PCC Clare Moody visits Somerset to gain insight into local issues and solutions

Last week, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Clare Moody met with key members of Somerset Council’s community safety team and local organisations, to gain insight into the pressing issues facing Somerset and the proactive measures being taken to address them.

During her visit to Taunton’s Somerset Council Town Hall, Clare Moody held discussions with Lucy Macready, Director of Community Safety, and James Delafaille from Avon and Somerset Police’s Early Intervention Team. Lucy Macready shared that the Council is currently conducting a comprehensive Community Safety Needs Assessment, which will include sustained community engagement—an area she acknowledged has needed improvement. “Engaging our diverse communities is one of our top priorities,” Lucy said.

Lucy highlighted the vital role of faith leaders during recent riots and violent disorders, noting how they offered their support to the Council’s efforts to support Somerset’s increasingly diverse population. Among the key challenges discussed were Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs), with the Council facing a growing number of cases but struggling with limited resources to manage them effectively. Domestic abuse services are one of the Council’s largest commissioned services.

The Council is partnering with Diversity Voice to deliver sessions in schools addressing racism, discrimination, and serious youth violence. James Delafaille discussed the work of the Avon and Somerset Police Early Intervention Team, raising concerns about staffing shortages, noting that the service currently has only eight Violence Reduction Partnership officers covering the local area.

Following these discussions, Clare and Marc Hole, OPCC Director of Policy, Partnership, and Commissioning, met with Andrew Ridgewell, Programmes Director at the Somerset Community Foundation (SCF). Andrew provided an overview of the funding distributed through the PCC’s Crime Prevention Fund, which is dedicated to creating safer communities.

Clare then had the opportunity to meet with several community groups that had received funding. Lisa from Escapeline, which received £10,000, spoke about their efforts to prevent the criminal and sexual exploitation of young people by gangs in the South West. Ruth and Arabella from SARSAS joined the meeting online to discuss their £19,000 grant aimed at reducing the risk of sexual violence for adults with learning disabilities and autism. Finally, Michael from Somerset Diverse Communities shared how their recent £5,000 grant will support multicultural community events in Bridgwater and Yeovil.

PCC Clare concluded her visit by meeting with Tracie Jolliff, a member of the Tackling Racial Disproportionality Independent Scrutiny Board. Tracie, a strong advocate for equality and inclusion, is deeply involved in supporting Black and minoritised communities across Somerset.