The Somer Valley
Lying just south of Bath, the Somer Valley generally is a low-deprivation area of countryside, towns and villages.
However, the community includes a range of groups at recognised vulnerability to loneliness; unpaid carers, people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, older people, LGBTQIA+ individuals and young parents. Although it has a low proportion of ethnic minorities, the fact this is small means the individuals are at higher risk of isolation.
There can be a sense that people stay in small community areas, even within a single ward. Coupled with transport difficulties, this can make the Somer Valley feel disconnected.
“LGBTQIA+ carers living in rural areas feel more isolated because they are less able to meet other LGBTQIA+ people in similar situations”
The Somer Valley does however have significant assets that have the potential to be better utilised - cafes and pubs, community connectors, digital access, leisure and sports facilities, parks, green spaces, organisations and individuals.
Using existing community assets, such as community centres and green spaces, can facilitate informal socialisation.
Moreover, neighbour and street-level networks represent an untapped potential for fostering a sense of place and building community connections.
“There is an abundant amount of people who can help create solutions; from grass roots, small groups and organisations to established providers and institutions in the area.”
The region
The Somer Valley is located in B&NES, a county that stretches from the outskirts of Bristol, south into the Mendip Hills and east to the southern Cotswold Hills and Wiltshire border.
Bath is the main settlement, with two thirds of the county being green belt.
The Somer Valley lies just south of Bath. It is a rural area containing towns and villages. Its nine parishes range in population from 900 to 12,300 (ONS 2021).
3SG is an independent membership network supporting the charity, social enterprise, faith and voluntary sector operating in Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES).
As a local organisation, 3SG is trusted and connected within the Somer Valley. It has a good understanding of the community’s challenges, and is able to nurture grassroots initiatives to address loneliness, isolation and belonging.
3SG has a community-driven focus. It is a partner of the Community Wellbeing Hub, a collaborative partnership supporting the delivery of health and wellbeing services, and works closely with the University of Bath to continue deepening understanding of the area.
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Thank you to all Impact Alliance members who have shared photos to use on this website. Please see below for photos used on this page. (Any photos not credited are available via Creative Commons licensing).
An aerial shot over Paulton in the Somer Valley
Midsomer Norton
A street in Peasedown St John