Discovery, the organisation which supports people with Learning Disabilities and Autism across Somerset, is calling for everyone living with a learning disability or autism in Somerset, and those that support them, to help shape its Community Fund by taking part in a county-wide consultation.

Organisations as diverse as People First, the Somerset Wildlife Trust and the Calvert Trust are amongst a wide range of organisations and groups that have successfully bid for funding ranging from £500 to £50,000 through the Fund in the past.

Helen Orford, Managing Director of Discovery, said, "Under our contract with Somerset County Council, half of any surplus we make is reinvested back into the county via the Community Fund. In that way, Discovery aims to make life better for everyone with a learning disability or autism across Somerset."

Ruth Hobbs, Director of Somerset's Parent Carer Forum which is conducting the consultation said, "Hearing from individuals with learning disabilities and/or autistic people that live in Somerset is essential if we want to design services that support their needs. Things have changed a lot over the last year and it's important to understand this. We want to see as many people as possible get involved so the way the Discovery Community Fund is used is shaped by them."

There are lots of different ways to get involved:

Visit the Parent Carer Forum website for all the details and support HERE : their website

Or you can join a group chat HERE: to share your experiences with other carers and parents

Share your views by phone or post HERE : another way to share your views