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.
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.
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.
Wells Carers Group: 4th Wednesday of the month at the Swan Hotel 10.00 – 11.30
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.
*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.
Love to Move is a fun, age & dementia friendly seated movement to music programme, providing a welcoming & relaxed space for people living with dementia, memory loss & their Carers. Open to anyone, this weekly group provides physical & cognitive benefits designed to keep you moving.
Please come along & join in for companionship, meeting new people, relaxing & enjoying spending time with the person you care for. Plus enjoy a nice free cuppa & chat.
Tuesdays 10:30 to 13:00 (11:00 start) at The Art Bank – 13 High Street – Shepton Mallet – BA4 5AD
Cost: £6 for participants & Carer, or £5 for individuals. For more info please contact Carrie
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.
A support service for people experiencing memory loss and dementia.
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.
With specialist dementia wings for long term residency or respite 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.
COVID-19 Update: Please note due to current coronavirus restrictions this service may be affected. Please check with the service provider.
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.