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.
For befriending support or help with your shopping please get in touch on the email address below and you will be matched with a volunteer who can help. Active and In Touch volunteers visit and help people who have become isolated or out of touch with the community around them and support them in getting involved with groups or activities.
Active and In Touch also run weekly social groups for people to come together and socialise through activities, special events or a chat over a cup of tea:
Mondays, 11am – 1pm at the Bridge Cafe, 43 Selwood Road, Frome BA11 3BS (limited numbers so please call Gwen first on 07375 336 733)
Tuesdays, 11am – 1pm Masonic Hall, North Parade, Frome, BA11 1AU
As we get older, we may find we spend more time on our own. This can sometimes feel lonely, boring or make us miss friends or family.
If you or someone you know is missing the joy of regular conversation, Age UK and our partner charity The Silver Line can help.
We offer free telephone friendship services so you can enjoy chatting with someone over the phone, all from the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’d like to speak to someone every week, or just want to talk when the need strikes, we’re here to help.
Age UK Somerset provides information and advice on a wide range of issues. We’ll provide you with the facts and you can make choices and decisions knowing you have reliable information.
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, Mondays
Wells – Town Hall, Market Place, BA5 2RB, Fridays
COVID-19 Update: Please note due to current coronavirus restrictions this service may be affected. Please check with the service provider.
CHS provides a free and independent service that can help you find the right care home, live-in or domiciliary care package.
Experienced specialists will help to find suitable care for each individual family. The service they provide is completely free and impartial. Please contact their Somerset team as below.
The service is for people who will be self-funding, rather than those who are eligible for funding through their local council.
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.
Join us at the Cheese & Grain in Frome for our Digital Café, where you can bring your devices, ask questions about ‘how to’ or just share stories about your digital experiences and more.
Thursday mornings from 10am till 11.30am. Grab yourself some refreshments at the Cheese & Grain and join our table. This is a free of charge service, although refreshments are charged.
Micro-providers are providers of very small, community based care and support services. Micro-providers provide help at home in the Somerset and Mendip area. To find a mirco-provider in your area click on the website link below, which will take you to the to Somerset Community Connect Micro-Provider Directory. You can use their website to search for micro-proivders by location and type of service required.
You can also find information under the Advice and Information section on Somerset Community Connect’s website, which explains what micro-providers are and how they meet certain quality and safety standards.
You can access a paper PDF version of this list to print out by clicking here
The Driving and Mobility Centre West of England can help disabled and older people keep mobile and independent, and help those affected by medical conditions stay safe on the road. We have an expert team of Occupational Therapists and Driving Advisors that undertake comprehensive assessments of ability to drive a vehicle safely and in comfort.
Our motto being “Laughter is the BEST” medicine. This club is for over 55s with various activities and presentations, meals and talks. Meets monthly at the village hall on last Tuesday of the month in Evercreech: 2pm – 4pm.
Call the number below for further information.
These social days run from Frome Assembly Rooms on Mondays and Thursdays:
Monday 11am – 3.30pm
Thursdays 11am – 1.30pm
The cost is £8 for the day. This includes a hot lunch at 12.30pm, with pudding and a cup of tea after. There is always entertainment on Monday afternoon too.
For more information or to come along please ring Pete Dayman-Johns: 07974 702642 or call the number below.
Health Connectors are based in all the GP practices in Mendip. We can help you in a number of ways. We can work with you on a one to one basis – we listen to what is important to you and work with you on issues that you feel are areas that you would like support with. We can link you with services and organisations, help you manage long term conditions, help you meet new people, join groups or set goals that might improve your health and wellbeing. We can also help you set up new groups if it is needed in your area. We see people in GP practices or in your home if you are housebound. As well as linking you to groups/services we also run groups such as Talking Cafes, Pain Management Programmes and On Track Goal Setting Groups.
To enquire about a minor adaptation such as grab rails, lever taps, threshold lowering etc. contact Somerset Direct.
Disabled Facilities grants:
To find out more about disabled facilities such as level access showers and stairlifts and apply for a grant (subject to eligibility) contact Adult Social Care via Somerset Direct and request to speak to an Occupational Therapist.
Independent Living Officers:
For referrals and enquiries regarding our hoarding service, Home Safety checks, Decent Homes, or for one of our trusted assessors to refer grab rails around your property contact Somerset Independent Plus.
If you or someone you know feels unsafe within their home, you may benefit from a free initial Home Safety
Assessment from one of our Trusted Assessors.
Your assessor will be able to identify and recommend a range of equipment, low level repairs and adaptations, welfare benefits that may help you, advice on removing trip hazards and signpost you to
other services. During the assessment your trusted assessor can even measure and arrange the fitting for a minor adaptation such as rails, mop-sticks, indicator strips and lighting for visual impairment.
To self-refer for a Home Safety Assessment contact us and a member of our business support team will get back to you within 10 working days.
Charity helpline and advice service for older people and their families who may be affected by abuse. 24/7 phoneline.
If you need advice, small aids or equipment, guidance on home improvements or you would like a referral for minor works such as rails and ramping or larger works under a Disabled Facilities Grant you may benefit in visiting our Independent Advice Centre (IAC) in Shepton Mallet.
Here you will be able to try a range of equipment, to increase your home safety and independence. At an Independent Advice Centre, you will be able to speak to an Occupational Therapist or Adult Social Care Worker for professional advice and for a practical assessment.
Unfortunately, we are not currently offering a ‘drop-in’ system due to the ongoing implications of COVID-19, this may change in the future with the ongoing review of the guidelines by the Government.
To book a visit to view the equipment at an Independent Advice Centre, or to request a practical assessment please call Somerset Direct.
Independent Age can provide you and your family with clear, free and impartial advice on the issues that matter: care and support, money and benefits, health and mobility.
You can call their Helpline, listed below, Monday – Friday: 8.30am – 6.30pm (closed on bank holidays). You can also email your query to the address below.
*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.
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.
*Covid pandemic update- Mature Movers Frome is currently suspended but is happening online-visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/somerset/ for the details*
Mature Movers exercise class offers gentle seated exercise adaptable for all abilities.
Classes are at :
Frome Medical Practice, Enos Way, Frome, BA11 2FH . Fridays term-time 10.00am-11.00am £4.50 and Mondays 12pm-1pm. £4.50.
Supported by Age UK.
For all other classes in Mendip please visit the Age UK Website.
Hot meals delivered by volunteer drivers. Delivering hot fresh lunches in the following areas: Cheddar, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Street, Wells and surrounding villages.
Cost: £6.00 for 2 courses – Menu available online. Orders taken over the telephone or via email (order before 3.00pm for next day delivery). Frozen meals can also be ordered.
Berkley Catering Ltd offer a hot lunchtime meal delivery service in the Frome Area, providing you daily with a choice of two main meals and two desserts brought to you piping hot on china tableware.
Delivery will be between 12 and 1.30pm Monday -Friday Mains meals £4.00 and a dessert £2.00
A complete monthly list of choices will be sent to you, simply ring to pre order or tell us your next order when we deliver. The best time to ring us is later in the afternoon as we are out making deliveries around lunchtime.
Our remote friendship community has proved to be a huge success. New fabulous friendships have grown and blossomed, providing entertainment and companionship across Mendip from the safety of your own home. It is incredible how invigorating a good old chatter and catch up can be to brighten up your day, and not to mention an enjoyable way to pass the time.
Our mission is to enable people to live later life well, so if you are over 55 and would like to join in the fun or find out more, please get in touch with MHA Communities Mendip District. We will be really excited to hear from you and invite you to join our club.
If you are over 60 why not try The Monmouth Lunch Club Mondays 10am-2pm. Activities, tea/coffee and a two course hot lunch.
Cost: £ 6.75/ week.
Venue: Monmouth Close, Glastonbury, BA6 9LN
Online cafes are running on Wednesdays 1-2pm online via Zoom. Meeting ID:868 3825 4540 Passcode: Coffee. For all of Mendip.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86838254540?pwd=NVRHaXhtRE96b1puM3YwWElJeTFnZz09
Meet new people, make friends and chat to a community signposter about activities, support groups and services in your community.
We also have in person talking cafes at various locations across Mendip, for more information on these, please click here.
COVID-19 Update: Please note due to current coronavirus restrictions this service may be affected. Please check with the service provider.
A small informal group that meets on the last Friday of the month (not Dec) at Frome library 1.30pm-3.pm. We are not a group that writes/reads our own poetry rather we choose poems to bring to the group that either fit the theme of the month, are ones we like, are ones we puzzle over, ones to share etc.
Re-engage has been providing social contact for older people for over 50 years. This free service provide monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties and regular friendly phone chats. The tea parties are a lifeline of friendship for lonely people over 75.
The service currently runs in Frome, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Wells and Rode and you can refer someone, with their permission, on the website HERE.
If you would like to refer anyone to our Call Companions use our online form HERE and we will then be in touch with the older person directly.
‘Route 60+’ is a free presentation aimed at senior drivers, which looks at how vehicles and driving skills change over time. The presentation lasts approximately 60 minutes and is designed to help drivers continue their driving career for as long as possible.
Those attending get a free hi-vis jacket and a copy of the highway code and details of accredited driving instructors for attendees who require further support.
If you run a club or group that would benefit from a Route 60+ talk then please contact the Road Safety team. See below for contact details.
COVID-19 Update: Please note due to current coronavirus restrictions this service may be affected. Please check with the service provider.
The Royal Voluntary Service have volunteers across Somerset who offer help and support so older people can stay independent at home. Volunteers will visit you at home and work with you to create a support package that suits you. This may include some company and a chat with regular visits from a Royal Voluntary Service volunteer, telephone befriending or delivering Books on Wheels and other items like DVDs to your home. The Royal Voluntary Service also run lunch clubs and social clubs for people to attend. Calls can be made Monday – Friday between 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Shepton Together is a new adult friendship service set up especially for the community of Shepton Mallet. We offer a befriending service which connects and help local people during and after Covid-19.
Our mission and purpose is to combat isolation and loneliness, and to reengage people who have become less connected with their community. But most of all to provide our members with something fun and to look forward to.
We invite you to volunteer with Shepton Together, where together we will find enjoyment and fulfillment in helping to make a real difference to the lives of people living in our community.
If you fancy joining in the fun or wish to find out more, please get in touch by calling our friendly team.
Golden Oldies host social sing-along sessions which run on the 1st Friday of each month at Elim Connect Centre, Portway, Wells BA5 2BE. 2pm-3pm. Voluntary donation of £2, carers are free. Contact Annie & Al Whitley.
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.
SSAFA provides lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army or the Royal Air Force.
Our trained volunteers can provide practical, emotional and financial support if and when you need it. Our network of local branches means that help and advice is close at hand. When you contact us for support we will put you in touch with one of our experienced advisers in the Mendip area. It is often the little things which make the most difference but we are also experienced at dealing with complex problems.
This website lists the Talking Newspapers which are available in your area. Listed are national, county-wide, Glastonbury and Frome Talking newspapers.
The Royal British Legion is helping the Armed Forces community in the Frome area. Providing a range of Branch Community Support to veterans and any serving personnel as well as their families, Including: Telephone buddies, Home and Hospital visiting, Bereavement support, Legion Awareness Events and local information. If you’re not sure where to turn, please get in touch.
The Silver Line is a confidential, free, national helpline for older people. Open 24 hours a day and every day of the year. They can offer information, friendship and advice. They can signpost callers to the many, varied groups and services that exist in Mendip.
COVID-19 Update: Please note due to current coronavirus restrictions this service may be affected. Please check with the service provider.
u3a is a UK-wide movement which brings together people, who are no longer in full-time employment, to develop their interests and continue their learning in a friendly and informal environment. Groups in Wells, Shepton Mallet, Street and Glastonbury meeting over Zoom due to the pandemic. Do phone for the latest information.
The first point of contact for veterans seeking support. You can contact them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Village Agents are local people employed on a part-time basis to become trusted members of their communities and a valuable resource. Village Agents make home visits when necessary and provide high-quality information. They enable direct access to a wide range of services and use a secure electronic referral system. They may informally carry out a series of practical checks related to safety in the home (e.g. smoke alarms, falls prevention), benefit entitlement and energy efficiency. Visits are followed up when necessary by experts who will provide specialist information, advice and services, e.g. the fire service and social care.
Social group on a Wednesday evening at the Church Hall, Coleford from 6.30pm to 8pm.
Variety of activities including gentle exercise, singing, greeting card making, quizzes etc!
£3.50 a session, contact Amanda Ruby through Facebook or on 07488 258257.