An update from your Village Agent; West of England Rural Network (WERN) are a charity that works in partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council with a core focus of connecting people in rural areas to advice and support services to promote living independently at home. We support the health and wellbeing of rural communities who can often feel cut off from a range of public services which residents living in urban areas access more easily.

Our support is there for any adult 18 years and older who is struggling personally, emotionally, medically or financially. I provide a confidential and free “triage service” listening to the resident, then signposting and introducing them to the organisations who could help. Our core focus is to help find solutions amongst the huge network of public, private and charitable organisations we work alongside. Our services are completely free!

Some of the cases I’ve been dealing with recently include sourcing access to winter fuel grants and pay as you go fuel vouchers to help some local residents through the colder months. I’ve also been visiting and have registered for the local food banks so I can now issue food vouchers to those in need. I’ve provided transport to important medical appointments and organised access to regular transport for some ladies who were feeling isolated and would just like to get out of the house more. We don’t just work with seniors, we have also worked more recently with some young families requiring support and adults who are struggling with mental health.

We have been running a reminiscence group in Westfield for a couple of years now and, although funding has stopped; the attendees were keen to keep it going in some fashion, so we have adapted slightly and will be running a ‘Café Conversations’ style session. These happen on the third Thursday of the month at 11am and are currently being held at SWALLOW Café next to St Nicholas Church in Radstock. This is an opportunity for you to come along, meet your Village Agent and ask any questions you may have. Find out how we can help you or just come along for a chat a cuppa and a delicious piece of cake. This is a very small welcoming group of people with plenty of stories to tell and we sometimes bring along memorabilia from the past to talk about, and reminisce of days gone by. Please just come along, email or give me a call if you require assistance in getting to the group or have any questions.

If you know someone or you need support or information about something you are struggling with or concerned about at home we are a free confidential service. Please get in touch with me [email protected] or telephone our office: 01275 333700.