Care organisations given 'fantastic' funding boost

Organisations in Somerset are receiving funding to improve care for older people

Community projects which help people find care and support networks close to their home have been awarded £616,000 of government funding.

The Somerset Cares Alliance is a new collective of organisations across the county aiming to improve the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of adult social care.

Jacky King who set up Wincanton Cares, which is part of the new alliance, said the funding was a "really fantastic opportunity to get projects off the ground".

Somerset Council won the funding from the Department of Health and Social Care's Accelerating Reform Fund (ARF).

Ms King said: "It's such a lonely job when you're caring for a loved one, people need a bit of a break at times; we're able to help with that.

"Whether it's through helping them apply for carers allowance so they can actually have someone to come in and sit with their loved one, or whether it's an opportunity to just get out for an hour and come to a crafting group and just have a bit of a laugh," she added.

Wincanton Cares runs a number of support groups for family carers

Ten community groups, including Wincanton Cares, and one town council have been given funding so far, under the banner of the Somerset Cares Alliance.

Ms King said they would be investing in a befriending service and benefits advice as well as accreditation and support for care workers.

Councillor Sarah Wakefield, lead member for adult services, housing and homelessness at Somerset Council, said: "By investing directly in our communities, we are not only supporting what's already happening; we're also helping to build and sustain a strong local network.

"By working this way, we're helping our communities to have the tools and resources they need to create local support networks and services so people can more easily find the care and help they need close to home," she added.