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.
Shared Reading is open to all and free to attend. A trained reader reads a great novel, short story or poem aloud. There is no need for you to speak or read – it’s fine to just listen. A unique experience that helps thousands of people to connect, feel good and live well.
Be assigned with a volunteer for 1:1 reading over the phone or get a Zoom link to connect directly with the volunteer running a reading session.
Contact Laura Merritt by email for further details.
Research has shown that listening to a personal playlist can improve the lives of those living with dementia. Use this website to create a personal playlist to share songs and memories with family, friends and carers.
This website is designed to use music to help people reconnect with their most powerful memories. Browse for music that helps trigger memories and then create a playlist which can be revisited or printed out and used to find the full length tracks on other music services or stores.
M4D Radio is a dedicated station for people with dementia to keep you company 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
M4D Radio plays music from the 1930s to the 1970s, including shows on music to move to, numbers from the musicals, soothing tracks for evening and night time and featured artist specials.
COVID-19 Update: Please note due to current coronavirus restrictions this service may be affected. Please check with the service provider.
Wild Memories is a weekly group for anyone living with dementia or symptoms of memory loss. Our sessions are all about nature and wildlife – we do a variety of activities including arts and crafts, nature walks, wildlife friendly gardening, and more. The group is open to all abilities and we can create new activities together if you have particular interests or ideas!
The sessions are free to attend, and free transport is also available. Carers or family members are welcome to attend if you prefer.
Wild Memories takes place at Mount Community Garden, Feltham Lane, Frome. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 11am – 1pm, and from 2pm – 4pm. Prior booking is essential.
To follow current Covid regulations we are limiting group sizes, and carefully following social distancing and hygiene practices.
COVID-19 Update: Please note due to current coronavirus restrictions this service may be affected. Please check with the service provider.
Third Wednesday of every month 2pm – 4pm. Methodist Church Hall, Southover, Wells BA5 1UG. A relaxed drop in for people with memory problems and their carers/family.
Come along for companionship, information and advice, occasional talks, fun activities and a cuppa!
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).
COVID-19 Update: Please note due to current coronavirus restrictions this service may be affected. Please check with the service provider.
The Road Assured scheme is for any driver who has a health issue that may make driving more difficult or who is returning to driving, perhaps after an operation or a health episode. The scheme enables you to take a short, assessed drive with an Approved Driving Instructor who will give advice and produce a written report.
Self referral, GP referral or you can refer a friend with their knowledge. There’s is a £50 fee for the Road Assured assessment
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.
*Covid19 update – All face to face groups currently cancelled but you can join in with a weekly LIVE session every Tuesday and Thursday at 2.30pm on our YouTube Channel and Facebook page – visit the links below and click remember to SUBSCRIBE/LIKE and FOLLOW to be notified of new videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/UKgoldies https://www.facebook.com/goldiesuk/ (updated July 2020)
Singing along to music helps concentration, aids relaxation, can influence moods and emotions and it brings a sense of togetherness when singing as a group. Sessions are aimed at the over 60s, but everyone and all voices are welcome. These groups are not targeted at people with dementia but they are open to all including people with dementia. We meet at:
Salvation Army, Goswell Street, Street BA16 0JG second Friday of each month 11.30am-12.30pm
Frome Keyford Heights (New Dev.) Randolph Road, BA11 1GF first Monday of each month 2-3pm
Shepton Mallet Pullen Court Community Room, BA14 5RD every other Friday 2.30pm-3.30pm (call 01761 470006 for dates).
Wells ELIM Connect Centre, Portway, Wells, BA5 2BE 1.30-2.30pm third Friday of the month
*Covid 19 pandemic update – running daily Covid secure sessions* (updated Dec 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.
Somerset Direct – Adult Social Care supports adults of working age and older people who have disabilities, mental health problems, a sensory loss or general frailty.
A collection of books ranging from factual information, carers’ experiences, experiences of those with dementia, fiction and children’s stories. Available from most local libraries.
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 currently not running* (updated December 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.
If you need advice, please call the Somerset Alzheimers Society on the number below or the Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456
Monday – Wednesday: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Thursday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Information and support for people with dementia in Somerset and their carers. See website for phone numbers of different services.
An information and signposting service provided by the Alzheimers Society to people who are in the process of being diagnosed or have recently received a diagnosis of dementia. Also home visits on an ongoing basis to provide a wide range of information, support and a listening ear. Visits are carried out during regular working hours by appointment.
*Covid pandemic update- Currently offering telephone support with home visits commencing in August using full PPE & social distancing where safe to do so*
Provides housing related support to individuals with dementia or memory problems to assist them to develop or maintain their independence and quality of life in their own homes. Support is tailored to the needs of the individual and may include: support to resolve or prevent debts and claim state benefits; advice on property maintenance and safety in the home; access to health professionals to maintain physical and mental health; guidance regarding assistive technology, aids and adaptations; investigate participation in social activities. This service is offered free of charge to eligible people living in Somerset. Those under 65 require a diagnosis of dementia.
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.
With specialist dementia wings for long term residency or respite care.
*Covid 19 pandemic update – this service is currently not running* updated December 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.
If you need advice, please call the Somerset Alzheimers Society on the number below or the Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456
Monday – Wednesday: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Thursday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm