The Halcon One Team was created two years ago, being pulled together by the local police and the Conservative-run borough council, to improve lives and keep vulnerable children and adults safe.

Conservative councillor Jane Warmington, the executive member for community services, speaking about the Halcon One project said: “Working together has many advantages both for families, staff and the wider community. Staff working in the community from the many different agencies meet three times weekly as one coordinated team to talk in confidence, share and collate this information meaning a much better understanding of the issues and what can be done to make a difference by setting actions to solve some problems quickly. Helping early on prevents problems getting worse and offering practical solutions lightens the load.

“Long-standing problems can be tackled alongside and working locally where residents feel more comfortable. These might be local work experience, money management advice, support for addictions and help with parenting. Working this way builds trust, confidence, aspirations and skills which so many of us take for granted but are missing in some people’s lives. “This holistic approach has resulted in a significant reduction in calls to the police and in crime, less anti-social behaviour, less rent owing, fewer evictions, more families in need using the children's centre, less isolation, a tidier environment which feels safe and is a good place to live.

“Such is the success that two further one teams have started in North Taunton and Wellington with a grant from the Home Office. These areas are all very different but this way of working makes sense anywhere. It also offers the best early warning to prevent crises and protect children and vulnerable adults from some of the dreadful things we hear on the national news and read about in the press”. Conservative deputy leader of the council Cllr Mark Edwards said: “I am truly proud of what has been achieved by Cllr Warmington, the police and the council and their many partners in the community and I hope we are given the opportunity to continue this critical work here and in other parts of Taunton Deane.”

Taunton Deane Conservatives

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