Somerset Independent Living Centres (SILCs)

Market Context

Somerset Independent living Centres (SILCs) help people in Somerset who need advice and support to live independently. There are three SILCs located in Shepton Mallet, Wellington, and Yeovil.

SILCs can help with things like equipment for the bathroom, kitchen and moving around the home. They also have technology to help people who care for others.

It is free to book an appointment.

• The key element of the model is for people to attend an accessible building with multi-purpose therapy space/use, offering impartial expert advice, information, demonstrations and training, alongside individuals being able to try a range of items, equipment, technology and techniques that could meet their daily needs.
• SILC’s help people in Somerset find equipment and solutions to stay active, independent and make life easier, and are a key part of our Adult Social Care Strategy prevention and early help approach, supporting people to live independently, staying well and safe.
• SILCs are an Occupational Therapy Led service which is open 4 days per week, offering 5-6 sessions per day. The fifth day is offered as a specific training day, booked clinics (wheelchair, optimal handed care, complex seating etc) and open days.
• The Independent Living Centre (ILC) model is an approach focused on ‘prevention’ and social wellbeing. To enable individuals, carers and family members to be fully involved searching/discussing solutions to meet their immediate needs.
• The service offers: Occupational Therapy (OT), Housing and Adaptations, Technology Enabled Care (TEC) and Sensory Loss.

Market Rating

ILCs are a widely recognised model, with South West having a well-established ILC network. Somerset has been leading the way in developing a county wide model since Coronavirus pandemic, which and will be fully developed by late 2027 as part of the Somerset Academy in Bridgwater.  The county wide model allows for agile working practices, consistency, and accessible option for most communities across the county, and has reduced waiting lists by at least 50% since 2022.

• Market Quality: Good
• Market Supply: increasing
• Demand: Still evolving
• Commissioner ambitions: Increase usage
• Market workforce: Stable
• Market maturity: Evolving

Current market status

• The SILCs are based in Shepton, Wellington and Yeovil.
• SILCs are a key part of our Adult Social Care Strategy prevention and early help approach, supporting people to live independently, staying well and safe.
• The Centres work closely with the Community Equipment and Wheelchair Services (CEWS) provider (Medequip) to support future equipment developments and offer training options.
• The ILC model is an approach focused on ‘prevention’ and social wellbeing. To enable individuals, carers and family members to be fully involved searching/discussing solutions to meet their immediate needs.
• The key element of the model is to attend an accessible building with multi-purpose therapy space/use, offering expert advice, information, demonstrations and training with attendees, alongside individuals being able to try a range of items, equipment, technology and techniques that could meet their daily needs.

Market Data

Date for the period 01/04/2024 to 31/12/2024:

Distance from desired commissioning objectives

• While SILCs have been very successful, we want to achieve more foot fall to increase the number of people they help to maximise their independence.
• A full implementation of our SILC model requires 4 ILCs sited across the county, and we are therefore working with partners to include a SILC within a wider development in Bridgewater that is expected to open in 2027. A fourth positioned within the new Somerset Academy in Bridgwater (2027).

Market Risks

• Changes in access to funding to support preventive initiatives, such as the SILCs, could either halt developments or trigger a reduction in the current model.
• Digital developments could supersede the traditional ‘face to face’ offer that the SILCs currently offer.

Current areas of focus for commissioners

• Integrated working with the NHS in developing the SILC model.
• To move the Wellington ILC to Taunton Library by September 2025.
• Providing Care provider training for Moving and Handling (OHC)
• Offering specialist seating assessments for residential settings