A NEW project could help to support Somerset Council’s over-stretched services for adult social care – thanks to Wellington Town Council.

The town council has created the Kings Arms Community Hub, in High Street, which is already proving a great boost for youth and family activities and groups in the area.

The hub is now a focal point for local services, hosting partners including an NHS team, housing officers, employment providers, and voluntary groups.

But, members of the council’s community committee heard that while the hub was in its planning and infancy stage, it was discovered that there was a big gap in adult social care.

A report to councillors said: “Residents and partners reported that service information was fragmented, making it difficult to access support and unpaid carers were often hidden and unsupported.”

Now, the town council has received funding which will help to deliver a new ‘Wellington Cares’ pilot project which is being designed to strengthen partnership co-ordination between local services, improve signposting and early intervention support for residents and unpaid carers, create and maintain a digital community directory, raise awareness of caring roles and support networks, and support volunteers and micro-providers through training and engagement.

But, a change in policy at the unitary authority means that the future running of the ‘Wellington Care’ project might need to be reviewed.

Somerset Council is looking for community-based organisations to take on a greater role in supporting and co-ordinating micro-provider networks locally rather than being managed centrally by the county authority.

The ‘Wellington Cares’ project was originally designed as a pilot programme to explore the need and test a programme of improved co-ordination and support for carers, volunteers, and micro providers.

But, the change at Somerset Council might require the town council to consider the long-term role that the ‘Wellington Cares’ project could play locally in the future.

The town council’s ‘Wellington Cares’ project co-ordinator, Rod Odams, said: “The Wellington Town Council vision highlights the importance of creating an inclusive, safe, and supportive community, particularly for vulnerable residents.

“Wellington Cares aligns with these priorities by strengthening community support networks and improving access to early intervention and preventative services.”

Cllr Justin Cole said: “I think this is a very good report.

“This is exactly why we set up a community function within the council.

“Do not limit the ambition – let us crack on with this.”

Mr Odams said: “There is a growing need in the Wellington area for community-based support for adults and unpaid carers.

“If co-ordination and support for micro-providers is not developed locally, there is a risk that residents may struggle to access appropriate information and support.”

Adult social care has been crippling Somerset Council financially in recent times and it is expected that the authority will be looking for a lot more support in the future, such as the ‘Wellington Cares’ initiative.

Councillors agreed in principle that the town council should continue to explore the potential role of co-ordinating micro-provider support locally through the ‘Wellington Cares’ project.