Councillor seeking clarity over Silver Lining funding

PEOPLE in Ilminster are worried about funding threats to a local service which has changed the lives of many people in the area.

- NANCY CONNOLLY

The Silver Lining internship programmes help people with learning difficulties including autism to gain successful employment and training programmes to help them on the path to living an independent life.

The programme supports individuals in the workplace, at home and teaches health, language and other benefits to help them live successful lives in the community.

But the service is threatened by lack of Government and local funding, and families and public representatives in the Ilminster area are worried about the loss of this important service and the impact it will have on families in the area.

Somerset Council, though, said because they are employing young people and not providing internships, they have no mechanism to fund them to do the work they want to do.

Somerset Councillor Sue Osborne attended a community demonstration at the Gamesmaster Cafe in Ilminster in support of the service.