Social services up for award

[18/11/04]

News@www.adoption-net.co.uk

Somerset's social services have been short-listed for the prestigious Beacon Award in recognition of their commitment to supporting carers.

The Somerset County Council service has been commended in five areas of excellence - early identification of carers, partnership working with carers and agencies external to the local authority, consultation with carers, flexible support services and its strategic approach to providing support.

The Beacon council scheme recognises excellence in local government and encourages the spread of best practice throughout the country, such as the council's Somerset Carers Project, which is jointly funded by Mendip, South Somerset, Taunton and Somerset Coast Primary Care Trusts.

Somerset County Council's Beacon champion Cllr Alan Gloak, portfolio holder for community regeneration and development, said: "I'm delighted that the efforts made by all our staff who work in social services have been recognised by this short listing.

"It's clear that Somerset is one of the leading authorities in the UK for providing first rate social services for its residents and I'm very hopeful that we'll get the Beacon Award."

The Beacon Award panel will visit County Hall in the new year to carry out a further assessment and county council representatives will travel to London to give a presentation before winners are announced next April.