08/07/2026
It was a delight to welcome Peter Dixon, the High Sheriff of Somerset, to the coffee shop yesterday, along with Lauren and Nicky from Safe Families and Home for Good, two organisations that do wonderful work for families and children in our community.
This afternoon I had the pleasure of meeting Lauren and Nicky from Safe Families and Home for Good. We met in a lovely cafe; Without Borders in Taunton and I came away genuinely inspired by the work they do.
This organisation, which brings together the work of Safe Families and Home For Good, supports families facing difficult circumstances, helping people feel safe, seen, heard and understood before they reach crisis point. Their work is powered largely by volunteers, the generosity of local communities and support from the council, making an extraordinary impact on thousands of children and families every year.
One statistic really stayed with me: Every 15 minutes a child in the UK enters the care system. Behind every number is a child, a family and a story. At the same time there is a desperate shortage of foster carers and adoptive families, and too many young people are waiting too long for the stability and care they deserve.
Safe Families and Home For Good are Faith based charities that welcome volunteers of all faiths and none who want to make a positive difference in their communities. In Somerset their partnership with the council is helping them reach and support even more families across the county and the South West.
I was incredibly impressed by Lauren and Nicky's passion, dedication and commitment. It is clear that organisations like this are making a real difference by strengthening families, supporting communities and giving children the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you both for such an insightful and thoughtful meeting and I look forward to working with you in the future supporting the fantastic work you do.