Somerset Independent Living Centres (SILCs)
Context
Somerset Independent living Centres (SILCs) offer friendly, expert advice and support to help people live independently at home. There are three SILCs located in Shepton Mallet, Taunton, and Yeovil with a 4th being planned in Somerset Academy Building in Bridgwater for 2028.
Visitors receive an Occupational Therapy assessment from our experienced team. We talk to them about their needs and demonstrate equipment and technology that can make everyday life easier, whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, or around their home. We also offer helpful solutions for carers and provide unbiased, practical advice tailored to their situation.
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 1-minute video on our website gives some examples of what we do at our Somerset Independent Living Centres (SILCs) https://www.somerset.gov.uk/equipment
SILCs are an ‘in-house’ Occupational Therapy Led service which is open 3 days per week, offering 5 appointments per day. The centres also offer specific training days, booked clinics (wheelchair, optimal handed care, complex seating etc) and open days. Our Hearing and Vision Team is also based at our SILCs which also demonstrate equipment and technology to support people with hearing and/or vision loss.
Somerset has been leading the way in developing a county wide model since Coronavirus pandemic of 2020, which will be fully developed by early 2028 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 OT waiting lists by at least 50% since 2022.
Current status
SILCs are a key part of our Adult Social Care Prevention Strategy 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), Somerset Lifeline and Occupational Therapy TEC Lead to support future equipment / technology developments and offer training options.
The SILC 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 suit their individual needs. The centres are Somerset Council staffed and led by Advanced Practitioner Occupational Therapists. The centres are very engaged with their local health and community and voluntary sector colleagues through open days, attending events and offering guided tours of the SILC.
Data 2025
% of available appointments filled 90%
Feedback score (out of 5) for 211 feedback forms completed – 5
Individuals not requiring a funded care service within 6 months of the appointment – 95%
Projected cost avoidance achieved in 2024/25 – 3.51m
Distance from desired commissioning objectives
While SILCs have been very successful, we want to maintain / increase the number of referrals / number of people we help, to maximise their independence. When our 4th SILC is operational in early 2028 our service will be fully implemented.
Risks
- Any changes to the funding model to support preventive initiatives, such as the SILCs, could impact developments or reduce the current model.
- Launch of 4th SILC in Bridgwater may result in excess capacity v demand.
- Shortage of BSL interpreters to support the Hearing & Vision Team.
Current areas of focus for commissioners
- Somerset Academy (Bridgwater SILC) – The centre will be managed by NHS Somerset and colleagues from ASC are involved in the design specification. The Academy is due to open in early 2028. Bridgwater and West Somerset Constituency bid
- Ongoing development of the Hearing & Vision offer including improved access to Council Services.
- Improve evidence base – strengthen the narrative and data around prevention of care.
- Consolidate public information and ongoing promotion of the SILC Service.
