Community & Living
West Somerset is a fantastic place to live with a real sense of community spirit. That’s why looking after the community is one of the council’s top priorities.
Healthy living is important so we have teamed up with Somerset PCT and Somerset Sports and Leisure to give local people a wide choice of activities to keep them fit and healthy. From healthy cooking and gardening courses through to friendly clubs to help people get fit and stay fit, there is a great choice for everyone.
Children’s play is also important and we have been working with partners to revamp existing play areas and provide new ones for young people in West Somerset. Our Play Strategy, which won funding from the Big Lottery Fund, is helping children to enjoy healthy outdoor challenges while making friends and learning more about their communities as a whole.
We deliver our arts and culture programme through ARTlife, which comprises local organisations with a passion for the arts. The group has the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to deliver a diverse programme of cultural and artistic events. It supports local artists and communities looking to set up their own creative events, and is currently helping artists to use empty high street shops in Minehead to display their art.
Community safety is also high on our agenda. Crime levels in West Somerset are amongst the lowest in the country and we actively work with partners to keep them that way. Our Community Safety page shows what is being done to keep in touch with local communities to identify and deal with the things that are affecting them. The page also provides links to advice on a range of topics, from how to report antisocial behaviour to getting help for issues such as domestic abuse, bullying or addiction problems.
The council also part funds the West Somerset Advice Bureau (WSAB) in Minehead. The friendly, knowledgeable team provides free, impartial advice on a range of issues including debt, benefits, consumer problems, family and employment matters and housing.