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.
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, if you wish. M4D Radio plays music from 1930s-1970s, including shows on music to move to, numbers from the musicals, soothing tracks for evening and night time, and featured artist specials.
Wild Memories are relaunching weekly outdoor group sessions from Tuesday 14th July 2020 with strict safety measures in place. Participant and staff numbers are limited to 6 to enable lots of space between us. Staff and volunteers will wear masks, and everything will be kept disinfected. These sessions will involve a range of nature and wildlife based activities, including arts and crafts, nature walks, and real conservation management to help keep Frome’s green spaces thriving. The sessions are free to attend, and free transport is also available.
For those not ready to join groups just yet, we are continuing to provide a varied programme of free activities to do at home or in the garden. Either way we invite you to join us. If you have any questions, or to sign up to our outdoor group sessions, just get in touch using the details below.
Enjoy an afternoon of personalised music making for those living with dementia and their carers.
We will make you feel welcome and provide a place to share, connect, be supported and have fun! Refreshments available. No musical experience necessary. FREE.
When: The second Friday of each month, from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Salvation Army, 21 Commercial Rd, Shepton Mallet BA4 5BU.
Starting Wed 30th January 2019 (then 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!
Run by Heads Up. Meet with others, share experiences over a hot drink (provided). Visiting speakers, advice given about accessing services and where to get helpful information.
The Swan Hotel, Wells last Wednesday of the month 10.30 – 12pm
The Brasserie, High Street, Shepton Mallet second Wednesday of the month starting 13th March 10.30 – 12pm
Each town in Mendip now 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.
Sessions to develop more Dementia Friends in Shepton Mallet have recently been held and there are no future dates set at the moment.
For more information on becoming a Dementia Friend please contact Peter Hillman
Mobile: 07970 665036
You can also find details of your local Alliance via their website (see below).
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 one of our Approved Driving Instructors. You will be given advice about your driving style and a written report will be produced at the end of your assessment. If you were referred by your GP, a copy will be sent to them first and they will forward a copy on to you. This report will help you and your doctor decide which steps to take, if any, to reduce the chances of problems occurring when you are behind the wheel. There is a £50 fee for the Road Assured assessment.
How do I access the Road Assured scheme?
You can be referred by your GP or other health professional if there is a concern about your fitness to drive, or to return to driving.
You can ask your GP or other health professional to refer you if you have a health problem which is making driving more difficult. For example you may feel less safe driving following an operation or if you have experienced an event that has affected you emotionally.
You can refer yourself for a Road Assured assessment.
You can refer a family member or friend, with their knowledge that you are doing so, if you are concerned about their driving safety.
Relaxed friendly group meeting fortnightly on Mondays, for people with dementia and their carers. We meet between 2.15pm and 2.30pm for tea and a chance to chat. The session starts at 2.30pm and finishes at 3.30pm. Sessions are a mixture of warm-ups, songs, playing simple percussion instruments and listening to a cd track.
Dates for next sessions are as follows (2019): Oct 7th, Oct 21st, 4th Nov, 18th Nov, 2nd Dec, 16th Dec
Venue: Masonic Hall, Church St, Wedmore, BS28 4AB.
For further information contact Stella Moore.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Come along for a cup of tea, cake and friendship Trudoxhill Village Hall Last Friday of the month 10.30 – 12pm – for more information telephone Sheila Salmons.
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.
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. Please note that Legion beneficiaries can be either the person with dementia or the carer.
Support for people with dementia or their carers who have been in the Armed Forces: 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. Please note that Legion beneficiaries can be either the person with dementia or the carer.
1) Admiral Nurses – The Legion works with Dementia UK to provide Admiral Nurses – a service that supports the carers of our beneficiaries who have dementia. The focus of the service is to maintain independence and improve the quality of life for carers and families and to provide the practical advice they need. WHAT DO ADMIRAL NURSES OFFER? Our Admiral Nurses have the experience to facilitate the service every step of the way. Currently operating in Somerset, Admiral Nurses offer:
2) Royal British Legion Care Homes with specialist dementia wings for long term residency or respite care.
with specialist dementia wings for long term residency or respite care.
Side by Side is a free service from Alzheimer’s Society that provides 1:1 support, making it easier for people with dementia, who might sometimes feel isolated or find it difficult to leave their homes, remain active and feel part of their local community.
Volunteers support them by doing things like going for a walk, to a football match, or joining a local class together- what they do together is entirely based on what the person with dementia wants.
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.