Drop-in sessions seeking views on proposals to change the some of the support available to children and families in Somerset are underway.

Somerset County Council is consulting on a potential change to the support offered by its getset Service. The sessions are a chance to discuss the proposals and give feedback.

The team has visited Glastonbury and is in Frome all day today, 10am-12pm in The Key Centre and 1-6pm in the library. Further drop-in sessions are as follows:

Mon 19 Nov. 10am-6pm. The Hub, Minehead, Hopcott Road, Minehead, TA24 6DJ

Thurs 22 Nov. 10am-6pm. Taunton Library, Paul Street, TA1 3XZ

Weds 28 Nov. 10am-6pm. Victoria Park Community Centre, Victoria Park Drive, Bridgwater, TA6 7AS

Tues 4 Dec. 10am-6pm. Yeovil Methodist Church, Vicarage Walk, Middle Street, BA20 1JZ

 

Full details of the proposals are available on the Council's website www.somerset.gov.uk/getsetconsultation In summary they would end the Council's getset Service contribution to support for families needing a little extra help – usually short-term – to tackle a particular problem and get back on track.

Support provided by other organisations for families in this position would not be affected, nor would the Council's support for families with more serious issues and challenges. Support from the Council's Children with Disabilities Team, Special Education Needs and Disabilities Team and Community Adolescent Team would also continue unaffected.

The proposals include a £200,000 start-up fund to support community groups to increase and develop their support to families.

The consultation ends on 31 December. A questionnaire for providing feedback is available on the www.somerset.gov.uk/getsetconsultation webpage, in libraries and Family Centres. Hard copies can be requested by emailing [email protected] or telephoning 01823 357479.

The Council's Cabinet agreed to go to consultation on these services when it met in September to consider a range of savings proposals aimed at addressing the authority's financial pressures.

The results will be used to inform a decision by Cabinet scheduled for February on whether or not to proceed with the proposals.