The latest Taunton Neighbourhood Breakfast, hosted by Richard Huish College in partnership with Connect Somerset, brought together a strong cross-section of local partners to strengthen relationships, share progress, and listen directly to young people about what matters most to them in Taunton.
The event saw good engagement from health, public health, primary care networks, Taunton Town Council, Somerset Council, local community networks, education providers, voluntary sector partners and social care organisations. Together, attendees explored how agencies can work more closely to improve opportunities, wellbeing and connection across the town.
A particular highlight was hearing about local progress on the Cradle to Career work from outgoing Castle School Head, James Lamb. His reflections underlined the importance of long-term, joined-up support for children, young people and families, and the value of schools, colleges, health, social care and community partners working around shared local priorities. Agencies also underline their desire to hear and listen to families and not just assume the system knows best.
Those attending also heard directly from Castle School students from Year 7 upwards, alongside Richard Huish students, who spoke thoughtfully and powerfully about their experiences of living, learning and growing up in Taunton. Their priorities were clear: better transport, including free transport for 18-year-olds to support social mobility and reduce isolation; and a dedicated space for young people in Taunton that is open seven days a week.
Participants recognised that transport can be a major barrier to opportunity, particularly for young people seeking education, work, volunteering, social connection and access to services. The call for a dedicated youth space also highlighted the need for somewhere safe, welcoming and consistent where young people can meet, access support, build confidence and feel part of their community.
Thanks were extended to Richard Huish College for hosting the event and creating such a welcoming environment for discussion, networking and partnership-building. The event demonstrated the continued momentum behind Taunton’s neighbourhood approach, with partners committed to listening to residents of all ages and working together on practical local solutions.
An especially welcome offer was made by Wanita Munemo RN, BSc (Hons) Nursing, Registered Home Manager, to host a future Neighbourhood Breakfast at a care home, offering the opportunity to meet and engage with older people from Somerset Care and Lavender Court. This would create a powerful opportunity to connect young people, working-age adults, services and older residents — making the neighbourhood conversation truly “cradle to grave” here in Taunton.
The Taunton Neighbourhood Breakfast continues to provide an important space for community groups and organisations to connect, understand what is already available locally, and build strong, lasting relationships across schools, health, social care, local government and the voluntary sector.
