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.

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.

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

Somerset West & Taunton Council plans to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) despite Coronavirus restrictions, and wants as many people as possible to join in the virtual commemorations by sharing stories, photos and videos on its social media platforms.
 
The Council had been hoping to help communities run a host of activities on VE Day, Friday 8 May 2020, to remember the sacrifice so many made in the fight for our freedom.
 
However, these were cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak so SWT is hoping that people can still get involved and show their support while following social distancing advice.
 
It wants to encourage everyone to hold their own celebrations at home, create their own decorations and make their own memories then share stories, photos and videos with SWT on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram tagging @SWTCouncil #VEDay75.
 
It is also encouraging people to take part in The Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WWII from the safety of their homes. It hopes households will stand at 3pm, raise a glass or cup of refreshment and undertake the following toast:  “For those that gave so much, we thank you.”
 
The Chair of SWT, Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey, said: “This is an ideal opportunity to gather with those in your household and pay tribute to the many millions in the United Kingdom and overseas who sacrificed so much to secure the freedom we have today.
 
We would love to see via social media the ways in which you are marking this important anniversary while in lockdown, from how you’ve decorated your home, to how you are celebrating with or remembering friends and family.
 
This will be the first time such a tribute has ever taken place so please encourage others to join in and share their stories, photos and video clips with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram tagging @SWTCouncil #VEDay75.”
 
SWT plans to collate all the photos and video clips to create a documentary which it hopes to share. The film will be saved in the archives so when generations look back, they will see that even through a pandemic the residents of Somerset West and Taunton still managed to mark a poignant day in history.
 
There are many ways people can get involved - get creative and use materials already at home in keeping with the “make do and mend” spirit of WW11; download a home decorating toolkit including bunting, posters and colouring in templates from the VE Day 75 website which has more resources to help make this VE Day 75 special.
 
Please note that by posting your videos/photos onto our social media platforms you are giving permission for Somerset West and Taunton Council to use that footage and share it. Remember, where possible, to film in landscape not portrait mode (make sure your phone or device is on its side) and that your audio is loud and clear.

​The Mayor of Taunton, Cllr Fran Smith, has sent messages of support during the Coronavirus pandemic to the residents of twin towns in France and Germany.
 
Cllr Fran Smith contacted the civic leaders of Lisieux and Königslutter on behalf of the people of Taunton saying she hoped everyone was keeping safe and well.
 
Taunton has strong ties with both towns because of the long twinning links between them and the many exchanges that have taken place over the years, where lasting friendships have developed.
 
Cllr Smith said: “We look forward to a time that we will once again be together and have the opportunity to visit your wonderful town and experience the friendliness of your community and also welcoming you back to Taunton in the future.”
 
A reply from the Mayor of Königslutter, Alexander Hoppe, echoed her sentiments. He said “In these times it is good for friends to think of each other.

The effects of the crisis can be felt everywhere. Shops are closed, administrative operations are restricted, people keep their distance and daily life is completely different. But there are also positive things: people are increasingly helping each other again, be it shopping or sewing masks for others.

I am sure that we will get through this emergency situation together and look forward to our future meetings in Taunton and Königslutter - let us remember the true values in life and what makes our communities!”

​Laura O’Driscoll, Managing Director of local businesses OD Talent Solutions, based just outside Taunton, talks to us about the impact that Covid19 is having on her business, and how she has been coping with the lockdown.

The recruitment industry is one of many sectors impacted by the recent lockdown and it is leaving many companies involved in recruitment with an uncertain future. The current lockdown and isolation policies mean that many businesses have been forced to shut or downsize. There have been mass layoffs and a significant reduction in working hours across industries like retail and hospitality and as a result, many organisations have put their permanent recruitment on hold until the crisis ends.

For those industries still recruiting, social distancing makes the task more difficult; much of it has to be done online rather than face to face. Video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Skype and Microsoft Teams are being used both to communicate with clients and to interview and ‘meet’ with candidates although face to face interviews are currently out of bounds. This is something we may see more and more in the UK as a way to continue to safely recruit, even after the lockdown is over.

There are fewer candidates due to the virus, either through sickness, or fear of getting sick and, for industries like healthcare, there are added challenges due to urgency, as companies try to ramp up staff numbers in preparation for high levels of outbreak.

Laura said, “At OD Talent, we work mainly with Small to Medium Sized businesses to recruit permanent roles and plan their Recruitment Strategy and growth plans. Sadly, it is the small to medium sized businesses across the South West are also the businesses that are being most affected by the current Covid19 situation.  I set the business up 18 months ago and it was all going really well, and my colleague Sean and I were building a really positive client relationships across the region. We had set up our own networking events at Hubbox in Taunton so it is all very disappointing to have had to put it all on hold. 
 
This is a genuinely worrying time for all business owners, but the government support has been welcomed by many. It has meant that many can operate at some level during the current crisis, whilst for others, it simply allows them to plan for when we come out of the crisis. Sadly, few are in a position to even think about growing their team further at this stage.
 
In terms of emotional support, the Somerset business community has been a real lifesaver and personally I have received lots of support and helpful advice from people who I had not previously connected with. Now is definitely the time when the business community must support each other and work collaboratively".

Laura also stressed that trying to remain positive is absolutely vital as businesses need to be fighting fit and ready to hit the ground running.

From a professional perspective, she recommends that all business owners make the best of this time, review their current recruitment processes, strategies, employer branding and candidate experience, so that when they’re ready to think about permanent recruitment again they are ready to go.

Laura concludes with this final bit of advice, “Find joy where you can, consider others and keep in contact with the business community where possible to avoid that feeling of isolation. There will be a time, hopefully in the not too distant future where we are ready to think about growth again and when we can put this all behind us.”

https://odtalentsolutions.co.uk/

​Somerset West and Taunton Council has moved to dispel fears that the iconic avenue of trees in Vivary Park has been felled.
 
The Council is working in partnership with the Somerset Wildlife Trust to create a number of wildflower meadows across the district. 
 
Work is already under way at Taunton’s Vivary Park where a new wildlife area is being created on the site of the old aviary.
 
As part of this work one diseased Horse Chestnut tree and one damaged Conifer have been felled, along with five Poplar trees which were removed on health and safety grounds.  
 
The Council will be replanting with more trees than have been removed and creating a family friendly wild flower area with a new small hedge.
 
Cllr Peter Pilkington, Executive Member for Climate Change, said: “Contrary to inaccurate information being circulated, SWT has not felled the avenue of trees in Vivary Park and has no plans to do so. These historic trees are untouched and still very much in place. The Council is committed to creating a more sustainable future for everyone, putting climate and environmental responsibility at the heart of everything it does.

In establishing ‘wilder’ areas on council owned land and within its parks, the wildflower meadow project hopes to help boost biodiversity, supporting pollinator species in particular.”

SWT has paid out over £23m in grants to support local businesses while the UK is in Coronavirus lock down and is now reaching out to those who may be eligible for help but haven’t claimed.
 
Although the offices are closed staff have been working from home to ensure Small Business Grant Fund and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund payments are processed as soon as possible.
 
The Council has received 2,663 registrations for COVID19 business grants. To date, 1,938 of these have been completed resulting in grants paid totalling £23,385,000.
 
SWT is now using a combination of texts, e-mails & automated phone messages to ensure local businesses who have not yet applied are aware and can get the help they need.
 
Councillors are also reaching out to identity businesses in their SWT wards who may not be aware they could qualify.
 
Leader of the Council, Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, said: “I am proud of our officers for working round the clock to help our local businesses and ensure that so many have already received grants they are entitled to.
 
There remains a significant number of organisations that we believe to be eligible for a grant who have not yet been in touch to register.
 
I would encourage remaining eligible businesses to register for the grant that they are entitled to, particularly for small independent businesses and organisations. If you are a business that would benefit or you know one that might, the Council is asking you to visit its website for guidance”
 
The application process is straightforward using the secure online form at https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/business-rates/business-grants-covid-19-response/
 
Our aim is to get payments into the bank accounts of the eligible businesses within 7 working days of us receiving the required information.
 
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice and Information page of our website also contains the latest links to wider advice, support and guidance for businesses.
https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-and-information/