THE first community agent for Burnham and Highbridge has been appointed by the Community Council for Somerset (CSS).

The role, which was given to Steve Ballinger, was appointed following the successful Somerset Village Agents Project.

Steve, who has lived in Burnham for 15 years, has been appointed with the aim of trying to 'improve the quality of life for people with long-term health conditions'.

Following his appointment, the CSS's Village Agent project now has people working in over 56% of the county, including the villages around Burnham and Highbridge.

He will be working closely with members of staff at the Highbridge Medical Centre and the Burnham and Berrow Medical Centre.

On his appointment as community agent, Steve Ballinger said: ā€œIā€™m really excited by the role and the opportunity to help improve the lives of people with long-term health conditions.ā€

A spokesperson for CCS later added: "This may be by reducing feelings of isolation by helping people find activities they can take part in or by connecting them with the right services to help them tackle a wide range of problems like social care issues, money worries or lack of mobility."

Referrals to Steve will initially be made through the GPs and other health professionals he that will be working closely with at local practices.

His post is being funded by the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, and he will be working alongside patients offering calls and advice in the strictest confidentiality.

To contact Steve Ballinger, call him on 07746 340541 or contact him by email at steve@somersetrcc.org.uk.