The Police Crime Commissioner paid a visit to Mendip as part of his latest engagement day.

On Friday, August 5, PCC Mark Shelford, met with Root Connections CIC, a community garden project tackling homelessness in the Mendip area. The organisation's mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of adults with complex needs including those who are homeless and rough sleeping.

Root Connections is also key to the support and care provided to residents of the Dairy House, Elim Connect Centre's Direct Access Community project. The Dairy House provides holistic treatments and activities for its residents in addition to temporary housing.

The organisation believes by offering creative social and therapeutic pathways, projects can reconnect vulnerable adults with complex needs to community life.

Finally, PCC Mark Shelford met with Stratton-on-the-Fosse parish councillors to discuss their concerns regarding rural crime.

PCC Mark Shelford said: "I enjoyed another engagement day visiting communities in both Bristol and Mendip, listening to their very different - but equally - important policing and crime concerns.

"It was a pleasure to visit Root Connections and hear about their impressive holistic approach to recovery from addiction, which is sponsored by Mendip District Council.

"The 12-week course that takes place within a dry house, brings together those who are recovering to learn and gain a certificate in horticulture. Residents involved gain a tremendous amount of being outside and part of the community as well as having wrap around medical care and therapy such as music and art."