We provide financial support to SPARK Somerset, South Somerset’s voluntary sector support service.

SPARK Somerset provide a wide range of services including:

• funding advice
• help in setting up or developing a group/organisation
• recruiting and supporting volunteers
• Training
• Regular information and funding bulletins
• Opportunities to network through Forums
• Community Accountancy service
• DBS checking
• Downloadable online resources (model constitutions, policies etc.)

There are a number of other support services available either national or Somerset specific, for example:

• Community Council for Somerset
• Young Somerset
• Somerset Community Foundation
• The Good Exchange

Please note our community grants programme has now closed and we are no longer accepting applications. 

This is general guidance on what you should consider whilst planning your play area or youth facility project for your community. This will help you install good quality equipment that will last and which you can easily maintain.

• Installation of quality equipment: This needs to be to EN1176 Play Equipment and EN1177 Safety Surfacing regulation
• A good design: Experience play companies can assist with this. You can also look at other parish play areas for completed recent projects and/or contact the Parish Clerk for good practice information. You should also consider landscaping environment, furniture, signage and accessibility of the area.
• Support for your project: Have you consulted the Parish Council and residents to establish what equipment is required for the project? You should talk through your ideas with the Parish Council in the first instance.
• Insurance implications: Check this with your insurance company.
• Regular inspections: Industry standards strongly suggest the following:
  - Weekly Inspection – Routine
  - Quarterly Inspection – Operational
  - Annual Inspection – Annual

Routine inspection is a visual inspection and can be carried out by any competent person, training is advised and is usually a one-day course. SSDC offer a service to carry out Weekly and Quarterly inspections. There are other companies that also provide this service.  Annual Inspections are carried out by qualified play inspectors.  Please email locality@southsomerset.gov.uk if you require further information on play inspections.

• Maintenance costs: A sinking fund for ongoing maintenance is advisable. Equipment generally lasts for around 20 years before replacement is required. Parishes can precept for maintenance costs and funding can also be in the form of S106 commuted sums, if this has been requested from a recent planning development in your parish.
• Repairs and maintenance: Issues will be picked up following inspections and will need to be actioned. Maintenance will also include regular cutting of grass, litter picking and emptying of bins.
• Funding your project: Check to see if there is any S106 funding available. Further information on S106 can be found here.