Funding is available for innovative community projects in Somerset which are tackling waste.

The second year of the Waste Not Somerset Fund is now open for applications.

The fund, which is provided by Somerset Council and its waste collections contractor SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, will be awarded to community groups in Somerset.

SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK and Somerset Council open their gates for the third year running for a behind the scenes tour of 2 recycling facilities.

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest community led festival taking place every year in September, celebrating history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations.

It is with regret and much sadness Somerset Council announces the passing of Cllr Nick Cottle at the age of 68.

Cllr Cottle served his community with dedication and distinction for many years. He was first elected as a Liberal Democrat Member for the Glastonbury St Edmund’s Ward at Mendip District Council in May 2007, returning to serve again from May 2011 until the Council’s transition to Somerset Council, where he continued as a unitary councillor until his death.

A room, named in honour of an inspirational member of Somerset Council’s Public Health team, has been opened at Yeovil Library.

The Finnis Room is dedicated to the memory of Louise Finnis who led work on Public Mental Health with imagination, creativity and dedication. She sadly died only a few days after she retired.

Somerset’s Local Community Networks (LCNs) have now completed their second round of Annual General Meetings, marking an important milestone in their journey to build stronger, more connected communities across the county.

Launched to provide a space for local partners to come together, LCNs enable discussion of issues and opportunities across LCN areas. They aim to bring focus to what matters most to residents and support collective action that improves local lives and experiences.

The Lead Member for Children, Families and Education at Somerset Council, Cllr Heather Shearer, has congratulated pupils, teachers and service staff for their hard work and resilience as A-Level, technical and vocational exam results are released today (14 August).

There was praise too for the parents and carers of the many hundreds of young people across the county preparing their next steps, whether that be in employment, an apprenticeship or university route.

Somerset Council is inviting members of the community to attend a series of informal fostering information sessions this September. These events are open to anyone curious about fostering.

Each session provides a relaxed setting to learn more about the realities of fostering, with complimentary refreshments including hot drinks and cake. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with experienced foster carers and hear honest, first-hand accounts of what the role involves.

A major project to upgrade a life-saving alarm service in Somerset before the national digital switchover has been completed ahead of schedule.

In 2023, the UK Government announced a nationwide plan to transition to digital-only telephone lines before the end of 2025.

One of the services that was affected by this announcement in Somerset was Somerset Lifeline; a low-cost pendant alarm service provided by Somerset Council for anyone who needs support at home or may be at risk of falling.

The UK Health security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is advising the public to stop using certain non-sterile alcohol-free wipes, including ValueAid, Microsafe, Steroplast, and Reliwipe brands, after some were found contaminated with Burkholderia bacteria during an outbreak investigation.

Although the overall risk is very low, these wipes should not be used on wounds, broken skin, or intravenous lines, and NHS guidance should be followed when treating cuts and grazes.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging the public to stay alert for ticks this summer, as over 1,500 cases of Lyme disease were confirmed in 2024. While not all ticks carry the infection, those that do can transmit it through prolonged attachment.

People are advised to check for ticks after spending time outdoors, especially in green spaces, and to seek medical advice if symptoms such as a bullseye rash, fever, or fatigue appear. Prompt removal of ticks and early treatment with antibiotics can help prevent serious illness.