Useful Information

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SOMERSET IMPACT

Promoting the interests of families of children with a disability or any special need

Members receive regular newsletters packed full of useful information for all families.

Membership is free to parents.

contact Somerset Impact on:
01278 444794 or
janet.dodwell@somimpact.freeserve.co.uk

CHARD SUPPORT GROUP

A support group for parents of children with disabilities in Chard and the surrounding areas.

An opportunity to meet with other parents and swap experiences.

For further information please contact Sally White on 01460 239712

TAUNTON AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP

Meetings held monthly at the Methodist Church Hall Lisieux Way, Taunton from 10.00 - 12 noon

Please come and join us

For more information and directions etc please ring Liz Pooley, Carers Support Worker on 01823 354167

THE SLINKY BUS
LINKING SOMERSET’S COMMUNITIES

Do you live in the parishes of Taunton, Bishops Hull, Wellington, Comeytrowe, Staplegrove, Norton Fitzwarren, Kingston St Mary, Trull,Burrowbridge, Stoke St Gregory, North Curry, Durston, Creech St Michael, Thornfalcon and Ruishton?

If the answer to the above question is YES and you do not have your own transport or are unable to use public transport then the Slinky Bus is for you.

• You can travel anywhere within the above areas.
• The bus is fully accessible.
• Journeys must be booked by calling the booking line number below.
• 24hour notice is usually required for booking. But may be possible with a shorter period of notice
• The Slinky bus runs on a Monday to Friday from 6am to 11pm and on Saturday from 7am to 11pm.

For details of costs and to book please call the booking line on 01823 332332. Mon—Thurs 9-4, Fri 9-3

SOCIAL TARIFF FOR WESSEX WATER METERED CUSTOMERS

If you are a metered customer with Wessex Water they have a special scheme to help vulnerable customers. The social tariff is designed for customers who receive one of the major social benefits and tax credits such as income support, working tax credit, pension credit or housing benefit.

To qualify, you must also either:

Be receiving child benefit for three or more dependant children under 19 or have someone in your household with a medical condition causing you to use significantly more water, medical conditions can extend to autism—where water is an obsession.

Call 0845 600 3600 for further information quoting your customer reference number

WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY
RESIDENT’’S RAIL CARD

Are you a resident of Taunton Deane or The West Somerset District? If the answer to this is yes then you qualify for a Local Resident’s Pass which will entitle you to half price Adult or Child Fares on West Somerset railway.

• One card per person, adult or child
• Proof of name and address must be supplied e.g. utilities bill or council tax bill (photocopy acceptable)
• A passport size photograph must be supplied
• A £5 administration fee per card will be charged.
• The pass is valid for three years and entitles the holder to half price adult or child fares on single or round trip tickets issued by West Somerset Railway. But does not include special events.

To obtain a residents railcard application form call 01643 704996

ENERGY EFFICIENCY - HERE TO HELP

What is Here to Help - Here to Help is a British Gas energy efficiency programme for households receiving certain income or disability related government benefit. It aims to help households keep their homes warmer and save money on their energy bills.

What is on offer to customers? Here to Help offers a range of benefits at absolutely no cost to you which could include:

• Free home insulation (loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, hot water tank jackets)
• Benefits health check—which checks that customers are receiving all of the government benefits to which they are entitled.

It is available to homeowners or privately rented households who require insulation and are receiving one of the following government benefits:

• Income Support
• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Benefit
• Pension Credit
• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
• War Disablement Pension*
• Attendance Allowance
• Child Tax Credit*
• Working Tax Credit*
• Disability Living Allowance
• Disablement Pension*

To find out if you are eligible for Here to Help, please call on 0845 605 2535*

TAUNTON MENCAP

Taunton Mencap has an ever-expanding range of activities for its members, families and carers. Now with more than 130 members, the Society offers day trips, parties, theatre trips, art sessions, ten pin bowling and other fun things to do. All activities are subsidised, to make them affordable to everyone, and are open to adults and children alike.

Taunton Mencap is one of 5 Local Mencap Societies in Somerset. Although affiliated to Royal Mencap, Taunton Mencap is an independent charity, relying entirely on grants, fundraising, donations and members’ subscriptions to function.

Taunton Mencap accepts membership applications from all individuals with learning disabilities within the Taunton Deane area as well as from families and groups/homes. New members will be made very welcome and encouraged to feel part of this friendly and active society. ESCAPE members are welcome to come and ‘try us out’ before becoming members of Taunton Mencap.

Membership to the Society also entitles members to discounted holidays at the Taunton Mencap Caravan in Dorset and the opportunity to apply to a Bursary Scheme, which provides grants to make a real difference to lives.

For more information on membership, contact Judith Bryant on 01984 656591 or Jan Sugars on 01823 276848 or visit the website at
www.tauntonmencap.co.uk