Safe Families consultation 2026

Overview

About this consultation

Somerset Council is consulting on the future funding of the Somerset Family Support Service, delivered by Safe Families.

Safe Families has provided this service in Somerset since 2018. It is an early-help service that supports families experiencing difficulties and aims to prevent problems from escalating to the point where more intensive or statutory services may be needed.

The service works differently from many traditional family support services because much of the support is provided by trained volunteers from local communities, supported by professional staff from the charity.

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

How the service works

The Somerset Family Support Service provides practical, emotional and community-based support to families facing challenges such as social isolation, poor mental health, disability, financial difficulties, caring responsibilities or limited support networks.

Support may include:

• Friendship and practical support, where volunteers spend time with parents and families, providing encouragement, a listening ear and practical help.
• Short-term hosting, where volunteer Host Families can provide children with a short stay away from home during particularly difficult periods.
• Practical resources, helping families access essential items or practical assistance.

The service can also support families who are moving on from more intensive Council services. It aims to help them maintain progress, strengthen their support networks and reduce the likelihood that they will need more intensive support in the future.

Between 2022 and January 2026, 288 families were accepted for support through the service, which currently has capacity to support around 66 families each year.

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.

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.

The Somerset Family Support Service is not a service that the Council is legally required to provide. The current contract costs Somerset Council £128,700 per year. If funding for the service ended, the Council would save this amount.

Why your views matter

We want to understand the potential impact that continuing or ending funding for the Somerset Family Support Service could have on children, families, volunteers, partner organisations and other local services.

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.