Rise (previously Pause) consultation 2026

Overview

About this consultation

Somerset Council is consulting on the future funding of Rise, a specialist voluntary service for women who have previously had one or more children removed from their care and may be at risk of future care proceedings.

The service operated in Somerset as Pause from 2020 and has been known as Rise since 2024. It is delivered by The Nelson Trust on behalf of Somerset Council.

No decision has been made. This consultation seeks views on the potential impact of continuing or ending funding for Rise before a final decision is taken.

How Rise works

Rise provides intensive one-to-one support for women who may have experienced challenges such as trauma, domestic abuse, mental ill health, substance misuse, housing difficulties and social isolation.

Women work with a dedicated practitioner to identify the changes they want to make in their lives and receive tailored support to help them achieve those goals. Support usually lasts around 18 months and may include help to access services, attend appointments, improve wellbeing, develop healthy relationships, manage practical challenges and build greater stability and resilience.

To date (June 2026) Rise or Pause has supported over 70 women with a further 44 women on a waiting list.

The service aims to improve outcomes for women and families and reduce the likelihood of more children entering local authority care.

Somerset Council's financial position

Like many councils across the country, Somerset Council continues to face significant financial challenges. The cost of delivering services is increasing, while demand for essential services, including adult social care and children's services, continues to grow. The Council declared a financial emergency in 2023 and has had to make difficult decisions to reduce spending and balance its budget. 

As part of its ongoing work to improve its financial position and ensure resources are focused on essential services, the Council is reviewing all areas of spending. This includes considering whether it should continue funding some non-statutory services. Rise is a non-statutory service, which means the Council is not legally required to provide it. 

Why your views matter

We want to understand the potential impact that continuing or ending funding for Rise could have on women who use the service, their families, partner organisations and the wider community.

Your feedback will help us understand the benefits of the service, the potential consequences of any change, and any alternative approaches that could be considered. Your views will be considered alongside other evidence before a final decision is made.

This consultation closes at the end of Monday 7 December 2026.