The Engage Somerset project, delivered by Pluss and administered by Somerset County Council, started in January and came to an end on 31 October. The project has helped over 440 people living in the Chard, Glastonbury and Highbridge areas. Its purpose was to provide support to people not in work, to encourage a more active and healthier lifestyle. This included connecting them with their community and providing bespoke one-to-one support to address specific barriers holding them back, to move them closer to the job market.

The project has been delivered by a Pluss community coach located in each of the three towns and a manager. Additional support with specialist skills and experience came from Somerset-based partners, which include Cosmic and SASP.

Emma Westcott, Pluss Operations Manager said: "This has been an exciting opportunity for Pluss to develop our social prescribing model and apply it at a community level. Our coaches provided bespoke 1-1 coaching to people not in work, to encourage healthy change and support them with activities that help grow their confidence and tackle barriers holding them back. We now want to build on this and apply this learning in other communities. We are keen to talk to other local authorities about how this approach can benefit their communities."

The original aim was to help people not in work, to become more physically active and to equip them with the skills they need to move closer to employment. In less than nine months of activity, here is a summary of notable outputs:

·      Engaged and supported over 440 participants across the three towns

·      23 participants attended Community First Aid course with Red Cross

·      Over 50 participants regularly attended wellbeing walking groups, with both groups in Glastonbury and Chard now being led by peers

·      Six participants trained as volunteer health walk leaders by SASP

·      Six participants trained as peer support mentors through WATCH

·      Five attended the 12-step Anxiety Programme with Autism Pluss

·      59 participants referred to Digital College

·      Provided over 90 digital devices to participants to support them with their wellbeing, training and job searching

·      16 starts with SASP in Highbridge – life coaching for women

·      63 sign-ups with Freedom Leisure Centre in Chard

·      34 people supported by Cosmic developing digital skills and confidence

·      Supported 20 participants back into employment

Lisa Pearce, Project Manager for Engage Somerset said: "The community coaches brought their individual style and breadth of experience to the three Somerset towns. In a relatively short time, they have made a lasting difference that goes beyond the actual numbers. They have made community connections, bringing people together and given people hope and courage where before there was very little. I am so proud of what we have achieved and wish everyone that has been involved with Engage Somerset all the very best for the future."

Some of activities, such as the Glastonbury walking group, will continue with peer-led sessions.

Participants who were still being supported through the project will be referred to the Pluss Positive People programme in Somerset. This will ensure ongoing support is available, to help address their barriers and help them move closer and back into employment or training.

Glastonbury community coach, Charlotte Vendome-Gardner said: "Glastonbury has just been incredible to work in! The support from the community has been amazing and the participants with whom I have worked have each grown as they have progressed on their journey with us. I am so proud of each and every one and the Art and Walking Groups which are now continuing, being led by the community, for the community."

The project, funded by the UK Government as part of the Community Renewal Fund and administered by Somerset County Council, was originally due to run until the end of June but was extended until the end of October.

This project is grateful for the support from Somerset County Council and the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.