new and different approaches to achieve the things they want. These are often more flexible and more suitable than traditional care.
networks and community support can help with. Tel: 0300 123 2224 Web: www.ccslovesomerset.org/talking-cafe
Accessing this type of support early on, when you first need it, could help you to remain independent for longer. This community way of working may also help reduce social isolation, help people create new friendships and perhaps even healthier communities.
This Directory covers some of these services, called ‘support in the community’, before moving onto personal care services, such as home care and care homes.
Furthermore, it will mean that our reduced resources are still available to support those with care needs that significantly affect their wellbeing and whose needs are over and above what individual
The Directory doesn’t list all the community support available in Somerset, but it may provide you with ideas so that when you develop your support plan, you can also find out what else is available locally.
What is the difference between care and support? In this Directory, ‘care’ is used to describe any service that helps with your personal care. For example, helping you to get up, washed and dressed in the morning. ‘Support’ is anything provided to you that doesn’t include personal care. For example, domestic cleaning, shopping and attending community
groups. Of course, some people need a mixture of both things. It may be that you arrange what you need yourself, or that you ask us to help you. The important thing is that you have the right information to make your own choices.
Where do I start? The best way to identify what care and support you need is by writing a list of the things you are finding difficult. To help you do this, on page 8 there is a blank ‘support plan’ that you can complete. Firstly, write down the things you are finding difficult, then, while reading the Directory, start to come up with solutions that you can write in the
boxes: things you can do for yourself, things you can ask others to help you with and things you would like to talk to us about. Although this Directory has been laid out so that it’s easy to follow, the things you need may be built up from each section, so that you end up with support that is tailored to you.
Help and advice Somerset Community Connect website This website is about your care, health and wellbeing. It has been developed to help create awareness of what is available in the community for the people in Somerset. The website (www.somersetcommunityconnect.org.uk/ information-advice ) hosts:
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• information and advice; • a Community Directory of providers, local groups and activities; and • information about drop-ins, where adult residents in Somerset can find information, advice and services to manage their own care and wellbeing.
Se a rch f or ca r e a t www. ca re c h o i c e s .c o .u k t o fi n d s u p p o r t i n y o u r are a
