Connect Somerset has been launched to improve early help in the community. It is about all professionals and community groups working together to help families and residents to improve their lives. This work also helps to reduce the cost of statutory services.

Connect Somerset is a partnership between Somerset Council, Somerset NHS, Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprises, and Schools, Colleges and Early Years settings which aims to make it easier for Somerset residents to get the help they need and to get it early.

Champions are there to join up public services and connect to the Voluntary, Community, Faith, Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector, improving the efficiency of how these services work together. They work collaboratively with public services, ensuring that they are designed to meet the needs of local communities. Champions do not work directly with families and residents.

If you work with residents, working with your local Champion can help you to:

• Be connected to your community and increase your understanding of the local early help offer delivered by Statutory Services, Education and VCFSE organisations.
• Improve local processes such as the Team Around the School, Data Sharing, and the Transform database.
• Be more proactive and increase the volume of early help.
• Lead a wider strategic view of local needs and a place-based approach to future planning.

View the Connect Somerset Champions map to find your local Champion and how to get in touch. To find out more about Connect Somerset, contact: hello@connectsomerset.org.uk