A NEW scheme to help elderly and vulnerable people in Porlock Vale and wider afield stay healthy and independent in their own homes and manage their own care, was officially launched at a village hall community event last week.

The project, led by Porlock Vale CIC in partnership with Somerset Activity Sports Partnership (SASP), NHS Somerset Foundation, and the Living Better team, will provide information, advice, and practical support on a wide range of health and wellbeing issues.

These include guidance on hydration, walking aids, foot care, memory and cognition, blood pressure checks, strength and balance exercises, and seated yoga.

Guests at the event included Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Rear Admiral Ian Moncrieff, High Sheriff of Somerset Peter Dixon, High Sheriff in Nomination Nina Coad, MP Rachel Gilmour, Somerset Council chairman Cllr Mike Best, and representatives from Somerset Council's adult social care directorate.

Debbie Stanyon, chief executive of Porlock Vale CIC, said feedback had been overwhelmingly positive and the initiative marked an important step forward for the community.

She said the project also introduced two new services - a micro-provider network and a good neighbour scheme, both designed to help residents remain independent and connected to the community.

Ms Stanyon added that Porlock Vale had one of the country’s oldest populations and was ranked among the most deprived 20 per cent of areas in the UK.

"This is the start of a significant project to ensure that every resident in Porlock Vale and our neighbouring communities has access to support, information, and help at home to enable them to make informed decisions and manage their own care.

"We are grateful to Somerset Council for their innovative approach in seeking community-based solutions to support our local residents through the Accelerating Reform Fund project."

As well as Porlock Vale itself, the scheme will be of interest to people from the wider West Somerset area.

For more information on the new initiative, visit www.porlockvalecic.org.

PUBLICLY-owned woodlands across West Somerset and Exmoor are being made more accessible for people following a new £4 million Government investment to improve access to the nation’s forests.

People will be able to benefit from time in nature, supporting physical and mental wellbeing, and helping to reduce pressure on public services.

Forestry England said the funding will help more people enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of spending time outdoors, particularly those who currently face the greatest barriers to accessing green space.

This includes people with disabilities, older visitors, families with additional access needs, and those who may not frequently visit the countryside due to perceived or physical barriers.

The investment comes at a time when health experts continue to highlight the importance of preventative approaches to wellbeing, including increasing physical activity, supporting mental health, and reducing loneliness and inactivity.

The nation’s forests are increasingly recognised as part of this wider preventative health infrastructure, offering accessible spaces which support physical and mental health and wellbeing.

The funding builds on the Access for All programme, which has already delivered more than 110 accessibility improvements in more than 60 forests since 2022.

These include improved walking, wheeling, and cycling routes, accessible seating and rest areas, inclusive play areas, all-terrain mobility scooters, communication boards, and Changing Places toilets, all designed to make it easier for more people to spend time outdoors in ways that work for them.

For some visitors, these changes have already had a significant impact.

One visitor to a Forestry England site said: “Using a mobility scooter has given me back the freedom to explore the forest with my granddaughter.”

Another said: “At a time when tolerance and acceptance feel like they are getting further away, this is amazing.”

Forestry England aims to ensure everybody can access and enjoy nature in a way that supports their health and wellbeing, whether that is walking, wheeling, cycling, meeting family, or simply spending time outdoors.

Kate Allan, programme manager at Forestry England, said: “We want everybody to feel welcome in the nation’s forests and able to enjoy time in nature in their own way.

“This funding helps us continue removing barriers so more people can experience the physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors and supports wider efforts to improve wellbeing and reduce inequalities in access to nature.”

The funding supports delivery of the Government’s commitments set out in the Environmental Improvement Plan, which aim to increase access to green space and encourage more people to spend time in nature as part of broader efforts to improve public health and wellbeing.

Forestry England manages and cares for the nation’s forests, which receive millions of visits each year and play an increasingly important role in supporting physical activity, mental wellbeing, and social connection.

Visitors can plan accessible trips to Forestry England sites online before travelling.

AN experienced estate agent has made a move of his own, to West Somerset.

Scott Foley has spent three decades in the property industry in Oxford and London and always hankered to move to the Westcountry.

He spent many happy holidays with his aunts, who lived in Tiverton and Taunton, and when an opportunity arose recently to head up the residential sales department at Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s Minehead branch, he was keen to make the move.

Mr Foley has a comprehensive background in sales and lettings and has worked as a mortgage broker, so is well placed to assist buyers and sellers alike.

He said: “I have dedicated my career to helping clients navigate the complexities of property transactions.”

Mr Foley is a Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents, an accreditation assigned to industry figures with significant experience in the sector.

He prides himself on providing the highest standards of service and is looking forward to leading the Minehead team, who were named gold award winners in the most recent British Property Awards.

Away from work, Mr Foley is enjoying exploring the area with his partner and their cocker spaniel Molly.

THE annual Wootton Courtenay boundary walk will take place on Saturday, June 27, when villagers are being invited to walk or event run the route of the parish boundaries.

‘Organiser’ Martin Ball said the event was especially important this year as there had been a report of a ‘surreptitious incursion into our parish from the other village’.

It will set off from the steps of All Saints Church at 9 am and cover 13 miles and ascend nearly 2,500 feet.

Mr Ball said: “Please note, this is not an organised event, it is all at your own risk.”

WEST Somerset Morris will be dancing next week on Thursday, June 25, at two locations.

At 8 pm they will be in the Quantock Hills village of Goathurst before moving on to Cannington to dance outside The Rose and Crown pubic house at about 9 pm.

SOMERSET Sight is recruiting volunteers to provide regular befriending to people with sight loss in the West Somerset area.

A spokesperson said: “This is a fun and rewarding role suitable for all ages.

“The greatest reward is to help somebody to enjoy life more fully.

“You will learn skills, meet people, and join our thriving team.

"It is a pleasure to be able to help a real person and make a difference to their life.”

One client of the charity said: “I enjoy our time together so much.

"My volunteer means the world to me, gives me joy and happiness, and things to look forward to."

Full training, ongoing support, and reimbursement of reasonable expenses will be provided by the charity, which also has other volunteering roles available.

Anybody interested should contact Somerset Sight by calling 01823 333818 or emailing to [email protected].

The recruitment process is quick and straight forward.

THE garden of Elworthy Cottage is open for the National Gardens Scheme on Tuesday (June 23) from 11 am to 4.30 pm.

The large collection of hardy geraniums are in full flower along with astrantias , campanulas, and other summer flowering perennials, plus many interesting trees and shrubs, including several members of the dogwood family, which are flowering especially well this year.

There are several areas in the garden where the grass has been left to grow long to encourage wildlife and these areas are full of insects.

While there are several house martin nests occupied on the house as usual, again there are no swallows nesting this year, although one or two have been seen in the garden.

A spotted flycatcher is nesting in the garden again after an absence of several years.

There will be tea, coffee, and cake available in aid of the Children's Hospice South West.

Admission is £5, while children free, and dogs are welcomed on short leads.

Elworthy Cottage is on the B3188 half-way between Wiveliscombe and Watchet.

Further details available by calling 01984 656427 or visiting the garden’s website.