Cash boost for advice and support groups

A PARTNERSHIP of local advice providers in South Somerset has secured £341,000 to deliver much-needed support to some of the most vulnerable residents in Yeovil and surrounding area.

The South Somerset Alliance is made up of South Somerset District Council, South Somerset CAB, South Somerset Voluntary & Community Action, Yarlington Housing Group, Age UK Somerset, South Somerset Mind, Yeovil College and Somerset Advice Network.

The funding will enable the agencies to recruit and train volunteers to deliver advice out in rural areas using digital technology, particularly to residents who are rurally isolated, elderly or have mental health problems.

The funding is being provided jointly by The Cabinet Office and the Big Lottery, who set up the fund to enable agencies to meet the growing demand for advice particularly with vast range of current changes to the welfare system.

South Somerset CAB chief executive, Georgina Burton, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for our partnership to work together to make it easier for people in South Somerset to get the advice that they need.”

The district council's partnership spokesman, Cllr Sylvia Seal, said: "This is a real opportunity for agencies to work together to tackle issues of rural isolation and access to advice, particularly at a time when so many welfare changes are being introduced.”

PHOTO - ABOVE:  Members of South Somerset Alliance after securing a grant of £341,000 to deliver much needed advice. Pictured (from left to right) are Rick Szur – Somerset Advice Network; Cllr Sylvia Seal – South Somerset District Council; Keith Mardon – Age UK Somerset; Sue Came – Age UK Somerset; Sam Best – South Somerset Voluntary & Community Action; Alice Knight – South Somerset District Council; Georgina Burton – South Somerset Citizens Advice Bureau; Michael Woodward-Bennett – Somerset Advice Network; Jackie Foster –  South Somerset Citizens Advice Bureau; Ken Comber – Yarlington Housing Group.

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