Join the micro-provider network
Interested in joining or coming to a meeting?
Email micro-providers@wellscommunity.network. We will explain the participation requirements and next steps.
Connect with other independent micro-providers in Wells and nearby communities.
Whether you already offer paid help and support or are thinking about becoming a micro-provider, Wells Community Network can help you access information and connect with others.
Already working as a micro-provider?
Running an independent business can be rewarding, but it can also help to have people to talk to.
Through the WCN micro-provider network, you can:
Attend local meet-ups and build connections with other providers.
Share experiences and discuss general questions about running your business.
Hear about relevant training and development opportunities.
Access information and signposting to Somerset’s Micro-Enterprise Programme.
Enquire about having information about your service shared with local people seeking support.
Each provider remains independent and responsible for their own business and services.
Thinking about becoming a micro-provider?
A micro-provider is a small, independent business offering paid help or support to local people. Services vary and may include companionship, shopping, household tasks or, where appropriate, personal care.
WCN can provide information about the role and signpost you to support for starting your business through Somerset’s Micro-Enterprise Programme.
This may include guidance about business arrangements, training, insurance, safeguarding and the requirements relevant to the services you intend to offer.
You remain responsible for understanding and meeting the legal, regulatory and business requirements that apply to your work.
To find out more, email micro-providers@wellscommunity.network.
What participation in the network means
WCN provides information, connections and opportunities for peer support.
We do not deliver, arrange or manage care. We do not employ providers, allocate work, set prices or organise care rotas.
People seeking support, or their lawful representatives, choose their provider, check their suitability and agree and manage any arrangement directly with them.
Providers are responsible for their own services, agreements, charges and availability.
Participation does not mean that WCN approves, recommends, vets, guarantees or quality assures a provider. Joining the network does not guarantee enquiries or work.
Important information about personal care
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Important information about personal care *
Personal care includes help with activities such as washing, dressing and using the toilet.
Providing personal care may require registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Some individual micro-providers operate under an exemption where they are contracted directly by the person receiving support, or their lawful representative, and work under that person’s direction and control.
This is different from providing a CQC-registered care service. The person or their lawful representative must be willing and able to direct and manage the arrangement.
Providers operating under this exemption cannot take on the management of the person’s care, coordinate the work of other providers or organise a care rota on the person’s behalf. WCN cannot take on these responsibilities either.
Membership of the WCN network does not establish that a provider qualifies for an exemption or meets any regulatory requirement.
If you are unsure about the requirements for your service, seek advice from the CQC or Somerset’s Micro-Enterprise Programme.
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Sharing information about your service
* Sharing information about your service
If you would like WCN to share information about your service with people seeking local support, please contact us.
We will explain the participation requirements, what information is needed and how it may be shared. We will obtain your permission before sharing your provider information.
You are responsible for keeping information about your services, contact details and availability accurate and up to date.
Inclusion in information shared by WCN is not an endorsement, recommendation or guarantee of work.
To find out more, email micro-providers@wellscommunity.network.
Important notice
Wells Community Network provides information and signposting to independent micro-providers as a community support service. We are not a brokerage, commissioning, or referral service and do not assess, recommend, endorse, employ, or monitor any provider listed or signposted.
Any decision to contact or engage a provider is made entirely at the individual’s or family’s own discretion. We strongly encourage individuals and families to carry out their own checks, including suitability, qualifications, references, safeguarding arrangements, insurance, and any relevant regulatory requirements, before entering into any agreement.
Wells Community Network accepts no responsibility or liability for the actions, services, or conduct of any third-party provider.
This work is supported with an Accelerated Reform Fund grant - delivered through Somerset Community Foundation
Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) is a grant-making charity that helps build strong communities where everyone can thrive. They do this by funding local charities and facilitating local giving.