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Homeless people in Taunton will have access to extra support this week as part of a welfare intitative.

The 'Shine a Light week' aims to address the health and wellbeing issues faced by rough sleepers before a new multi-agency approach to reduce rough sleeping and anti-social behaviour.

A night cafe, based at Canon Street Church from 9pm to 7am, is run by volunteers from a number of Taunton churches.

The cafe is where rough sleepers can find food and shelter as well as health care and long term welfare plans.

Nurses and paramedics from Musgrove Park Hospital and Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust are providing free health checks and medical treatment for minor problems at a mobile clinic in the car park.

Anyone with more serious conditions will be referred for further consultation.

Homeless people at the night café will also be able to take away a care pack provided by the Taunton homelessness charity ARC.

Rough sleepers will also be directed to the practical and pastoral services available through the Open Door charity.

Taunton Deane Borough Council's rough sleeping co-coordinator and street wardens will be on hand to provide assistance to rough sleepers and volunteers. Taunton Street Pastors will join the teams on Thursday and Friday.

Watch the video above to see a former homeless man describe his experience of living on the streets.

The council's housing options team will also ensure that rough sleepers are aware of the help available to find accommodation and access benefits and support.

(Image: Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP)

A social worker from Somerset County Council's social services team is working alongside a community psychiatric nurse to offer individual appointments for longer term help and guidance on a range of topics including mental health and education.

Jayne Cooper, director of patient care – acute medicine at Musgrove Park Hospital, said: "We know that people who sleep rough are far less likely to seek help for mental and physical health conditions so we are pleased to be able to bring services to them in a safe environment.

"As part of the Shine a Light initiative our team of nurses have been on hand giving people free health checks and minor medical treatment, and we have helped some people get a referral into NHS services.

(Image: Getty)

"Our aim is to help people on the street to avoid a crisis, which in turn means they are less likely to end up being admitted to hospital."

The Taunton Streetwise scheme will aim to continue the work of the 'Shine a Light' week and build on the 'One Team' initiative established earlier this year.

One Team, made up by a number of authorities and support agencies, attempts to minimise the causes and problems of rough sleeping, begging and anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Jane Warmington, executive councillor for community leadership at Taunton Deane Borough Council, said: "There is no easy way to resolve the problem of rough sleeping which is recognised as a national issue.

"However, the initial steps we took as a multi-agency One Team have started to make a real difference and the wider Streetwise initiative with renewed momentum is recognition that we are all committed to addressing this issue in Taunton."

What do you think about homelessness and anti-social behaviour in the area? Good or bad? What should be done to improve the situation? Got a Bridgwater, Taunton or West Somerset story to share? Email me at michael.taylor@reachplc.com or call 01935 709742.

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