Somerset Independent Living Centres (SILCs)

Somerset Council’s Adult Social Care Independent living centres (SILC’s) help people in Somerset find equipment and solutions to stay active, independent and make life easier.  SILC’s are a key part of our Adult Social Care Strategy prevention and early help approach, supporting people to live independently, staying well and safe.  Our centres offer free impartial information and advice and we encourage Somerset residents to attend who may need advice about living independently, this could include equipment in the bathroom, kitchen or moving around.  We are also able to demonstrate technology to help support people with their caring role and to aid daily living.  www.somerset.gov.uk/equipment

The SILC Service is expanding in line with our ASC workforce re-structure.  We currently have two SILC’s (Wellington & Shepton Mallet) with further services being opened in Yeovil (2023) and Bridgwater (2025).  In addition to the static facilities the additional staff investment will see the service expanded to offering outreach SILC services for isolated rural areas such as West Somerset this could include regular ‘pop-ups’ based in community spaces such as libraries, community hospitals and village halls etc.

The Occupational Therapy Led service 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.  In addition regular weekly staff training (moving & handling) is offered within the facilities.

The ILC model is an approach focused on ‘prevention’ and social wellbeing.  To enable individuals (customers/patients), 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.

The SILCs service has four distinct service offers: occupational therapy, housing and adaptations, Technology Enabled Care (TEC) and sensory Loss.  Initially the facilities will remain predominantly staffed by Local Authority staff for the next 12 months 2023/24, but there after to expand and include NHS Staff in partnership.  We will also work closely with the Community Equipment and Wheelchair Services (CEWS) provider to support future equipment training by 2024.