COVID 19 Update: Due to the current COVID 19 situation it is likely that many of the face to face organisations and services listed across our website are suspended. Please call to check first.
Do you want to find groups and support in the community that might help you improve your health and wellbeing? You can find lots of local support from charities to social groups in the Health Connections Mendip Directory.
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.
*Covid pandemic update – This group has been suspended. Check in and Chat service is available for anyone who wants to talk. Call 0808 1963646*
The Royal Voluntary Service run this club for over 60s at the Oakhill Village Hall, Zion Hill, Oakhill, BA3 5AN every Wednesday afternoon from 14:00 -16:00. This is a volunteer-run social club providing a wide range of activities from dancing, crafts and gentle exercises to specialist interests as well as the opportunity to catch up with friends. Please call the number below or fill in the online contact form before going.
*Covid pandemic update. Classes suspended and due to restart in January 2021*
Silvercise is a fun, social and gentle fitness class combining toning, stretching, conditioning and dance. No jumping or floorwork involved. The classes are aimed at over 60’s but all adults are welcome. Exercises adapted to suit all abilities including those with any physical difficulties.
Mondays 9.30am – 10.30am: Crispin Hall, 83 High Street, Street, BA16 0EZ
Mondays 1.45 – 2.45pm: Barton St David Village Hall, 6 Broadclose Way, Barton St David, TA11 6BS
Thursdays 1.30 – 2.30pm: Keinton Mandeville Village Hall, Chistles Lane, TA11 6EX
Cost: £4.00 per class
*Covid update – club not running at the moment*
Walton Short Mat Bowls Club meet every Monday 7.30pm – 9.30pm. The 1st 2 weeks are free as a trial & if you would like to attend regularly the cost is £2.00 per week, plus club fees of £10.00 per year.
Venue: Walton Village Hall, Meadow Lane, Walton, Somerset, BA16 9LA
For more information Contact Margaret on the number below.
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.
*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
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.
*Covid update. Glastonbury Town Hall is closed until the Autumn, no groups or meetings taking place.*
Social Group. Glastonbury Town Hall, Magdelene Street, BA6 9EL weekly meet up Tuesdays 2 – 4pm with varied activities. Small donation for refreshments.
*Covid update – The Friday Club is not running at the moment but may begin again in 2021*
Friday Club – for all those adults seeking a relaxed social time and company with friends. Please do not hesitate to come along and try for free! The Friday Club is a welcoming and safe space where you can enjoy Tea/Coffee and Cake. Varied programme with the occasional outing. We meet on the second Friday of the month from 2.00-4.00pm. Trinity Methodist Church (Westfield) Wells Road, Radstock.
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. Alliances can also promote activities that have the potential to reduce the risk of people developing dementia, including regular exercise, changes to diet, drinking in moderation and engaging in social activities and hobbies.
For more information on becoming a Dementia Friend please contact Peter Hillman on the number below.
You can also find details of your local Alliance via their website (see below).
*COVID update: Small group talks are still taking place but not larger events*
‘Route 60+’ is a 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 update: Assessments are still taking place following COVID guidance.*
The Road Assured scheme is for any driver who has a health issue that may make driving more difficult or who is returning to driving, perhaps after an operation or a health episode.
The scheme enables you to take a short, assessed drive with an Approved Driving Instructor who will give advice and produce a written report.
How do I access the Road Assured scheme?
There’s is a £50 fee for the Road Assured assessment.
*Covid update – Frome Library is open but running a limited service. Group should resume in the autumn*
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.
*Covid update – this group isn’t meeting at the moment.*
Retirement Gateways are places where people can meet others who have retired, find out about volunteering opportunities or just meet others and make new friends. Every three months across Mendip. Call for details.
*Covid update – this club isn’t meeting at the moment.*
Thursdays Royal British Legion, Street, 1.30pm – 3.30pm activities include bingo, day trips, cream teas. Membership £5 tea and biscuits 50p.
*Covid update – this club isn’t meeting at the moment.*
Friday afternoons 2 – 4pm at the Withys Community Hall, Street BA16 9PL. £1 per week with tea and biscuits for 20p. Skittles also Tuesday pm.
*Covid update – activities are currently suspended*
Available to ex Clarks employees activities include demonstrations, outings and local speakers. Contact Derek Ashford.
*Covid pandemic update- All Age uk classes are suspended but some are available online for current members https://www.ageuk.org.uk/somerset/ *
Tai Chi class run by Age UK. Wednesday mornings 10am-11am during term time at Nunney Village Hall. Cost is £4 per session. Please contact Age UK if you would like to know more.
*Covid update – The group hopes to commence meetings in early 2021.*
Meets every 4th Tuesday of the month 2pm – 4pm for over 55s with various activities and presentations, meals and talks.
There is a huge network of organisations supporting the Armed Forces community, so finding the right one for your needs can be tricky. We make it quick and easy by being your first point of contact for whatever support you need. Many of our team are veterans themselves so they understand the issues that people face after leaving the Armed Forces. They work with people on a one-to-one basis, connecting them with the right support as soon as possible.
The Hourglass Helpline is available from 9am to 5pm every Monday to Friday, offering:
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. We can help you with: Welfare benefits and money matters. Housing rights. Health and social care. Leisure and social activities. Family and personal matters. Your rights to local services. And most other things that affect your quality of life.
*Covid update – call the number below to find details of where this group is currently meeting*
Active and In Touch run the Active Tuesday Social Club. This is a social group for older or isolated people to come together and socialise through activities, special events or a chat over a cup of tea. The club costs £2 and is a drop in service.
The social group meets weekly on Tuesdays, 11.00am – 1.00pm. The group meets at: Phoenix House, Dommetts Lane, Frome and The Assembly Rooms and The Corner House, Frome. Call for information of where they are going to meet on the Tuesday that you want to attend.
The Crsipin Community Centre, Leigh Road, Street, BA16 0HA run a varied programme of activities – please call or pop in for more information. Weekly social activities:
Monday to Friday 10.00am – 12.00pm – Coffee morning
Tuesdays 10am – 2pm: Social day £10 to include transport, lunch and activities.
Wednesday & Friday – 12.00pm – 2.00pm – Lunch Club (call to book)
*COVID update: Regular Sunday afternoon tea parties have been suspended and replaced by call companions. This is a free service for older people who may be socially isolated and lonely and would enjoy a regular friendly chat over the phone. We plan to run both services after the crisis is over.*
Re-engage (formerly Contact the Elderly) has been providing social contact for older people for over 50 years. The monthly Sunday afternoon 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.
If you would like to refer anyone to our Call Companions use our online form, and we will then be in touch with the older person directly.
Micro providers provide help at home in the Somerset and Mendip area. For the directory see website link below and please read front sheet carefully for description of what microproviders can do.
*Covid update – currently suspended but please call the number below for updates.*
This is social group for older people with a range of interesting activities which includes visiting speakers, Flexercise, line dancing, computer training sessions, outings, cards and crafts. Lunch is provided at a charge and needs to be booked if you are wanting to attend the group. Transport is also available via the Mendip Slinky Service. We meet at The Assembly Rooms, Christchurch Street West, Frome. Mondays and Thursdays – weekly. 11.00am – 3.30pm.
*Covid update – Support is being offered over the phone*
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.
For support on many issues affecting the elderly such as housing, benefits advice, hospital discharge, isolation, and care homes.
*Covid 19 pandemic update – closed until further notice* (updated July 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-All Age UK classes are currently suspended but some may be 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
Shepton Mallet Leisure Centre, Charlton Road, Thursdays 10.30am – 11.30am £4.50
Nunney Village Hall, Nunney, Frome BA11 4LX, Wednesdays 10:00am-11:00am £4.50
Coleford The Hub, Old School Church Street, Coleford, BA3 5NQ, Wednesdays 11.00am-12.00pm £4.50
Supported by Age UK.
If you are over 60 why not try The Monmouth Lunch Club on Mondays from 10.00pm – 14.00pm?
Activities, tea/coffee and a two course hot lunch.
Cost: £ 6.75/ week.
Venue: Monmouth Close, Glastonbury, BA6 9LN.
*As a result of COVID we are only doing doorstep deliveries and are unable to enter readers homes. We will support readers with telephone befriending calls.*
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
The Silver Line is a confidential, free, national helpline for older people. Open every day and night 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.
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.
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
*Updated due to Covid pandemic*
Currently running on Wednesday 1-2pm online via Zoom. Meeting ID:879 0196 9507 Passcode: Coffee. For all of Mendip.
Meet new people, make friends and chat to a community signposter about activities, support groups and services in your community.
For more information about face to face Talking Cafes please call the Health Connections office.
This website lists the Talking Newspapers which are available in your area. Listed are national, county-wide, Glastonbury and Frome Talking newspapers.
*Covid update – Some meetings and classes taking place via Zoom. Contact local membership secretary for details*
Wells U3A have a range of activities and events for members. Coffee mornings every Wednesday from 10-11.30 at Bishop’s Table restaurant at Bishop’s Palace, Wells and every Friday upstairs at White Hart Hotel from 10-11.30 (this one is £2) Secretary Mike Lee
Shepton Mallet U3a A coffee morning is held every Thursday morning (with the exception of the first Thursday in the month, when we have a speaker meeting) at 10:30am in the conservatory of the restaurant at Dobbies Garden World in Shepton Mallet. Secretary Maggie Fowle
Street and Glastonbury U3a fortnightly Sunday Lunch Club and many more activities.
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.