VULNERABLE people in  Taunton will soon be able to get smartphones thanks to a donation from the Rotary Club of Taunton.

The Community Council for Somerset (CCS) said the phones will be distributed by CCS Village Agents to people in the Taunton Deane area. 

CCS said the smartphones will help people by reducing isolation, let them access home shopping or other vital deliveries, and enable people to contact helplines or interact with online support groups.

Keeley Rudd, chief executive of CCS, said: “We are thrilled and so grateful to have such a valuable and useful donation to help our clients who are in need.

"We particularly want to give these smartphones to young carers, but are happy to supply families and older people, or indeed anyone to whom it will help – we anticipate these will make a huge difference to peoples lives.”

Applications for a smart phone can be made via your local Village Agent – go to https://somersetagents.org/find-an-agent/ to find who to contact in your area.

Since the start of the lockdown, CCS Village, Community and Carers Agents have responded to more than 61,306 community support activities, and have received many generous donations, from the 5000 books donated by publisher Harper Collins, to bicycles, ready meals, paint and dog food.

 CCS Agents also distribute donations made to food banks to their most vulnerable clients on a weekly basis

Raj Singh, deputy chief executive of CCS, has been involved in the Somerset Food Resilience Task Force which was set up soon into lockdown

He said: “It is staggering the amount of gifted goods we have distributed – every item has been given to a person or family in need, and has meant that many people have had their lives made so much better thanks to the kindness of others.

"Thank you to all those who have made it possible.”

Anybody can refer themselves or others to CCS Agents on 01823 331222 or go to www.somersetagents.org to request a callback.

CCS Agents are also hosting daily live on Facebook Talking Cafés, every weekday at 11am. Visit www.facebook.com/talkingcafesomerset/live to watch previous sessions or take part.