*Covid update: This meeting isn’t taking place at the moment.*

The Mendip Disability Forum meets four times a year at Pilton Working Men’s Club and Village Hall, providing an opportunity for disabled people and carers living in the area to be consulted and informed on a range of issues from different organisations.  Speakers are invited to provide information on services giving members an opportunity to raise their views. The meeting runs from 10:30 to 3:30 and usually comprises two visiting speakers, a break for lunch and a social activity.

The Compass Disability Network is a Network of disabled people, their carers and organisations that represent disabled people, which works to improve access and inclusion to services and facilities.

Members have an opportunity to give their views on a range of issues that are important to them by attending consultation events, discussion groups and forums or completing questionnaires. Views are fed back to organisations and agencies that develop services such as local authorities and health services.

It’s free to join and members can participate as much or as little as they like.

*Covid update- Classes are currently suspended, See AGE UK website https://www.ageuk.org.uk/somerset/ as some classes are available online*

Stay Strong, Stay Steady sessions are special classes which help to reduce falls and improve balance, strength and confidence.

Individuals can refer themselves by calling Age UK on the number below.  A short health questionnaire will need to be completed and, depending on the outcome, further information from your GP may be required to ensure that it is safe to participate.  Alternatively, referrals are accepted from Healthcare Professionals. Further information can be found by clicking the link below, including a referral form.
Cost: £4.00

Classes in Mendip:
Frome – Christchurch Parish Hall, Park Rd, BA11 1EU, Wednesdays
Wells – Town Hall, Market Place, BA5 2RB, Fridays

Somerset Independence Plus can offer advice and financial assistance that covers a number of improvements, adaptations or repairs that might need to be carried out on your home. They can also give information on grants available for keeping your home warm, lowering bills, insulation costs etc.

The Home Maintenance Service is a subsidised service for small repairs and jobs around your house. The care and repair team works together with local authorities as well as the NHS in Somerset. The service also aims to reduce accidents and help make your home more secure.

*Covid pandemic update-This Health Connections group is currently suspended*

Come along to this free, friendly, supportive Meniere’s peer support group and meet others who’ve been affected by this condition. Get support and support others. Friends and family members welcome.  

When: Dates to be confirmed

Where: Upstairs boardroom at Frome Medical Practice, Enos Way, BA11 2FH

Time: 1:00 pm-2.30pm 

*Covid pandemic update – This group is currently suspended*

Frome Area Leg Club – open every Wednesday 9-12 noon at Frome Football Club.  If you are a Frome Medical Practice patient you can drop in for Leg Ulcer treatment, refreshments and friendly advice. Leg ulcers, dry/wet legs, hosiery and Well Leg Advice.

Friends/family members and carers welcome to come with you too.

Somerset Mobile Libraries provide a service to rural parts of the county where there is no static library. Wheelchair access is available on all vehicles, WRVS volunteers or the Good Neighbour Scheme can deliver. The mobile library driver will help you get on and off the vehicle. To use this service you just need to be a member of Somerset Libraries, membership is free. See the website or call for the complete list of routes/stops and the dates/times of each of visit for the current year.

*Covid update: Most services remain the same, furniture is now online only.*

HomeFirst Plus is a not for profit social enterprise providing a range of practical services and home adaptations designed to support elderly, disabled and vulnerable people and enable them to continue to live safe, warm and secure within their own homes. The service covers the whole of the Somerset (including Mendip, South Somerset, Sedgemoor, Taunton Deane and West Somerset) and all of Bath and North East Somerset.

The Blue Badge Scheme provides national parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties who travel as drivers or passengers. The scheme is also for people who are severely sight impaired. People who have a blue badge can park close to their destination in on-street parking and car parks. The form can either be filled in online or you can call Somerset County Council.

The cost of a blue badge is £10. The badge can only be used with the person who owns the badge in the car at the time of parking, as a photograph is used on the badge, for identification. Badges take approximately a month to arrive.

If you are disabled, you may be able to exchange your mobility allowance to get a vehicle that suits your needs. What’s more you don’t even need to drive. Family, friends or carers can drive on your behalf.
The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair by exchanging their Government funded mobility allowance . If you receive either the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA), the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP) , the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) you may be eligible to join the Motability Scheme.

If you or someone in your property is disabled you may qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant. This would help towards the cost of providing major adaptations and facilities that would help the person to live in their home. The applicant of the grant must be either the owner of the property or a tenant.
The landlord of the property may also apply and a tenant must have the permission of the landlord. There are conditions attached please ask on application. To apply contact Adult Social Care on the number below and ask for an Occupational Therapist Assessment or visit website for more information.

For the hire of mobility aids including wheelchairs. There’s a delivery and pick up costs as well as donation for the hire depending on the item. Cost no barrier for those not able to donate.

*Covid pandemic update – This service is currently suspended*

Mendip Community Transport. This service provides transport to hospitals outside the Mendip Area for patients who are unable to use conventional public transport. There is limited availability within Mendip area ie not Frome address to Frome Hospital. Passengers are advised to book as soon as an appointment is received. Cost 60p per mile with small reduction if a Bus Pass is held.
All passengers must complete a registration form which is available on request from MCT.

Mendip Community Transport, Slinky Service  – This service provides transport for Senior citizens, those with disabilities & socially excluded persons (i.e. no access to local bus routes). It is a first come, first served service so passengers are advised to give as much notice as possible. Please phone the booking Line for details of cost and availability – Bus Passes are accepted.

For information on disabled access, wheelchair walks, easy access for all, mobility, Walks on Wheels, Miles without Stiles and buggy walks visit the ACE website.

This site also provides information regarding taxi companies with disabled friendly taxis, along with wheelchair and scooter hire.

You may be able to apply for a disabled person’s rail card, if you are in receipt of certain benefits, are visually impaired or registered as deaf, please see website for details, the card will allow you a third off rail travel and costs £20.00 a year.