Independent living scheme to help people in Bath area

A project to help older and disabled people to live more independently has been launched in Bath and North East Somerset.

The Independent Living Service will be run by Somer Community Housing Trust with council funding.

The scheme is open to people over 50 and disabled adults. Services include a falls pick-up service and 24-hour help.

The council hopes it will reduce the amount of people who go into residential care before they need to.

'Peace of mind'

Councillor Vic Pritchard, of Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: "The Independent Living Service will help us reduce the number of people needing costly residential care whilst at the same time freeing up more money to support the most vulnerable."

Angela Gascoigne, from the Somer Community Housing Trust, said: "It will provide the level of support that people want, for the period of time they want it, giving real peace of mind for older people, their carers and relatives."

The service is available to home-owners, tenants who rent privately and housing association residents.

People who want to use the scheme will be assessed to see what level of support they require.

Those on housing benefit will receive a free service and those who are not will be means tested to determine what they can afford.