It is obvious to most the impact that Coronavirus has had on millions of lives, not just in the UK, but across the entire World. Many businesses have had to temporarily close, individuals unable to get to work, children having to be ‘home-schooled’ by their parents, many of whom are already stressed and under pressure.  
 
As a nation we have never experienced anything like this and everyone’s mental health is being tested. While we all try to adjust to the changes this has brought to our own families, we must not overlook the thousands of charities that need to continue operating under this ‘new normal’ that so many speak of.
 
Somerset based charity, PROMISEworks, deliver inspirational mentoring for Somerset's most vulnerable, disaffected and disadvantaged young people between the ages of 5 and 25.
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PROMISEworks volunteers work as mentors, ordinarily spending a couple of hours each fortnight engaging with their mentee – taking part in activities, talking and most importantly, listening. Often, mentors are the only stable adult relationship a young person has in their life.
 
Since the start of lockdown in March and due to strict social distancing restrictions, PROMISEworks has had to rapidly rethink the way it operates. Of course, contact has been maintained online, but fortnightly face to face meetings have now become weekly skype or Facetime calls, texts messages and phone calls. But these inspirational mentors have taken things a step further, ensuring the vital relationships they have built are maintained as much as they can be.
 
We have spoken to the charity to hear about a few ways that they have adapted to this new way of “talking”.
 
One mentor tells us how she has been maintaining contact with her mentee and has recreated their favourite Costa experience, by buying them the ingredients to make their own version of their favourite hot drink.
 
Other mentors have taken it upon themselves to send cards and hand-written notes with encouraging messages like, ‘You Are Stronger Than You Know’, just to remind their young person that they are still there for them.
 
“A young man of few words” was how this mentor described the 18-year-old lad he was matched with. Over the course of their relationship communication had always been brief in between their fortnightly face-to-face meetings and he was rarely chatty when they did meet, preferring to be tinkering with cars, or eating cake. Since lockdown, new ways of keeping their friendship interesting have had to be explored. The mentor set the young lad the task of compiling some online quiz questions that they could do together. The mentor quickly realised that all of the questions were about places they had been and things that they had done together, further highlighting how important their seemingly mundane meetings had been to this young man over the previous 15 months.
 
A 10-year-old girl mentee was proving difficult for her mentor to engage with.  The PROMISEworks mentor had to quickly learn how to communicate by Messenger, FaceTime etc, but was getting almost no response. PROMISEworks sent the girl craft kits and plenty of books to read. But the girl recognised herself that she was becoming lazy, with playing computer games occupying much of her day. Then, following a suggestion from a case-holder, the mentor asked her a quick question – “Name a song with a colour in the title?” Wow, the response came back immediately - Yellow Submarine, Lady in Red, Black & Gold, Tears of Gold.  They then moved onto songs with numbers and they were off, the young girl was engaged! They continued to have more conversations - songs about food, sweets, for dancing to, songs from the year of our births – leading perfectly on to plans for her birthday celebrations next month! The lines of communication were open again and the girl began telling her mentor quite a lot about herself through the songs she was choosing – sadly, most of which had very unhappy lyrics! 
 
Many young people are finding the excuse for increased gaming time suits them well. One lad facetimes his mentor but continues to play games online.  When his mentor asked if he was ignoring her, he said, “no, I just like you being in the room with me!”
 
PROMISEworks sits alongside children and young people who are dealing with life struggles. The mentors help by listening, encouraging, and most importantly having fun. They are looking forward to being able to walk and talk with their young people in the sunshine.  
 
If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a mentor, please get in touch on www.promiseworks.org.uk
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In this video, we chat with Simon Cutler, a director of Blackdown Financial in Taunton. He is an independent Financial Planner who helps clients plan for their future.

The Coronavirus has changed how people feel about the future. It has given some time to step back and think about what is really important. This may be thinking about your finances in detail, retirement plans, or making some changes to help your family.

We discuss its impact on the financial markets and how what is happening right now will affect our future. One thing is sure, all businesses need to adapt to futureproof their business growth.

Blackdown Financial wants their clients to be financially independent, to be able to enjoy life, to pursue goals and dreams, safe and secure in the knowledge they have someone to turn to and rely on. This is what drives them to be the best they can be. They are very proud to be Independent Financial Advisers and for them, independence is not just a word it is a state of mind.

Visit their visit:
www.blackdownfinancial.co.uk

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In these series of short videos, we chat with Somerset business owners to find out what they do, how they do it, and more importantly, why they do it. Informal chats are recorded via Zoom and offer a chance to share tips, information, and advice.

SEE ALL THE VIDEOS ON THE CHANNEL: Meet the Business

Word Gets Networking has been active in Taunton for over 8 years at local venues, giving people a chance to promote your business at a convenient time, working around the busy lives they lead. In a relaxed environment, they get a chance to build relationships, share ideas, and develop your network, with like-minded people.

Our business network group is open to anyone who embraces the idea of support, learning, and a ‘together we’re stronger’ attitude. Now more than ever it is about sharing skills and experiences which help build relationships and in time, trust. Everyone has value and you can take away as much as you put in.

Wessex Resolutions’ loans are not based on an individual’s credit score and are designed for a range of people, from existing homeowners, first-time buyers, park home-owners, landlords and those trying to bring empty properties back into use.
 
The Community Interest Company (CIC) uses a sustainable funding stream, in partnership with councils, to improve the quality of homes throughout the South West and has already ‘recycled’ more than £5 million in loans which will help support future clients.
 
Emma Lower, Chief Executive of Wessex Resolutions CIC, said: “I want to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to all 18 of our council partners across the West of England and the South West for enabling their funds to be used in this way.
 
“It’s a really unique model where we absolutely put our clients first and find a solution to their needs, as we’re a social enterprise, we put people before profit. But most of all, thank you to everyone who has borrowed from Wessex Resolutions and chosen and trusted us to help them improve their homes, particularly accessing our services remotely as we continue to operate and serve our clients through means of remote working since the end of March.”
 
The youngest borrower during the year was 22 years old, while the oldest was aged 89 years. Boiler purchases are the most popular reason for people to take out a loan, followed by roof repairs or insulation. One borrower, ‘Mrs. L’ from Wellington, used a loan to install the first-ever insulation in the roof space of her 115-year-old lath and plaster property.
 
She said: “I feel very relieved now I have been able to have the work done after eight years living in the house. Already it is considerably warmer than previous winters. I’m expecting to save on energy bills right away.  I feel so thankful I've got the loan and been able to have the work done with no stress and worry about money.”
 
More information about Wessex Resolutions CIC is available by telephoning 01823 461099 or by emailing enquiries@wrcic.org.uk.
 
Missing payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future.  Loans are typically protected by a Title Restriction. This means that you may not be able to sell your home without our permission unless the loan is fully repaid.  Loans are Subject to Status.  This financial promotion has been approved by Wessex Resolutions CIC, a community interest company limited by guarantee.  Wessex Resolutions C.I.C is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (675263) for credit and debt-related regulated activities.
Registered address: Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford on Tone, Taunton TA4 1EU. Registered in England, company number 4512225.

During May 2020, the National Churches Trust is running an online campaign with the hashtag  #FavouriteChurches and everyone who loves churches for whatever reason is being invited to take part in “Your Favourite Church” month and nominate their favourite church.
 
However to date no Somerset churches have been nominated.  A spokesman for Somerset Day 365 said “We think this is a real travesty as our churches are amongst the finest in the UK and we need to ensure they are recognised and featured. Let’s not miss this opportunity for us all to celebrate Somerset !”
 
Someone's favourite church might be a photographers dream, evoke childhood memories, be a great place to stop on a walk, have incredible art or architecture, be part of family history, make great cakes or just be the place they go to take time out. 
 
A special page has been set up on the Churches Trust website where they will feature all the churches submitted. They will add new churches each week, and each one submitted will be featured on their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram channels. For more information go to www.explorechurches.org
 
At the end of May a separate Somerset churches page will be created, supported by Somerset Day 365.
 
Entries can be submitted, ideally with a photograph take by the person submitting the entry, on the website or can be emailed to linda.patrick@nationalchurchestrust.org 

Somerset West & Taunton is urging owners of public buildings and volunteer-run premises to service their water and air conditioning systems before re-opening to staff and the public. 
 
Any water systems lying dormant during the COVID-19 emergency are likely to have increased levels of bacteria present, which means there’s a heightened risk of Legionnaires' disease.
 
Shops and offices, hairdressers, beauty salons, hotels, pubs and restaurants, sports centres, gyms, residential buildings, campsites - anywhere that has a water supply and is currently shut down - are being reminded to check and maintain their systems.
 
The Council’s environmental health team is contacting local businesses directly to advise that whilst it may not be high on their priority list during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important ensure all water systems are managed safely at this time.
 
Water systems that are not being used and maintained effectively are very likely to have increased levels of bacteria present.  Experts say that it is far better to maintain a water system than to try and treat a water system which has gone out of control.
 
Legionnaires' disease is a lung infection caught by inhaling droplets of water from air conditioning units, shower heads or hot tubs.
 
Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease are similar to COVID-19 and include high temperature, feverishness and chills, cough, muscle pains, headache, and pneumonia. Its name originates from a deadly 1976 outbreak of the disease at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia.
More about the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease can be found here: www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/symptoms.htm
 
Guidance and procedures by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease on how to best manage Legionella in building water systems during the COVID-19 outbreak can be found here:

​We may all be in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic but nothing is going to stop local charity, Arts Taunton from delivering its youth festival, Tyca 2020 this year.
“The festival may be live, it may be virtual, but it will be interactive and happening!” said Arts Taunton’s Tyca Festival Director, Deborah Baddoo.

The charity has recognised that young people are bored and struggling with motivation, so they are kicking off the Festival immediately with a series of weekly artistic challenges.
Ms Baddoo explains: “Our theme for this year’s Festival is: 2020 Future Vision.
“The pandemic has shown how, suddenly and dramatically, the world can change.
“What will happen next? When will we come through this? Will we do things differently - especially for the environment and ecology? We are sure this lockdown will feed your imaginations!”

​With each weekly theme relating to 2020 Future Vision, there will be a £20 prize for the best entry in each age group, each week. And at the end of 4 weeks there will have a £100 grand prize for the overall winner in each age group.

Week One of the Tyca Challenge is already up on the festival website with full information on how you can enter, and suggestions for ideas. The competition is open to anyone living in Taunton and the surrounding areas who are aged up to 25 years old. The three categories are: 10 years and under, 11-15 and 16-25 year olds.

The charity is appealing to anyone who is in contact with young people within this age group to ask them to visit the website www.tycafestival.co.uk and enter the weekly challenge. People can also follow progress on Instagram and Facebook (@tycafestival) and the artist pieces will also be displayed on the Tyca website.

Countryside charity CPRE Somerset is inviting everyone to send in their favourite shots of the great outdoors to help keep us going in these challenging times.

2020 is turning out to be like no other year that any of us have ever experienced.  We are all facing unprecedented restrictions on our daily lives due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Our freedom to go outside is now extremely limited and, for some, a trip out of the home may make you feel anxious and worried.  As the countryside charity, CPRE Somerset wants to remind us all how wonderful it can be to be in the great outdoors and of how, even the smallest details can be fascinating and uplifting.

That’s why CPRE is launching its 2020 photo competition with the theme – “Reasons To Be Cheerful” with a £100 prize for the winner.

• If you’re able to get out in nature, in a way that keeps you and others around you safe, why not take some photos and send them to us to share?
• If you can’t get out and about, you could still send in pictures from your garden or even the view from your window.
• Or you could send in a favourite photo you took in the last 2 years.
• We would love to see photos that include people enjoying the outdoors  - whilst keeping themselves and others safe, of course.  We also value close up details showing the intimate experience of being outside in nature, your garden – or even the allotment.

CPRE Somerset Chair, Chris Lewis, said:
“It is more important than ever to try to stay positive in these difficult times. As the countryside charity, we’d love to see images of the little things about the Somerset countryside, or nature just outside your window, which are keeping you going while you follow the social distancing rules.  The great outdoors will still be waiting for us when we are free to return, but for now, let’s all share some little reasons to be cheerful we are enjoying closer to home!”
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Entries should be emailed as an attachment to admin@cpresomerset.org.uk by midnight on 31st August 2020.  Full terms and conditions can be found on CPRE Somerset’s website at www.cpresomerset.org.uk  ​

Taunton based insurance claims handling provider, Claims Consortium Group have launched their FREE community wellbeing hub: www.loveourcommunity.co.uk
 
Bringing together invaluable advice, support, resources and educational guides to help during the Covid-19 global pandemic; the community hub is a free tool for everyone to use. The site features handy tips and advice across a range of topics including looking after your mental and physical wellbeing, home-schooling and mindfulness. The site will also feature guest articles from local and industry experts and is being constantly added to. Just as the name suggests, this is a community resource for everyone, and Claims Consortium Group are actively encouraging people to get in touch if they would like to contribute some content. Whether it’s a stand alone piece or a series – please get in touch via hello@loveourcommunity.co.uk.
 
The resources were initially developed to support Claims Consortium Group’s 300-strong team who are all now working from home. Since the content proved so helpful, the company wanted to make it freely available to all, and the wellbeing hub was born. Packed full of free resources provided by a range of award-winning expert contributors and curated in an easy to navigate format, the content has been developed by certified trainers and industry experts, including Mental Health First Aid England trainers.
 
Claims Consortium Group Founder and CEO, Jeremy Hyams, comments, “During this global pandemic, we are all focussed on looking after the wellbeing of our businesses, our customers and our people, and this is absolutely central to how we operate as a business. To support our staff, we wanted to provide as many tools as we could to help make it a little bit easier. We believe there has never been a better moment for us all to pull together and support one another, and this wellbeing resource is just one way we hope to help during this challenging time.”
 
For more information and to check out the new resource hub, please visit: www.loveourcommunity.co.uk

During the current lockdown, Queen’s College in Taunton has launched a Remote Learning programme, which is proving popular with students and parents alike.

Now the independent school in Trull Road is holding a Virtual Open Week from May 11 to 15.
Queen's educates children from three months in its Highgrove Nursery to 18 years in its Sixth Form and the week will enable parents considering their child's next step to see the outstanding facilities and opportunities on offer.

Head Teacher, Dr Lorraine Earps, said: "We always hold our May Open Morning on the first Bank Holiday of the month but this year we have moved it online and spread it over a week.
"We've developed a programme so that anyone interested in sending their son or daughter to Queen's will receive 'virtually' the same service as if the usual Open Morning was happening."

Prospective parents will be able to take a virtual tour of Queen’s before arranging online meetings with Dr Earps and key staff.
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For further information and to register, please email admissions@queenscollege.org.uk