My name is Sally Johnston, I’m the new Village Agent for Midsomer Norton Radstock and Westfield and I work for the West of England Rural Network (WERN).

We are a charity that works in partnership with B&NES Council with a core focus on connecting people in rural areas to advice and support services to promote living independently at home. I have a back ground in Customer Service and teach fitness in the community. Health and Wellbeing is something I’m passionate about both for myself, my family and friends and those I work with in my role at WERN.

After being made redundant, I was lucky enough to be in a position where I could take my time to decide what my next role would be. I was not in the best mental health coming out of lockdown as with many, and I was seeing a fair amount of negativity in the area which I hadn’t seen before; in terms of anti social behaviour, and peoples well being in general. I looked at my values and skills and decided my next position needed to play a more active roll in my community. To take action and make positive changes for myself and others.

After volunteering for a couple of local organisations and seeing first hand the positivity a simple change can bring to someone’s life I heard of the B&NES Community Wellbeing Hub which is based in Peasedown St John. We are one of the 20 plus organisations that are part of this community hub. We can now refer residents instantly to the organisations locally that can help to support them to live independently at home. It is effectively a One Stop Shop for independent living, a service that is completely free and confidential.

Making a small contribution can have a big impact, and here at WERN we have recently been able to give one off small grants to residents, including; buying a fridge for a couple who had a series of unfortunate events and ill health. Providing food and clothing vouchers for a lady who’s benefit’s had been temporarily stopped and helping a popular local community group continue after rising hire costs.

These last few months I have been able to help a resident find a much needed gardener and handy person, helped several residents claim Attendance Allowance and Blue Badges, helped a resident sort out banking and saving accounts, and helped several residents reduce their energy and other utility bills.

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.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!