissioned by DCMS’s Secretary of State, highlighting current patterns, challenges, and wants that are shaping young people’s lives. It draws together voices of 14,000+ young people aged 10-21 (up to 25 for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)) who engaged in the National Youth Strategy Survey. It also uses insights collated through policy engagement, qualitative data collection and wider evidence collation. The report is partially based on commissioned research that was led by Savanta and their colleagues at My Life My Say and the #iwill Movement (Volunteering Matters and UK Youth) including their Youth Collaborators.

A few months ago the incoming Government published a 10 Year Health Plan, which sets out the transformational change it believes is needed to put the NHS on an even keel and make it fit for the future. Age UK strongly supports its main thrust, the aim of shifting the emphasis in healthcare ‘from hospital to home’ through the development of a Neighbourhood Health Service. We were pleased and honoured to be able to contribute to the development of this part of the Plan. As the initiative is rolled out ….

The Power Threat Meaning Framework is an over-arching structure for identifying patterns in emotional distress, unusual experiences and troubling behaviour, as an alternative to psychiatric diagnosis and classification. The project team’s aim was to produce a foundational document which sets out the philosophical, theoretical and empirical basis for such a framework and describes how it can serve as a conceptual alternative to psychiatric classification in relation to emotional distress and troubled or troubling behaviour.

This is an overview. A full 400+ page report is available from the British Psychological Society.

Home Start West Somerset annual report

Minehead Eye Impact Report 2020 – 2023
West Somerset Youth and Community Organisation, a look at 3 years of progress.

The Trust for Developing Communities developed an audit to help community spaces become more youth-friendly in a bid to combat youth loneliness.

The group explored the barriers that can prevent access to places. They questioned what can be done to make young people feel at ease and what would help encourage them to visit community locations. The resulting document forms a framework to help make community spaces more accessible to young people, including an audit which managers of such places can use to assess and improve their own spaces. An accompanying video is here: https://youtu.be/InW6CWVevUI

Healthwatch Somerset explores the quality of the transfer of care process in Somerset and use the experiences of people who have been discharged from hospital to inform the organisations involved to support change and improve the process.

In January 2022, we released a commentary about the Lack of NHS Dentists in Somerset highlighting the concerning shortage of accessible dental care in the county, and the
pressing issue of limited access to NHS dentists which was causing widespread public concern. The inability to secure dentist appointments has led to frustration, disproportionately
affecting vulnerable groups like parents seeking care for their children, pregnant women, and those reliant on benefits for whom private dental care is financially unattainable.

The impact of COVID-19 on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people (CYP) has been investigated both nationally and regionally. There is a wealth of data and
many reports that demonstrate the effects on CYP over the course of several years.

In 2022 Healthwatch Somerset worked with NHS Somerset ICB to create a series of case studies, to support a business case for change, by interviewing people who had lived
experience of an acquired brain injury (ABI) and neurological rehabilitation.

A look at booking an appointment with your GP in Somerset

It is evident over the past year that the public profile of Healthwatch Somerset has been raised because we have seen an increase in the number of people we have heard from and been in contact with. This public feedback and involvement, along with other sources of evidence, has helped us deliver impactful work this year and formulate a work plan for the
coming year.

Unlocking the power of people-driven care – Healthwatch Somerset has had another busy year with a myriad of issues being shared with us. The main concern has been around the lack of NHS dental services in Somerset. We are very fortunate that even though staff numbers are small we have a dedicated team, enabling us to produce the impressive volume of work in 2024/2025. We are increasingly asked to represent Healthwatch on various committees, and our role as an independent advocate is valued.

We received a multi-year grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation in 2021 to support the work our charity delivers in communities with young people and for families. This second report highlights the impact this grant has made during 2022/23, the second period and details regarding our participants, the outcomes of our work, case studies and what we are proud of achieving during this period.

This review outlines our wide range of services and projects delivered in 2022. It explains our impact as we fulfil our charitable objectives to be responsive to needs and improve the lives of children, young people, their families, and local communities.

Delivering inspirational mentoring to Somerset’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.

For many of the groups we support, a grant from The Somerset Fund made a huge difference, enabling them to keep going despite these uncertain times.

Hidden Somerset is a series of short reports looking at aspects of life in Somerset that are often hidden from view. By lifting the lid on the experience and insights of frontline grassroots charities that work at the heart of our communities, we aim to stimulate debate and understanding across a wider audience, helping to inspire new and more impactful philanthropy.

Hidden Somerset is a series of short reports looking at aspects of life in Somerset that are often hidden from view. By lifting the lid on the experience and insights of frontline grassroots charities that work at the heart of our communities, we aim to stimulate debate and understanding across a wider audience, helping to inspire new and more impactful philanthropy.

Hidden Somerset is a series of short reports looking at aspects of life in Somerset that are often hidden from view. By lifting the lid on the experience and insights of frontline grassroots charities that work at the heart of our communities, we aim to stimulate debate and understanding across a wider audience, helping to inspire new and more impactful philanthropy.

Hidden Somerset is a series of short reports looking at aspects of life in Somerset that are often hidden from view. By lifting the lid on the experience and insights of frontline grassroots charities that work at the heart of our communities, we aim to stimulate debate and understanding across a wider audience, helping to inspire new and more impactful philanthropy.

This report tells us how our funding
could support adults with learning disabilities and autism to live fulfilling lives in their own communities. Our aim when we commissioned this research was to build our understanding of what works well, what needs attention, and how positive changes can be sustained within communities.

The HPC Community Fund, which is
funded by EDF, continues to award grants
to communities that are experiencing the
changes brought about by the construction
of Hinkley Point C, to improve their
quality of life and wellbeing.

Throughout this review, you’ll
find several stories highlighting
how carefully directed funding,
channelled through Somerset’s
brilliant local charities and social
enterprises, can transform lives and
build stronger communities.

This report draws on community consultation to tell us how our funding could support older people across Somerset

The Somerset State of the Sector report for 2024 was commissioned by Spark Somerset and builds on the work of similar reports published in 2017 and 2020.1
It examines the size and shape of the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector in Somerset.

MM is 22 years old and has autism and sensory processing difficulties. MM joined the Hub from a Special Educational Needs department in the local college where he received 1:1 support.

30 year old female that has been with the Hub for a number of years. She has severe non verbal Autism, ADHD, OCD and anxiety. LC had funding for attending the Hub two days per week from the Local Authority.

Situated in the lovely Westcountry countryside, the Ark for me has come to be a haven for finding peace of mind and escaping from the stresses of everyday life.

SASP helps people find ways to move more that work for them to promote good health and happiness and are pleased to be working with hospitals across Somerset with this new service.

Using ActiveWalls to run fun activity sessions with pupils, pupils of other local schools, and families of pupils. These walls are located indoors and outdoors (in a sheltered spot).

Despite the impact of Covid-19, YAS has delivered a wide range of creative opportunities for communities in Yeovil in partnership with organisations, businesses and artists. YAS reaches more than 5000 people through its activities.

We review our aims, objectives and activities each year. This review looks at what we achieved and the outcomes of our work in the previous 12 months. The review looks at the success of each key activity and the benefits they have brought to those groups of people we are set up to help.

At SASP, we are in the unique position of working across all levels of the system to reduce inequalities in physical activity across Somerset.

2020 will be forever remembered for two global events. One that changed everyone’s lives and one that needs to. The former, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the latter, the murder of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis and the resulting worldwide calls for change. As a charity these tragic events have shaped and informed our year.

A comprehensive report detailing the work and impact of Mind across the UK

The 2023/24 fiscal year was a year of transition for CCS with internal reviews, contingency planning, and development of our new Strategy, aligned to our new Vision, Mission and Values.

Citizens Advice Somerset impact report for the period 1st of April 2023 to 31st March 2024

Infographic style report that summarises the centre’s activities and impact between April 2023 and March 2024

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to read ARK at Egwood’s three-year Celebration Report, which has provided us all with an opportunity to reflect upon what has been an incredible journey so far.