Living and feeling better can start with a simple step-connecting. Health Connections Mendip is provided by your Mendip GP practices to improve your health and wellbeing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Run by Heads Up Connect, these groups provide opportunities to connect with other carers and find out information over a cuppa.
4th Wednesday of the month, 10am to 11.30pm at The Swan Hotel, Wells BA5 2RX.
Other groups run at The Bishop’s Palace, Wells and Heads Up’s centre in South Horrington. There is a new carers group in Glastonbury above Burns the Bread, on the high Street, on 3 March 2022. The groups are run by Heads Up Connect.
Where: St Philip & St James Church, Norton St Philip.
When: 2nd Monday of every month 2.30pm – 4.00pm
No charge, donations appreciated. For further information, please contact Jo Robinson.
Based in central Wells, Somerset, The Lawrence Centre is a community-centred charity providing day opportunities for older people, including those living with health issues and memory loss.
Our mission is to provide an accessible and enjoyable environment for our members to relax, socialise, enjoy activities and support, every weekday and one Saturday per month. Refreshments and lunch are provided. The cost (correct at time of publishing) is £20 per day.
Lawrence Centre, 37 Chamberlain Street, Wells, BA5 2PQ.
A relaxed drop-in for people with memory problems and their carers / family. Come along for companionship, information & advice, occasional talks, fun activities – and a cuppa!
3rd Wednesday of each month, 2pm to 3.30pm at the Methodist Church Hall, Southover Wells, BA5 1UG
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.
Reconnect provides housing related floating support to older people with dementia or memory problems. The support is delivered within their own homes, to assist clients to develop or maintain their independence and quality of life. The nature of the support may cover housing issues, safety in the home, budgeting, benefits, life skills and improving social networks. This service is offered free of charge to eligible people living in Somerset.
RBL have six care homes across the UK for Armed Forces community and their families, five have with specialist dementia care.
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.
In association with the Alzheimer’s Society UK. Come and join our friendly singing group, Wednesday mornings 11:15-12:45 at the Seager Hall, Union Street, Wells BA5 2PU. £5 per person to include refreshments.
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 fun filled singing group, for people with Dementia, Memory Loss and their carers.
Tuesdays – 1:30pm-3:00pm at Masonic Hall, North Parade, Frome, BA11 1AU
Nature and wildlife activities in Frome, for people with dementia or memory loss. Let’s learn about wildlife together! Join our group sessions to get active, meet new people and help local nature and wildlife. Activities include arts & crafts, wildlife gardening, nature walks and more. Open and inclusive to suit all abilities and interests.
Mells – Mondays 2pm – 4pm at the Walled Garden.
Please call ahead to book your space. Carers and family members welcome too. Free to attend, transport available.