Overview
Written by Somerset HDRC in partnership with the Breaking Barriers Lived Experience Advisory Partnership (LEAP) and the Community Organisation Advisory Partnership (COAP).
November 2025.
For more information, please contact us by emailing SomersetHDRC@somerset.gov.uk
Acknowledgements
The study team would like to thank the following people, without whom this project would not have been possible.
Thank you to our Lived Experience Advisory Partnership members Anna, Deanna, Jasmine, Libby, Sara
And thank you to our Community Organisation Advisory Partnership:
- Allison Ward, Autism Community Network CIC T/A Autism Somerset
- Fiona Godbeer, Department for Work and Pensions
- Jane Knowles, Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP)
- Joseph Olubodun, Somerset Drugs and Alcohol Service (SDAS), Turning Point
- Matt Laughton, ARK at Egwood CIC
- Samantha Evans, Edventure Frome
- Siobhan Gallagher, Young Somerset
- Tracey Mock, On Your Bike
Thank you to the following Co-Research Organisations who recruited and had conversations with participants:
Our participants
Finally, thanks to all 85 participants who took part in the study. We are extremely grateful for your time, input and sharing of your experiences.
Funders of the study:
This study was funded by the Somerset Council Economy, Workforce and Skills and the Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB). The views of participants do not necessarily reflect the views of the funders.