Revd Deborah Perreau receives award from Somerset Council

Revd Deborah Perreau, Deanery Mission Priest for Somerset South, received the Community Resilience Award from Somerset Council in acknowledgment of her exceptional efforts following severe flooding. 

Deborah, who was nominated for her work in supporting the community’s recovery, emphasised the collective spirit in facing challenges, “I accepted the award on behalf of all those whose lives have been damaged and turned upside down by the flooding. They have taught me so much.

“After South Somerset was devastated by floods in 2021 it took many years for those affected to get back on their feet. In that time Deborah worked with her community to see how they can be better prepared to deal with any future flooding. She spent time listening to individuals and families and worked with them to access the support they needed during such a difficult time.

Deborah has been working alongside Somerset Prepared, Environment Agency and Rivers Authority hconnecting with these agencies and more has been an vital part of the work she has undertaken and has been all the more vital following the severe floods in the area in 2021. 

“Many homes were engulfed just by sheer volume of water alone one night in June, it washed away the surface of roads, isolated communities and devastated livelihoods with massive damage to property and causing panic with many asking “when will this happen again?”. 

“In the months that followed we learned about flooding, how to stop water getting into homes by changing air bricks, seeing flood doors and gates fitted to homes, helping the elderly to make insurance claims and so much more.”

Deborah also collaborated with local agencies, secured additional funding for emergency flood resources, and facilitated shared experiences to enhance community resilience. A spokesperson for Somerset Council said the awards recognise, “People or groups who have gone above and beyond to help their community be better able to deal with emergencies.”

Alongside all the practical help, one of the most important things Deborah believes was listening to those who had lost so much. 

“It was vital that care and compassion were our outer garments but even more so a listening ear and some good sound knowledge on how deal with water. As a Deanery Mission Priest in the Church of England this has a major part of my work.  The church takes in the battered and bruised, and sends us out restored and with resilience. The church community is the ark, it saves, equips and tells the story of Him who sends us out into the world. This is the Gospel.”