SUPPORTING families in West Somerset was the topic of conversation when an MP visited a county charity.

MP Rachel Gilmour (Lib Dem, Tiverton & Minehead) was at the Alcombe Children’s Centre base of Home-Start West Somerset, where she met parents at the Bump-Start babies group.

She also met families at the Community Connect Thursday session, free sessions designed to support children involved and affected by the Minehead Middle School incident last month, when a coach left a county road, resulting in the tragic death of 10-year-old Oliver Price.

Organisations such as Moor Outdoor, Minehead Football Club, Somerset Cricket Club and Minehead Barbarians have put on free sessions each week, giving young people an opportunity to enjoy a range of different sports, alongside craft sessions.

Mrs Gilmour also heard from staff and trustees about Home-Start West Somerset’s recent funding challenges, who said the branch operates independently and must raise its own funds.

Clare Pound, manager at Home-Start West Somerset, said: “It was incredibly valuable to have the opportunity to speak with Rachel Gilmour MP about the funding challenges we face at Home-Start West Somerset.

“Like many small charities, we are working tirelessly to support local families, often with limited and uncertain resources.

“Being able to share these realities directly with our MP helps ensure that the voices of rural communities and the voluntary sector are heard at a national level. We’re grateful for her time and willingness to listen.”

READ MORE: ‘Thriving’ Minehead marshmallow business up for sale
READ MORE: MP and PCC in Minehead to discuss tackling anti-social behaviour

The MP said after her visit: “I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Home-Start West Somerset today, where I got to see exactly why their services are so important to the local community.

“The Thursday Community Connect sessions held by their team are a perfect example of why charities like Home-Start West Somerset are crucial to a community like Minehead.

“The incident last month will have impacted so many families in West Somerset, and the fact that these groups run each week is nothing short of amazing for local young people.

“Many thanks to Clare and the trustees who met with me to show me the services on offer.”

She said she was also happy to meet organisers of the Dad Matters group, which supports men who may be experiencing mental health challenges.

“Men’s mental health is a real concern, and the highly attended sessions held by Dan, such as Dad Walks and barber service (Dad Barber), are taking important steps to remove the stigma around men’s mental health. These initiatives cannot be praised enough,” she said.

“I would like to thank Clare, Dan, and all the trustees for having me along. I now look forward to working with their team to raise the funds to secure their long-term future.”

READ MORE: West Somerset news from your Leveller