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.
Resources for children and young people with physical, mental and emotional health needs.
Covid Pandemic update- 1-2-1 meetings are now over the phone or video call. Virtual Hubs are available on Young Somerset Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Youth workers are available at various time for ‘Fancy a Chat’ with full timetable here https://www.youngsomerset.org.uk/the-hubs
Young Somerset is the largest youth work charity in Somerset and our mission is to put young people first. Our aim is to work with young people, encouraging them to take responsibility for themselves and become actively involved in shaping the communities in which they live. Young Somerset works to achieve social and economic outcomes with young people, through the delivery of measurable outputs and outcomes. We employ Wellbeing Practitioners that offer low-level mental health support, through cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT), to young people in Somerset.
*Covid update: 2BU continues to offer virtual services including our ‘Unusual Wednesdays ‘ Zoom group. Lisa and the team are still availble to be contacted to offer support. Mindline Someret 01823 276 892 however, are able to offer a 24 hour a day 7 days a week helpline and we would encourage any young person struggling to get in touch with them day or night*
If you’re a young person living in Somerset you may find that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning your sexuality or gender identity can be difficult. 2BU run an LGBTQ+ group with the YMCA for young people up to 25 which meets at YMCA Frome Youth and Community Centre, Vallis Road, Frome BA11 3EF the first Thursday of every month from 6-8pm. Please come along!
Tips written with young people by young people during the coronavirus pandemic. For more information to support you go to the Somerset Children & Young People Health & Wellbeing website.
Brand new to Openstorytellers, we are excited to offer a Wellbeing Group for people with learning disabilities and autism aged 16+
It’s taking place on Tuesday mornings from 11.30am-12.30pm.
The group will be exploring healthy eating, gentle exercise, yoga, aromatherapy, creative writing and more!
Spaces are limited, so please get in touch if you’d like to book a place for someone – 01373 454099 / info@openstorytellers.org.uk
At the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust we produce booklets and posters on many aspects of mental health. These are free to download or order and include our Parent’s Guide to Depression. Mental health problems in children and young people, national and local organisations that offer guidance for parents leaflet Parents leaflet Somerset Printable version
An exciting club for young people with additional needs aged 10 to 17. Trips out. Have fun. Make friends in a safe and supportive environment. Tuesdays 6.00pm-8.00pm at Vallis Youth & Community Centre, Frome, BA11 3EF. Call us to discuss places as they are limited.
Are you a young carer? If you’re aged between 10 and 18 then please come along to the Zone and meet new friends who are in the same boat! Wednesdays 6.00pm-8.00p.m. Fortnightly at Rise, Whittox Lane, Frome, BA11 3BY . Please contact us to discuss a place as places are limited.
This is a social group for people with additional needs aged between 18 to 30 where you can make friends, learn new skills, and have fun! Mondays 7.00pm-9.00pm at RISE, Whittox Lane, Frome, BA11 3BY. Places are limited so please contact us to book.
Edventure offer the MAKE course to young adults aged 18-35 whether you are out of work, looking for a new direction or just want to gain confidence. Spend 3 weeks in a team learning to design, make and sell products made from raw materials such as metal, wood, fabric, silver and leather.
See the website for the course times and booking form. The MAKE course is FREE.
Youth With A Future (YWAF) work alongside other organisations to support young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or threatened with homelessness and those in supported housing projects in the Mendip area of Somerset and also supports local positive youth initiatives and activities.
*Covid update- HopeLine remains open as usual.*
HOPELineUK is a confidential support and advice service for young people under the age of 35 who may be having thoughts of suicide or anyone concerned a young person may be having thoughts of suicide.
Opening hours are 9am-10pm weekdays, 2pm-10pm weekends, and 2pm-10pm Bank Holidays.
Kooth.com is a free, safe, confidential and non-stigmatised way for young people to receive counselling, advice and support on-line. Kooth delivers thousands of counselling sessions each year to young people aged 11-18. Available until 10pm each night, 365 days per year.
Youth Matters is for young people aged up to 25 who are living with mental health distress in Mendip. You can be referred to us by someone else or refer yourself by calling the office or emailing.
An online information hub offering young people advice and help on mental health problems including depression, anxiety and stress.
For 18 – 24 year olds. Develop Skills in growing your own food and with teamwork. Mondays 9.30am – 3.30pm near Balstonsborough. Please call for more information.
We provide advice and support to children and young people in Somerset. If you are a child in care you could ask for an advocate if you are worried or upset about something. If you are a young person who would like to request advocacy please email us (see below).
The Wessex Counselling Service has counsellors who are experienced in working with children and young people, and offers counselling for those aged 15 – 18 years. Please contact us for more information.
*Covid update- Face coverings are to be warn at all venues*
SWISH offer free confidential testing and treatment for all sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and offer a full range of contraception. open to all ages including under 16’s. You can visit any SWISH Service, locally or further afield, however not all clinics run a full service, so please ring to find out what is available.
A service for 16-25 year olds provided in partnership with the YMCA and housing consortium. For the Mendip area please see phone number and email address below.
YMCA Mendip with its main base in Wells, covers the whole of the Mendip area – Frome, Shepton Mallet, Street, Glastonbury, Wells and surrounding villages. Our project work provides a range of services for young people, with an emphasis on housing and homelessness, helping them to grow in confidence, develop as individuals and realise their full potential.
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The service supports young carers under the age of 18. It can answer questions and give advice to young people on anything they need to know. They can: