Somerset

DHI jointly runs a service to help save families and teenage parents in Somerset from becoming homeless.

The service,  funded by Somerset County Council, supports 200 families and teenage parents at any one time. Clients  can get advice on finances and housing rights and help with accessing services such as education and childcare, moving to a new home or resolving problems with neighbours. They will also be encouraged to develop skills for independent living and support to help them to improve their emotional and physical health.

People who use the service can receive the support in their own homes or by telephone, and can be offered a rapid response system for those in immediate need. They can be helped for up to two years and are encouraged to contact the service directly.

The service which operates throughout the county is staffed by 11 full and part-time workers and is based in Taunton. It can be contacted at freephone 0800 084 2335 and 07920 265 955, or by emailing info@somersetfamilies.org.uk

For more information and an application form

The service brings together separate projects that were operating in Somerset, funded through the Council’s Supporting People Programme, into one county-wide service. This delivers a more collaborative service to more people and offers greater value for money.

The contract is now jointly run by the charity Developing Health and Independence (DHI), which helps socially excluded people, and by Alabaré Christian Care & Support, (this link opens a new window) which supports homeless and vulnerable people.