Last Friday, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Mark Shelford visited Wells for a series of community engagement sessions.

Joined by Mayor of Wells, Councillor Tanys Pullin, Deputy Mayor Councillor Jasmine Browne, Councillor Louis Agabani, and Councillor Stewart Curley, the PCC focused on understanding and addressing local policing and crime concerns.

The discussions centered around key issues such as shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, domestic violence, and burglary. Encouragingly, a decrease in shoplifting incidents was noted, attributed to joint efforts by retailers, the Neighbourhood Police Team, and the community. Strategies like increased police visibility, social media platforms for information sharing, and enhanced security systems have played a significant role in this reduction.

Furthering his insights into community challenges, PCC Shelford visited the Community Connect Centre, led by Pastor David Smith. The Centre serves as a vital resource for individuals facing complex issues like homelessness, addiction, mental health, or life-controlling problems. It collaborates with key organisations to provide comprehensive support.

Pastor Smith told the PCC that the Centre has grown into the primary front door for anyone who needs access to care in Mendip.

Pastor Smith said: "Community Connect is supporting change in people challenged by complex and multiple needs- such as homeless, addiction, mental health, or life-controlling issues.

"We work with key organisations to access services developing professional partnerships so we can continue to offer successful support to even more vulnerable people."

Among the projects run by the centre is a Dairy house which is a direct access hostel for anyone who is experiencing rough sleeping or homelessness.

Following this, the PCC also visited Wells Community Network (WCN), a coordinated network of volunteers and organisations that work together to support local community. The volunteers engage in an enormous variety of task, from marshalling and supporting organisations, to day-to-day chores, social networking activities, shopping, collecting prescriptions and dog walking.

WCN also runs a Welcome Hub working with statutory organisations, local organisations, and individuals to respond to the needs of the Ukrainian community settling in Wells and the surrounding area. Supporting refugees is at the heart of the Welcome Hub.

Commenting on the visits, the PCC Mark Shelford said: "I was pleased to hear how local organisations, the Council and local community make effort to work together to tackle local issues and support people, especially the vulnerable."