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.
*This service is still running, despite the pandemic with social distancing in place*
Somerset Sight is the local specialist in sight loss and provides a range of information, practical and emotional support services for those with sight loss and their friends and family. We provide emotional support, face to face or by phone, with no wait list, to support people to adapt to and adjust to sight loss. We offer specialist gadgets, resources, lighting to make everyday chores easier and to enable people to remain independent, keep an active lifestyle and remain living in their own home for as long as possible. Basic technology training is available so people can make best use of technology available.
Our Mobile Advisory Service, offering specialist resources and advice is brought to Glastonbury, Frome, Shepton and Wells, visiting each location monthly from 10.30 – 3.30. Next dates are:
Our Volunteer Visiting Service provides a trained befriender to help with reading,correspondence, getting out and about, to reduce isolation and loneliness and to provide much needed practical support. We are agents for British Wireless for the Blind and have a well equipped library service.
*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 Pandemic Update- Extra safety measures are in place to continue to provide this service*
For home eye tests and home hearing tests free on the NHS.
*Covid pandemic update- This service is still running with extra safety measures in place*
Do you know someone with sight loss who would benefit from specialist support? Somerset Sight runs a volunteer visiting and befriending service across the county which is available to anyone with sight loss. If you know someone who would benefit from a befriender or may need other practical or emotional help, such as magnifiers lighting or talking books, please get in touch.
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-Currently not running*
Support group for people with Macular Degeneration with visiting speaker each month. Third Thursday of the month. No need to book. Just turn up. 10.30-12 noon. Frome Medical Practice, upstairs in the Education Suite.
*Covid pandemic update- This group is not currently running*
Support group for people with Macular Degeneration, a social group with visiting speakers and organised excursions. We meet the last Friday of the month at The Denning Room, Union Street, Wells, BA5 2PU. From 10:00 until 12.00.
Enjoy a regular chat with a telephone befriender who shares your interests, experience or type of macular condition. Telephone befriending is free, everything can be set up over the phone.
*Covid update-Currently suspended*
Come and join a friendly, group of blind and visually impaired people to chat and plan future activities and meet ups! We meet at Weatherspoons, Street. 2nd Friday of every month 10am-12pm
Somerset County Council’s sensory loss team are trained to work with people with sight and/or hearing loss. Workers can visit you at home and arrange to provide you with support to help keep you independent. Services include provision of equipment and rehabilitation, along with advice and information on a range of specialist organisations for people with sight and/or hearing loss.
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.
This website lists the Talking Newspapers which are available in your area. Listed are national, county-wide, Glastonbury and Frome Talking newspapers.