Support continues to be available for Shepton Mallet residents affected by domestic abuse with Somerset County Council working closely with partners to make sure services continue during the current health emergency.

It is vital that people stay at home or self-isolate to help tackle the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic but that can put strains on relationships.

The county council wants to reassure residents that its vital services continue to run – and that includes help for those affected by domestic abuse.

The county council has commissioned The You Trust to be the new provider of the specialist Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (SIDAS) in Somerset from Wednesday (April 1).

Both the current provider (Livewest Housing) and The You Trust have business continuity plans in place which will ensure that SIDAS continues to operate at this time.

The service works with men, women and children affected by domestic abuse, and who need the specialist support that SIDAS offers.

A range of services are available through SIDAS including safe emergency accommodation, outreach support and a local helpline.

All these are delivered by a highly experienced and qualified team which is following Government guidance for keeping those experiencing domestic abuse safe in these unprecedented times.

You can access useful information by calling the local confidential helpline on 0800 69 49 999.