Doors open at 9:30 for rough sleepers who can have hot showers, breakfast and clothes washed and dried.

Clients are also able to access a donated clothing store. In the mornings there is an Outreach Team who offer practical advice and support about housing, addictions and health. Following on from this is our tailored support packages which offer practical advice and guidance in the short and longer term.

In addition to this daily support there are volunteers who provide a reading group, a make and mend group and people who are there to read the paper and have a chat with.

Visit the following website for information on access and referrals.

Taunton Open Door

For those based in Taunton who are living in temporary accommodation, or are homeless or rough sleeping.

Taunton Open Door website

All council or housing association homes for rent in Somerset are advertised on Homefinder Somerset. There are 4 locality-based support teams who are available to assist applicants to use the service.

Visit the following website for more information:

Homefinder Support Teams – Contact page

Applicants must either:

• Are not subject to immigration control
• Have been living in Somerset for the last 2 years
• Previously lived in Somerset for 3 of the last 5 years
• Have a local connection to Somerset, for example because they work in Somerset or have immediate family who have lived in Somerset for more than 5 years.

Note: Due to high demand and limited resources applicants will often need to wait for 2 – 3 weeks for an appointment

Homefinder Somerset website

Commissioned by Somerset Council to deliver their Integrated Domestic Abuse Services known locally as SIDAS. This is targeted support for victims, children, and perpetrators of domestic abuse.

Service include:

• Refuge and Safe Houses for female, male, and child victims of domestic abuse.
• Outreach – Meet where the victim feels safe
• Recovery groups, counselling,
• Advocacy, securing legal options
• Whole family support

Visit the following website for information on access and referrals.

Paragon Team information

For victims, children, and perpetrators of domestic abuse.

Paragon Team website

SIDAS (Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Services)

Helpline and live chat services providing free, anonymous and confidential support for people of all genders, age 13+ who have been affected by rape or sexual abuse at any time in their life.

Access location dependant on referral.

For people of all genders, age 13+ who have been affected by rape or sexual abuse at any time in their life.

SARAS Help and Information page

The Bridge offers medical care, emotional and psychological support, and practical help to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. This includes:

Medical care, including a forensic medical examination, sexual health and onward referrals.

Emotional and psychological support, including arranging counselling.
Practical help, including making a report to the police

They also offer information and support to friends and family if someone they care about has been affected by rape or serious sexual assault.

Help and support after rape and sexual assault. Access location dependant on referral.

For victims or sexual assault.

The Bridge website

Can provide advice and assistance for liaising with the traveller community.

Individuals must be part of the gypsy and traveller community.

Partnership project between Somerset Council, YMCA Dulverton Group and YMCA Mendip for homeless and vulnerable young people aged between 16 to 25.

P2i hubs are based on a one-stop shop model with access to District Council Housing Options Teams, County Council Leaving Care Workers, Targeted Youth Support Intervention workers and experienced and knowledgeable provider staff in some areas.

• Support accommodation
• Short-stay emergency accommodation
• Accommodation sustainment support
• Mediation and reconciliation services

Visit the following website for information on access and referrals.

Pathways to Independence (P2i)

Professional Choices website

A broker service providing advice and support with the aim of enabling young people (15 – 19) to access education, employment or training.

Access location dependant on referral.

Before completing a referral form, it is advised you first contact Richard Lucas, Transition Manager to discuss – richard.lucas@somerset.gov.uk

Somerset Works information