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/

Whilst the hundreds of events planned to take place across Somerset on and around Somerset Day, 11th May, will not now take place that doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate Somerset Day this year.
 
The 'Why I love Somerset’ Campaign has a single, very simple aim – to replace the hundreds of events due to take place across villages, communities and towns throughout Somerset on and around Somerset Day with a major celebration online, through social media.
 
‘Why I love Somerset’ will focus on communities, businesses and individuals joining together in the lead up to, and on Somerset Day itself, in celebrating our communities and our county.
 
We encourage everyone to tell us about everything they love about Somerset in lots of different creative ways, whether they choose to express it in pictures, music, art, words, baking, song or dance! 
 
In a message of support Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Mrs Annie Maw, said
 “It's an honour and a privilege to be patron of Somerset Day and I have great admiration for its foundation and for those who run it each year.  It is a celebration of this unique and wonderful county, the like of which exists nowhere else in the world, and of the marvellous people who live here.
 
This year, the true worth of the Somerset Day concept has been displayed.   Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, all of the planned events and activities which we now look forward to, annually, have had to be cancelled. Faced with the challenge of a locked-down community over the treasured May 11th, the directors of Somerset Day have stood their ground by rolling up their sleeves to reach out and support all kinds of endeavours and help them through this difficult time.

It is a real pleasure to be part of such a visionary practical response to what is happening.  The links and connections which the scheme has established have proved their worth already. 
 
As Her Majesty said, in her recent address from Windsor Castle, working together we demonstrate those characteristics which our forebears showed to us through the two wars of the last century.  We are united and resolute and, thus, we can support each other as we face the significant challenges which this terrible crisis presents to each one of us.
 
Thank you to the whole Somerset Day team from us all, in Somerset.  We will support you with your endeavours as you lead us through the next few weeks and months so that we can face the greatest challenge of our generation, together”.
 
On Somerset Day (May 11th) post your ‘celebration’ out on social media making sure to link to us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and use the hashtag #somersetday.
 
Full details of how to join in can be found on the Somerset Day website www.somersetday.com

Award-winning West Somerset artist Garry Floyd has unveiled his next stunning design raising money to help provide for the welfare and wellbeing of NHS Heroes.

This is his second release with the aim of raising as much money as possible for NHS frontline workers. So far he has raised £3395 from the sale of his first charity piece 'Home' and he hopes to raise just as much with this absolute beauty of a follow up in 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. In the tree is a carving which reads “WE💙NHS”.

During this difficult time Garry wanted to do something that could possibly help those superheroes that are constantly putting themselves at risk to help us. Garry said "These people are forever over worked and under paid yet they are essential key workers working under extreme pressures to save lives".

Garry came across an unbelievable charity (non-profit) (although there are so many good charities doing great things) that is directly helping those on the frontline
www.helpthemhelpus.co.uk

You can order 'You'll never walk alone' for yourself or for someone that you know that could do with some light relief or a thank you for an act of kindness during this time. Put a smile on someone’s face whilst also helping to raise some funds for a great cause.

The price is extremely low so Garry can sell as many as possible. He is ending the sale of this print soon so order yours soon. Please share this with anyone who might like his design.

Details...

• All orders dispatched week starting Mon 4th May
• This is a signed open edition print unframed​
• The original is also A4 and supplied unframed
• This is the first ever A4 sized image I’ve produced which also means you’ll be able to find a variety of frames online hassle free to fit an A4 print.
• Please allow 10-13 working days for delivery

🔽SHOP🔽
https://garryfloyd.bigcartel.com/product/you-ll-never-walk-alone

See all of Garry's stunning work:
https://garryfloyd.bigcartel.com/

​A bit more about Help them help us...

This is what they do:
Providing for the welfare and wellbeing of NHS staff on the frontline of the pandemic. Their mission statement is to support, in big and small ways, the welfare and wellbeing of NHS staff as they fight COVID-19. They want to get things going ASAP. The virus is moving fast, so in order to support the staff on the frontline they need to move even faster.

They want to provide an avenue for the public to help out the effort. Their aims are to support the physical, mental, and day to day wellbeing of NHS staff across the nation. Physically to support the protection of our staff on the frontline. Mentally they aim to provide counselling and psychological services. Day to day they want to set up a hassle-free small grants service to support childcare, transport, to provide perks for hospital facilities and more. They want to use their platform to also provide public and professional education resources on coronavirus, and build a cross-professional platform to help share tips and advice.

​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.”

Somerset West & Taunton Council is throwing a lifeline to commercial fishing vessels and businesses moored in Minehead.
 
These business pay mooring fees but are exempt from paying rates and don’t qualify for any of the support grants set up by the Government.
 
The Council has decided to implement a local scheme to help them stay afloat during the Covid 19 outbreak and aid their post Coronavirus recovery.
 
It will give them a three month reduction on their annual mooring bill. The invoices would normally be issued for the financial year from 1 April but will now go out on 1 July instead requesting payment for just the remaining nine months.
 
Leader of the Council, Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, said: “The Council is keen to support the commercial vessel skippers and their businesses with relief on the Minehead mooring fees.
 
This is in recognition that a number of government schemes would not be accessible for these businesses who are being impacted by the current Covid 19 emergency.
  
We are doing our best to support businesses across Somerset West and Taunton, and are keen to do whatever we can stop any of them slipping through the net. I hope this will be welcome news for those affected.”
 
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice and Information page of our website contains the latest links to wider advice, support and guidance for businesses.
​
https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-and-information/
​

This is our second 'Meet the business' video, a series of short videos, where we chat to the people behind their Somerset business. We get a chance 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.

In this video, we meet Alex Roland from Your IT Now, a service based in Somerset that was set up to enable people with a Learning Disability, to access the internet and information technology with help from our training and support program.
They specialise in Technology support and online safety as well as Facebook and social media skills and safety.

‘Your IT Now’ works to empower people of all abilities and levels to use the vast wealth of resources and services the internet can offer, be that information, social networks, games, e-mail or anything else the person requires.

Find out more...
www.youritnow.co.uk
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If you would like to take part in 'Meet the Business' then please send us a message or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk

#learningdisability #technology #somerset #care

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/

Today we are delighted to launch our first, in a series of short videos, where we chat to the people behind their Somerset business. We get a chance 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.

In this video, we meet Becky Wright New Leaf Life Design The principle upon with New Leaf is founded is one of enabling people to flourish by overcoming the issues that can affect their working life, their relationships, personal well-being and the ability to contribute positively to their community.

Becky is a Mental Health First Aid instructor and she delivers Adult Mental Health First Aid Courses and Mental Health Trainer in the South West area. She is a fully qualified and accredited counsellor / psychotherapist, and New Leaf provide a unique form of coaching called Life Design. Through this innovative approach, which integrates counselling and coaching, she optimises wellness to enhance the lives of private individuals and improve productivity and staff performance in SMEs.

Find out more: https://www.newleaf.uk.com/
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If you would like to take part in 'Meet the Business' then please send us a message or email info@wordgetsaround.co.uk
#meetthebusiness