We offer a range of different support services that help the most vulnerable in our predominantly rural communities, but also look to tackle the root causes of social deprivation or isolation through key areas such as food and fuel poverty, transport and health and wellbeing.  

In 2021 we started a pilot scheme in South Somerset to get a better understanding of working with people facing homelessness. We employed a specialist Homelessness Agent who worked with 70 individuals and families in the area to get a better understanding of the complexities of working with people facing homelessness. 

Val Bishop, CCS’s Chief Executive said:

"Traditionally, being ‘homeless’ is thought of as rough sleeping, but homelessness also includes people who are facing eviction, living in emergency accommodation or sofa surfing with friends or family. We soon realised that if people are dealing with their problems informally, like staying with family, they are hidden from statistics and services – they are the hidden homeless". 

This can hide the full scale of the problem. Individuals and families in Somerset who are known to statutory services like the Council, and the multi-agency teams in districts, may only be the tip of the iceberg. 

We have released a report ‘A safe place to call home’ that details a number of case studies about the different situations that can lead to homelessness and highlights how complex cases can be, with many underlying issues that make matters worse, harder to resolve and, when the right support is not available, can lead to a ‘revolving door’ effect. 

During the pilot scheme, nearly half (44%) of the people we supported during the pilot scheme, are now living in a permanent safe place to call home. 

Fuel poverty continues to be a high priority for us and over the course of last winter, we supported 184 individuals and families to stay warm by allocating over £50,000 of Surviving Winter Grants funded by Somerset Community Foundation. We also debuted our first Knit for Your Neighbour Campaign that was designed to tackle both fuel poverty and loneliness and isolation. We received and distributed 250 knitted, crocheted, sewn and donated blankets to the most vulnerable in Somerset.  

Off the back of our work in the County, we want to start a conversation about ‘what does community mean to you?’ and we are inviting other people and organisations who are also working within Somerset’s communities to join us on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at The Canalside Conference Centre, for a day of collaboration, conversation and workshops. 

To read more about CCS, our events and the work we do, please visit www.ccslovesomerset.org