COVID 19 Update: Due to the current COVID 19 situation it is likely that many of the face to face organisations and services listed across our website are suspended. Please call to check first.
Do you want to find groups and support in the community that might help you improve your health and wellbeing? You can find lots of local support from charities to social groups in the Health Connections Mendip Directory.
The Somerset Social Care and Support for Adults Guide explores the entire social care journey.
The online guide includes information on:
The social care guide also gives you a list of care providers in Somerset, so whether you’re looking for a nursing home for dad in Frome, or a home care service for mum in Taunton Deane, this health and social care directory can help you. Follow the website link below to the e-book.
This is a monthly peer support group meeting every third Monday of the month, from 3.30pm – 5.00pm at the Crispin Community Centre, High Street, Street, Somerset. It is a space for people with Fibromyalgia and their carers to seek information and support. If you would like any further details, please contact Health Connections Mendip via the details below.
An exciting club for young people with additional needs aged 10 to 17. Trips out. Have fun. Make friends in a safe and supportive environment. Tuesdays 6.00pm-8.00pm at Vallis Youth & Community Centre, Frome, BA11 3EF. Call us to discuss places as they are limited.
Are you a young carer? If you’re aged between 10 and 18 then please come along to the Zone and meet new friends who are in the same boat! Wednesdays 6.00pm-8.00p.m. Fortnightly at Rise, Whittox Lane, Frome, BA11 3BY . Please contact us to discuss a place as places are limited.
Each town in Mendip has its own Dementia Action Alliance. The aim of an Alliance is to bring together individuals, groups and organisations who are committed to improving health and social care outcomes for people living with dementia, and those who care for them. This means working in partnership with people who have dementia so that they feel included and empowered. Dementia Action Alliances organise basic dementia friends training for local communities, helping to remove the barriers that stop people with dementia and their supporters from participating in community life. Alliances can also promote activities that have the potential to reduce the risk of people developing dementia, including regular exercise, changes to diet, drinking in moderation and engaging in social activities and hobbies.
For more information on becoming a Dementia Friend please contact Peter Hillman on the number below.
You can also find details of your local Alliance via their website (see below).
The Card enables a disabled cinema guest to receive a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them when they visit a participating cinema. The Card is also one way for cinemas to make sure they look after their disabled guests. If you require an adjustment to visit a cinema because of your disability, cinema staff should make them for you whether you have a CEA Card or not.
*Covid 19 pandemic update – this group is currently not running* (updated July 2020)
A stimulating social activity designed to promote confidence and enhance the well being of those affected by memory problems. The structured group sessions are for people with dementia and their carers designed around the principles of music therapy and singing.
The Moxon Suite, Frome Hospital, Frome. Wednesdays 2-3.30pm. Free, drop in.
Jointly is an app that makes caring for someone a little easier, less stressful and a lot more organised by making communication and coordination between those who share the care as easy as a text message. It can be accessed by laptop, smart phone or desktop computer.
*Covid 19 pandemic update – this group is currently not running* (updated July 2020)
The Bridge, Priory Park, Glastonbury Road, Wells BA5 1TJ – 4th Wednesday of the month 1.00pm-3.30pm.
If you or someone you know are worried about or affected by dementia, we are here for you. You can speak to friendly experts on our helpline. We have information to help you understand dementia and what to expect, and practical advice and support to help you to live as well as possible with the condition.
*Covid update – Support is being offered over the phone*
Health Connectors are based in all the GP practices in Mendip. We can help you in a number of ways. We can work with you on a one to one basis – we listen to what is important to you and work with you on issues that you feel are areas that you would like support with. We can link you with services and organisations, help you manage long term conditions, help you meet new people, join groups or set goals that might improve your health and wellbeing. We can also help you set up new groups if it is needed in your area. We see people in GP practices or in your home if you are housebound. As well as linking you to groups/services we also run groups such as Talking Cafes, Pain Management Programmes and On Track Goal Setting Groups.
*Covid 19 pandemic update – closed until further notice* (updated July 2020)
Day opportunities for older people, with health issues. Aims to help prevent social isolation and give carers a break. We can help you do just that through interesting talks, activities, outings as well as being able to guide you to appropriate services to make your life easier. We have groups for older people at the Lawrence Centre, 37 Chamberlain Street, Wells, BA5 2PQ. Our groups meet every weekday and the last Saturday of each month from 10.00am to 2.30pm, refreshments and lunch are available at a cost of £20 per day. If you would like more information, please contact Maggie Charlesworth.
Carers of people with mental health problems (this includes dementia) who are registered as a patient/client with Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust can request a carers’ assessment and access specialist carers’ services and ongoing support provided by the Trust.
This service supports unpaid carers and family members to ensure that they feel valued and supported, empowering them to begin to take control of their lives. We provide a comprehensive range of services for carers which include Carers Assessment Workers, Carers Employment Support Officer, Carers Education Courses, Carers Support Groups, Carers Website, Carers Newsletter, Carers Info Packs, Carers Participation Group, Information and Advice about Carers Breaks and Carers emergency cards. Carers can be referred or self-refer for a Carers Assessment providing the person that they support is registered with Somerset Partnership. Contact – Caroline Mead, The Bridge, Glastonbury Road, Wells, BA5 1TJ
*Covid 19 pandemic update – this group is not currently running* – updated July 2020
Cafe Connect is a friendly, informal support group for people with Dementia and memory loss and their carers. Run in partnership between Alzheimer’s Society, Somerset Partnership and Health Connections Mendip. Frome Second Thursday of every monthly (not on in August) at Frome Medical Practice. 10.30-12 noon. Contact Health Connections Mendip for further details but do just turn up and join us for a chat and a cup of tea/coffee.
*Covid 19 Pandemic update – this group is currently not running* (updated July 2020)
The Memory Cafe is an informal environment where people with dementia and their carers can meet other people in the same position and get peer support; they can access information about dementia, practical tips about living with dementia and an opportunity for social networking. Crispin Centre, 1 Leigh Road, Street. Fourth Wednesday of every month, 2pm-4pm for details contact Jaquie Punter at Alzheimer’s Society.
The Royal British Legion provides lifelong support for the Armed Forces community – serving men and women, veterans, and their families. This includes Admiral Nurses, Care Homes and Holiday Breaks. Legion beneficiaries can be either the person with dementia or the carer.
Marie Curie helper service support people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support to help them get the most from the time they have left as well as support for the carers.
Parkinsons, their families and carers. The group is part of the Taunton and Mid Somerset Branch. For details, please see our volunteer-run website. Group last Thursday of each month Time 7.30pm Contact Beth Maddock for details of where group is being held.
Carers is a group of carers and former carers who raise funds to support unpaid carers who are in crisis and are living in East Somerset. A carer is someone who is unpaid and who looks after and supports a relative, partner, friend or neighbour. Carers can be of any age. Our objectives are organising fund-raising events, providing funding for carers in crisis, providing funding for carers’ days at nominated events, organising events for carers during Carers Week and raising awareness of the needs of carers in our local area. Contact us for more information or to get involved.
With specialist dementia wings for long term residency or respite care.
Community Council for Somerset provide a carers support service that is available to all unpaid carers, whether you care for a few hours or provide a substantial amount. They give good quality local information, emotional support and practical advice to help you in your caring role. They also work closely with the other specialist carer support networks. This service is to support you as a carer. It does not replace assessed care and support provided by the local authority.
The service supports young carers under the age of 18. It can answer questions and give advice to young people on anything they need to know. They can:
Frome and District Carers Group meet the first Wednesday of each month at Frome Cricket Club, Rodden Road, Frome BA11 2AH , 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Crispin Community Center, Leigh Road, Street BA16 0HA. Second Monday of each month between 10.30a.m and 12 pm. Activities include demonstration, outings and local speakers for the carer.
*Covid 19 Pandemic update – this group is currently not running* – (updated July 2020)
Wells Fire Station Community Room Burcott Road,WELLS, BA5 2EF 1st Tuesday of each month between 10.30 am and 12.00pm
Ammerdown Conference and Retreat Centre, Ammerdown Park, Radstock BA3 5SW. Activity days designed for those who care for others so that they themselves can be nurtured and refreshed within peaceful and welcome surroundings. Experience a session of complementary therapy such as Indian Head Massage, Reiki, Reflexology or Aromatherapy Massage, creative arts and crafts for fun, inspiring workshops and delicious home-cooked lunch. Cost £25 Includes, coffee, lunch and afternoon tea, one therapy session and all workshops, prior booking is essential. Dates for 2020 11th February 2020, 5th May 2020, 23rd June 2020, 8th September 2020, 6th October 2020, 1st December 2020.
We are a unique organisation helping Somerset residents to live as independent a life as possible after brain injury. While promoting a wider understanding of all aspects of brain injury and provide information, support and services for people with brain injury, we also assist in accessing and signposting to other services. We provide social and cognitive rehabilitation for adults with brain injury and support and respite for their families through our three Brain Injury Outreach Units based in Bridgwater, Henton and Yeovil. We provide a hospital liaison service. Our project Making Headway matches volunteers with clients.
*During covid we are supporting clients using zoom meetings, phone calls and activity packs until our normal services resume*
If you or someone you care about has had a stroke, our Somerset based service can provide practical advice, essential information and emotional support. The service is free to people of any age recovering from stroke, their carers and family members. Either you or your carer, health or social care workers or GP can refer you to the service. We visit people wherever they may be such as their own home, hospitals or care homes.
*Covid 19 pandemic update – this service is currently not running* updated July 2020
A stimulating social activity designed to promote confidence and enhance the well being of those affected by memory problems. The structured group sessions are for people with dementia and their carers designed around the principles of music therapy and singing.
Seager Hall, Union Street, Wells. Second Monday of every month, 2pm-4pm.