Somerset Council
Teamwork and determination: making homes safer

Stock image of staff removing materials containing some asbestos, wearing protective suits and gloves during controlled removal work.

We talk a lot about ways we can work together to make our homes and communities safer and we shouldn't underestimate the power of friends and neighbours pulling together in striving to make things better for all.

We’re really pleased to be able to share a neighbourhood story with a positive outcome for one of our vulnerable tenants who has been facing a long-standing challenge in their home.

Asbestos in the kitchen ceiling posed a serious health risk to the tenant, but the poor condition of the kitchen meant our specialist Asbestos team couldn't safely carry out the necessary removal work.

Thanks to the tenant’s determination and the support of friends, the kitchen was cleared, tidied and made safe for access. This allowed our Asbestos team to step in and remove the hazardous material, making the home significantly safer and healthier.

This story is a great example of what can be achieved when tenants, their support networks, and our teams work together. It highlights our shared commitment to improving living conditions and ensuring safety for all.