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.
Community Transport schemes can offer transport for individuals and groups, with some offering door-to-door services. Please visit the website for full up-to-date community transport information.
*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.
Westbury & District Link volunteer transport service, contribution requested. Tel line open 9am – 1pm Monday to Friday. Can offer limited help with small practical jobs.
Cycling can help improve people’s health and wellbeing but many people are put off using a bicycle in Frome because of the hills. So Frome now has available a couple of electric power assist bicycles (ebikes) that helps to reduce the strain of cycling up hills and makes cycling more fun. Provided by Frome Town Council and available at Cycology Bikes. To find out about hiring one of the e-bikes for the Bike to Health scheme please visit the website below.
(Covid pandemic update- Frome community drivers are offering a free prescription deliver service for people in isolation as well as usual delivery services with extra safety measures in place)*
Frome Community Cars – Do you find it difficult to get to medical appointments, visit loved ones or get the things you need? If so, Frome Community Cars may be able to help. We have a network of local volunteer drivers who provide lifts within Frome and beyond. Contribution to cover costs is requested at £2 booking fee +60p per mile or 30p per mile if you have Somerset County council bus pass.
Do also get in touch if you’d like to become a friendly and reliable volunteer driver.
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.
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
We are the first point of contact for all Somerset GP patients enquiring about transport to their NHS appointments. We assess patients’ eligibility on their medical need, mobility and various other factors and if suitable can provide free car, W/C Taxi or ambulance transportation. Our lines are open from 08:30 – 18:30 Monday to Friday.
*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.
It may be possible to claim back travel expenses to hospital appointments, if you are in receipt of certain benefits. You may be able to get financial help from the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme if you: • are on a low income • need NHS treatment at a hospital, other NHS center or private clinic • have been referred by a healthcare professional.
HTCS does not apply if you are: • visiting a GP or dentist for routine appointments • visiting others in hospital • visiting A&E or Minor Injury Units. Claims can be made to the individual hospitals.
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.
English National Concessionary Travel Scheme Passes are available for residents of Somerset who are of pensionable age or eligible on the grounds of disability. The pass allows you to travel free on buses in every area of England subject to certain time restrictions. Download application form online or contact Transporting Somerset who will post form.
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.
National Express, Senior Coach Card (60 +), Disabled Coach Card and Young Persons Coach Card (16-16) give a third off standard fares. Coach Card costs £12.50 a year.