Orchard Vale Trust is a local charity offering residential, day and community services to adults with learning disabilities.

Orchard Vale Trust offer opportunities that enable people to develop social, communication and independent living skills, so that they are able to feel more connected and engaged within their local communities. People are given the opportunity to learn new skills and gain meaningful work experience. They also offer opportunities that  improve health and wellbeing such as supporting adults with learning disabilities to understand the importance of  increasing physical activity, healthy eating and having fun.

The opportunities are offered in various locations within the Mendip area. Free taster sessions are available for anyone interested in any opportunities available, but please note that there are charges associated for attending further sessions.

If you are interested in finding out more about these opportunities, please contact Lisa Pearce on 01749 671706 or 07340495520.

Lisa is also attending Shepton Mallet library every Tuesday morning from 10:30 to 1 p.m. if you would like to go and find out more.

KeyRing Talking Cafe for people who have a care and support need.

Meet new people, make friends and chat to a Community Connector about activities, support groups and services in your community. Drop in.

Where: Frome Medical Centre, upstairs in the Boardroom

When: Last Wednesday of the month, 10am—12 noon

Keyring employment Hub The Cheese and Grain every Thursday from 2pm to 5pm

Develop your CV search for jobs including volunteering.

You can borrow talking books free of charge, if you are registered with a visual impairment, are unable to hold or use printed material due to a physical disability or if you are dyslexic.

Open Story Tellers is a charity that works with people who are marginalised because of learning and communication difficulties. Stories are the way we make sense of what has happened and so they are critical to our sense of who we are. Our identities consist in the stories we tell ourselves and others.

People with learning disabilities may find it hard to tell and recall stories because of difficulties in learning and communication or because people do not listen. The service seeks to remove these barriers and give people the skills to share all sorts of stories: myths, legends, folktales and personal experiences, so they can be heard, understood and have choices in life.

For more information contact: info@openstorytellers.org.uk   – for Wells and Frome areas.
Penmeare Farm, Glastonbury BA6 9SN, tel 01458 860052
Westhay Opportunity Centre, Glastonbury BA6 9TT tel 01458 860221
Please contact Somerset Direct on 0300 1232224 or www.SomersetChoices.org.uk for information regarding the above.

Created so that people know where to find ‘accessible’ health information.  ‘Accessible’ information is information that uses easy words with pictures covering food and exercise; informative health videos and useful health advice. There are over 500 leaflets on Easyhealth made by many different organisations.  You can print off nearly all the leaflets straight away.

We may be able to help people in need, living in the South West, with funding for respite holidays, days away, taxis etc. Registered charity 1069330

Available to everyone affected by sight loss. Whether you’re losing your sight, blind or partially sighted, our practical and emotional support can help you face the future with confidence. Services include talking library books, specialist education for children young people and learning disability support. Services such as e-Learning courses are also provided to businesses, support workers and individuals to help understand and accommodate people affected by sight loss.

English National Concessionary Travel Scheme Passes are available for residents of Somerset who are of pensionable age or eligible on the grounds of disability. The pass allows you to travel free on buses in every area of England subject to certain time restrictions. Download application form online or contact Transporting Somerset who will post form.