Somerset will be able to offer better support to its residents after joining forces with a national network that offers expertise in providing effective help to people to access our services.
Somerset is one of 10 new areas approved to join the Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) network, joining the existing 32 locations already taking part.
MEAM offers guidance and training to help transform how services are delivered to vulnerable citizens and is a national initiative funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
The MEAM network is made up of several national charities that specialise in areas such as mental health (MIND), drug and alcohol treatment (Collective Voice), supporting the homeless (Homeless Link), and the criminal justice system (Clinks).
Over the next two years, Somerset will work with MEAM partners to build on work aligning public health, social care, and housing services when supporting those who most need our services.
Cllr Heather Shearer, Somerset County Council Executive Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said: “This is fantastic news for Somerset. Ensuring everyone can live well and happily is a top priority.
“Working with MEAM will help us continue to place the voice of the individual at the heart of our support services.
“We know that making sure our services are joined up and collaborating effectively has major benefits both for the people we are helping and the staff supporting them.
“We are very much looking forward to working alongside MEAM who have an excellent track record of supporting service improvement across the country.”
The programme will be led by the Somerset Homelessness Reduction Board which includes representatives from local housing providers, adults and children’s services, district homelessness and rough sleeper services, health services including the NHS, police, probation, the Department of Work and Pensions, and the voluntary and community sector.
