Older People
Friday Club
Trinity Methodist Church, Wells Road, Radstock, free friendly group for coffee, cake and a chat. 2nd Friday of the month – next dates 14th Dec 2018, 11th Jan 2019, 8th Feb 2019.
Dementia Action Alliances across Mendip
Each town in Mendip now 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.
They are running sessions to develop more Dementia Friends in Shepton Mallet:
When & Where
Friday 14th December 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Saturday 15th December 12 noon to 1pm
@ Shepton Library, 2 Market Place, Shepton Mallet BA4 5AZ
Monday 17th December 6pm to 7pm
@ St. Cecilia Nursing Home, 1 Hitchen Lane, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5TZ
2019
Tuesday 8th January 6pm to 7pm
@ Salvation Army, 21 Commercial Road, Shepton Mallet BA4 5BU
Tuesday 15th January noon to 1pm
@ Shepton Library, 2 Market Place, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AZ
Tuesday 15th January 6pm to 7pm
@ St. Cecilia Nursing Home, 1 Hitchen Lane, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5TZ
For more information or to reserve a place please contact Peter Hillman
Mobile: 07970 665036
You can also find details of your local Alliance via their website (see below).
Route 60+ Road safety events for the senior driver
‘Route 60+’ is a presentation aimed at senior drivers, with the aim of addressing not only how vehicles have changed over the years, but also how our own driving skills and habits may have changed and how we can go about updating those skills. Driving provides independence and is a skill that should be nurtured for as long as possible. If a driver stops driving for a period of time it is, inevitably, much more difficult to try and start again at a later date and this workshop is designed to help you keep your licence for as long as safely possible. The presentation itself lasts approximately 60 minutes and is designed primarily to help drivers continue their driving career for as long as possible. There are opportunities to talk to members of the road safety team about any driving or road safety concerns you may have. Refreshments are always available and the atmosphere is very relaxed. You don’t even have to be over 60 to come along!
Those attending will receive a free bag including a hi-vis jacket and a copy of the highway code and details of accreditted driving instructors will be available should any attendees require further support with their individual driving issues. No need to book. For dates see website or call.
Somerset Road Safety – Road Assured Scheme – take a short, assessed drive.
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 one of our Approved Driving Instructors. You will be given advice about your driving style and a written report will be produced at the end of your assessment. If you were referred by your GP, a copy will be sent to them first and they will forward a copy on to you. This report will help you and your doctor decide which steps to take, if any, to reduce the chances of problems occurring when you are behind the wheel. There is a £50 fee for the Road Assured assessment.
How do I access the Road Assured scheme?
- You can be referred by your GP or other health professional if there is a concern about your fitness to drive, or to return to driving.
- You can ask your GP or other health professional to refer you if you have a health problem which is making driving more difficult. For example you may feel less safe driving following an operation or if you have experienced an event that has affected you emotionally.
- You can refer yourself for a Road Assured assessment.
- You can refer a family member or friend, with their knowledge that you are doing so, if you are concerned about their driving safety.
Ageing Without Children
Would you like to meet with others who are navigating the complexities of living in later life without the support of children?
Anne will be hosting monthly meet-ups at the Cheese & Grain in Frome on the second Monday of the month, from 10 am until 12 noon.
Please come and join her for a coffee and a chat.
Our first meet-up will be on 10th September to coincide with World Childless Week.
Poetry & Shorts
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.
For more details please contact Frome Library
Computer sessions, help with all forms of I.T including phones, tablets & Laptops
If you need help using your laptop, Pc, tablet or phone then Online Centres Network at Frome Library can help. We can help with emailing, printing, scanning, browsing, saving, online shopping, forms, social media and more. Sessions are on a Monday and Thursday 9.30-12pm Frome Library. Pop into the library to book your place.
Retirement Gateway
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.
Over 60’s Club – Street
Thursdays Royal British Legion, Street, 1.30pm – 3.30pm activities include bingo, day trips, cream teas. Membership £5 tea and biscuits 50p.
Withys Social and Games Senior Citizens Club
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.
Clarks Pensioners Social Group
Available to ex Clarks employees activities include demonstrations, outings and local speakers. Contact Derek Ashford.
Tai Chi – Nunney
This Tai Chi class is run by Age UK.
It’s held on 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.
Evercreech Friendship Club
Meets every 4th Tuesday of the month 2pm – 4pm for over 55’s with various activities and presentations, meals and talks.
Men’s Shed Shepton Mallet
Every Tuesday 9 – 12pm held at The Woodbin, Somerset Care and Repair, Charlton Trading Estate, Charlton Road BA4 5QE. A donation of £3 and annual registration fee of £15. Come along and make friends and learn a new skill or bring a skill with you to share.
Men’s Shed Street
Street Men’s Shed are TUESDAYS 09:00 to 13:00 and THURSDAYS 12:30 to 16:30
The Street Mens Shed is located at:
Unit 10, The Tanyard, Leigh Road, Street, BA16 0HD
There is currently a £3.00 per session charge to cover costs, and membership will probably be £24.00 per year. The Street Men’s Shed is now fully operational and welcomes new members to join. we have 2 fully fitted out workshops and social area, as well as a fully accessible toilet suitable for the less able-bodied members. Come along and see if there is anything we can offer you, no need to worry about experience, we have plenty of members who will help you learn new skills or rekindle old ones.”
Veterans Gateway – single point of contact for veterans’ support
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.
Action on Elder Abuse
We aim to prevent the abuse of older people by raising awareness; encouraging education; promoting research and collecting and disseminating information. Please contact us
Age UK Somerset
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.
Active and In Touch – Active Tuesday Social Group, Frome
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.
Active Living Groups for People Over 50
Somerset Active Living for People Over 50 has brought together information about activities that you can get involved with in your local community. So whatever your interests, you will find the information you need to get you started.
Crispin Community Focus
A varied programme of activities that includes Flexercise, Tai Chi, art group, sewing group, singing for fun. Monthly activities include book club, computer group, health walks and gardening club which often involves a trip out. Refreshments available at our Monday to Friday coffee morning and weekly lunch club on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Tuesdays 10am – 3pm new day centre £10 to include transport, lunch and activities.
Pop in or contact us for more information and times. Street,Crispin Community Trust Crispin Community Centre, Leigh Road, Street, BA16 0HA
Coleford Active Living Group at The British Legion Club
This is a regular social group which runs in Coleford at The British Legion Club, Wednesdays 10am – 2pm. Weekly activites and a hot lunch. £8.50 all incl. or £6.50 meal only from 12pm.
Contact the Elderly
Contact the Elderly’s monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties are a lifeline of friendship for lonely people over 75. Each older person is collected from their home by a volunteer driver and taken to a volunteer host’s home for the afternoon. They bring people of all ages together, develop fulfilling friendships and support networks, and give everyone involved something to look forward to each month. In Mendip the service currently runs in Frome, Glastonbury,Shepton Mallet and Wells with plans for Street.
If you know or work with the older person you are referring, you can make a full referral via our online form. Once we have received the referral we will then be in touch with the older person directly. Please ensure you have the older person’s permission to refer them as well as letting them know Contact the Elderly will be in touch with them. See link below if you would like to refer someone or to go to a tea party.
http://www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk/guest
Please contact to find out more or if you are interested in volunteering.
Directory of Independent Community Microproviders
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.
Free lunch at Street Harvest Church, Street
Come and join us for lunch. Bring your own, or share ours – there’s always enough to go round!
Depending who’s around, you might find there’s live music, an impromptu pool tournament, students catching up on work, or folks catching a power-nap on the sofas. There’s always something going on and someone to spark up a conversation with.
Weekdays from 12.00 – 2.00pm. The Upper Room, Crispin Hall, 83 High Street, Street, BA16 OEZ
Frome and District Day Centre
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 Frome Town Football Club, Badgers Hill,Frome, BA11 2EH. Mondays and Thursdays – weekly. 11.00am – 3.30pm.
Goldies– singalong singing groups
Singing along to music has proven benefits for health and well-being. It 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:
Street Crispin Community Centre, Leigh Road, BA16 0HA first Friday of each month 2pm-3pm
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 2pm – 3pm.
Home Library Service
Libraries Direct. If you are confined to your home, and you are unable to visit a library, you could benefit from our Home Library Service. The service is available for people of any age, who may be permanently or temporarily confined to home.
This is a free service whereby RVS volunteers will choose books, deliver and befriend people who cannot easily get to the library.
Health Connectors
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.
Home Fire Safety Check
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service offer a Free Home Fire Safety Visit – a visit involves a fire and rescue service employee visiting your home to give advice and guidance to help with fire safety needs eg fit a smoke detector if there isn’t one, provide advice about hazards around the home, talk through an escape plan and provide additional safety items such as vibrating alerts (subject to criteria). Also advice for people with hoarding issues.
Independent Age
For support on many issues affecting the elderly such as housing, benefits advice, hospital discharge, isolation, and care homes.
Jolly Dollies
A new befriending organisation for widows. Groups that meet up, go on trips and give advice. To find your nearest group email or see their website.
Lawrence Centre, Wells
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 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 3pm, refreshments and lunch are available at a small cost of £12 per day. If you would like more information, please contact Maggie Charlesworth.
Library Free Talking Books Service
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.
Men’s Shed Frome
The Men’s Shed provides a venue for men to talk and connect with others while participating in group or individual projects. It provides opportunities for friendship and socialising in a safe environment while at the same time providing the space, expertise and facilities for men to pursue hobbies, crafts and other creative activities. Contact Patrick to learn more and find out when they are next meeting.
Mobile Library Service
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 deliver or the Good Neighbour Scheme can deliver. The mobile library driver will help you get on and off the vehicle. To use the Mobile Library 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.
Monmouth Close Lunch Club
If you are over 60 why not try The Monmouth Lunch Club
Mondays 10.00 – 14.00 Activities , tea/coffee and Two course hot lunch
Cost only £ 6.75/ week. Northload Street, Monmouth Close, Glastonbury.
Royal British Legion Handy Van
The British Legion’s Handy Van service helps ex-Service people who are over 75 and their spouses with small household repairs and minor adaptations. or email If we can help, we will. You will need your Service Number.
Royal Voluntary Service
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.
Somerset Care and Repair, Mendip, Bath and North East Somerset
Care and Repair is a home improvement agency 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 services covers the whole of the Somerset (including Mendip, South Somerset, Sedgemoor, Taunton Deane and West Somerset) and all of Bath and North East Somerset. For more information about the services available visit the website, email the office or phone the number below.
Somerset Care & Repair Ltd, Barley House, The Old Brewery, Charlton Estate, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5QE
Silver Line
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 their communities. The Silver Line has been given information on services in Mendip so that they can signpost effectively.
Somerset Direct – Adult Social Care
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.
Somerset You Can Do
If you’re isolated or lonely and have little or no support our volunteers will help you help yourself to make a difference in your life. Step by step you and your volunteer will work together to find ways to build friendships and confidence, feel safe when going out, feel part of your community, help get online and send emails and shop, and lots more. Our actual one to one befriending service is only available in Frome.
SSAFA
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.
Supporting Disabled In Need
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
IT Help at Home
Feel Better with a Book
This group is held at Wells Library, Union Street, Wells, Fridays 11am – 12.30pm and
Glastonbury Library Mondays 11am – 12.30pm.
Join us for free at a shared reading group where a story or a poem is read aloud.
Talking Cafes – Frome, Wells, Glastonbury, Street and Shepton
Talking Cafés are informal get togethers held in public cafes. It is an opportunity to make new friends or talk to a Community Connector and find out about what is available in the community. Just drop in. Everyone welcome. The group is self run.
Frome Cafe every Monday morning at the Cheese and Grain 10am-12pm
Frome Talking Café at No 5 Coffee Shop The George Hotel. Thursday 1pm-2.30pm
Wells Cafe alternate Thursdays at Pickwicks, High Street, Wells 10am-12pm
Glastonbury Cafe every Tuesday at the Wish You Were Here Cafe, 12 Market Place Glastonbury 10am – 12.00pm
Street Cafe every Wednesday, at The Street Food Cafe, Crispin Hall, 83 High Street, Street 10.00am to 11.30am
Shepton Mallet Cafe every Tuesday and Thursday at Peppers Cafe, High Street 10am – 12pm
Please call to check details if you are coming for the first time as some are term time only.
Talking Newspapers
This website lists the Talking Newspapers which are available in your area. Listed are national, county-wide, Glastonbury and Frome Talking newspapers.
U3A
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. Secretary June Hillman
Village Agents
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.