Directory: Social Wellbeing

The 5 O’clock Club meet every 2nd Wednesday of the month between 5pm – 8pm, at The Art Bank Café, 13 High Street, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AA.

They offer adults with learning difficulties a social evening out in a safe and welcoming environment, the premises will not be open to the public, however the café and bar will be open for people to purchase light refreshments between 5pm-6pm.

Food will be served between 5pm-6pm, monthly activity/socialising takes place between 6pm-7pm and we end the evening with an all request disco.

Entry is free and all food and drinks must be purchased at the bar.

Active and In Touch (Befriending) – volunteers visit and help people who have become isolated or out of touch with the community around them and support them in getting involved with groups or activities.

Active and In Touch (Social Groups) – run weekly for people to come together and socialise through activities, special events or a chat over a cup of tea:

Mondays, 11am – 1pm every Monday at 22 Christchurch Street West, Frome, BA11 1EE (please call Gwen first on 07375 336 733 to ensure there is space)

or

Tuesdays, 11am – 1pm every Tuesday each month.  First Tuesday at the Cornerhouse, Christchurch St East, Frome, BA11 1QA.  Then every other Tuesday of the month at Trinity Hall, Trinity Street, Frome, BA11 3DE.

Age UK and their partner charity The Silver Line offer a free telephone friendship services so you can enjoy chatting with someone over the phone, all from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’d like to speak to someone every week, or just want to talk when the need strikes, call the number below to find out more information.

Age UK Somerset are an independent charity delivering services and activities for older people in Somerset. They offer free information and advice to older people and their families via an information and advice line. They also offer a befriending service, a range of physical activities groups and a toe nail cutting service.

BANDs (Bath Autism and NeuroDiversity spectrums) CIC offer social opportunities and peer support to over 16s in Frome and the surrounding areas who have autism, Asperger syndrome and/or similar neurodiversities. 

They currently organise a cinema, cafe and pub group which run consecutively monthly on a Thursday (attendees pay for their own cinema tickets and drinks). 

Boccia is an inclusive game for disabled people, older people and their carers. It is similar to bowls but easier to play. Hosted by Key-Ring and run by Nova Sport & Coaching.  Every other Thursday 1:30pm-2:30pm at the Cheese and Grain, Market Yard, Justice Lane, Frome BA11 1BE.

Glastonbury Carers Group meet on the third Monday of each month at Saint John’s Church, High St, Glastonbury BA6 9DR from 10.30am to 12 noon

The carers group takes place in the church alongside other activities including Talking Cafe, Tai Chi, poetry group and Art as Therapy.

Shepton Mallet Carers group meet on the second Wednesday of the month between 2:00pm – 3:30pm at The Brasserie (Haskins Retail Centre), 66 High Street, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AS.

The person you care for can attend the Love to Move seated exercise session, whilst you join the carers group to share laughs, ideas and experiences in a relaxed supportive and safe atmosphere.

For more information contact Cath on the number below.

There are two Carers’ Groups that meet in Wells.

Bishop’s Palace meeting room near the cafe on 2nd Friday of the month, 11am to 12.30pm
The Swan Hotel, Sadler Street, BA5 2RX on 4th Wednesday of the month, 10am to 11.30am

This very popular community cafe is running at the Shepton Mallet branch: every Tuesday 12–13:15

The Ammerdown Centre have set up a free monthly social group. This safe and welcoming environment is for individuals to come and talk to others and enjoy afternoon tea and cake in their beautiful facility.

2pm – 4pm the last Monday of the month.

The Ammerdown Centre, Ammerdown Park, Radstock, Somerset BA3 5SW

For more information or to let them know you would like to attend please ring the number below.

Run by Heads Up Connect, these groups provide opportunities to connect with other carers and find out information over a cuppa.

4th Wednesday of the month, 10am to 11.30pm at The Swan Hotel, Wells BA5 2RX.

Other groups run at The Bishop’s Palace, Wells and Heads Up’s centre in South Horrington. There is a new carers group in Glastonbury above Burns the Bread, on the high Street, on 3 March 2022. The groups are run by Heads Up Connect.

Join us at the Cheese & Grain in Frome for our Digital Café, where you can bring your devices, ask questions about ‘how to’ or just share stories about your digital experiences and more.

Thursday mornings from 10:00-11:30. Grab yourself some refreshments and join our table. This is a free of charge service, although refreshments are charged. Cheese and Grain cafe, Market Way, Frome BA11 1BE

Get free advice and help from Spark IT at the Digital Café, where you can bring your devices, ask questions about ‘how to’ or just share stories about your digital experiences and more. Monday’s 10-12 noon,  St John’s Church, High Street Glastonbury, BA6 9DR

Get free advice and help from Spark IT at the Digital Café, where you can bring your devices, ask questions about ‘how to’ or just share stories about your digital experiences and more.  Thursday afternoons from 2pm -4pm,  find us in The Computer area at Shepton Mallet Library, 2 Market Place, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AZ.

Dogs for Health is a charity that offer animal assisted therapy, animal assisted interventions and animal assisted education. Volunteers visit people in their own homes, hospitals, care homes and schools to support people through activities, education and professional therapy with the help of our dogs.

Covering Frome, Shepton Mallet, Coleford, Westbury and Warminster.

Our motto being “Laughter is the BEST” medicine. This club is for over 55s with various activities and presentations, meals and talks. Meets monthly at the village hall on last Tuesday of the month in Evercreech: 2pm – 4pm.

Call the number below for further information.

Where: St Philip & St James Church, Norton St Philip.

When: 3rd Monday of every month 2.30pm – 4.00pm

No charge, donations appreciated. For further information, please contact Jo Robinson.

Frome and District Carers Group meet the first Wednesday of each month at Frome Cricket Club, Rodden Road, Frome BA11 2AH , 10.30am to 12.30pm.

These social days run from Frome Assembly Rooms on Mondays and Thursdays:
Monday 11am – 3.30pm
Thursdays 11am – 1.30pm
The cost is £8 for the day. This includes a hot lunch at 12.30pm, with pudding and a cup of tea after. There is always entertainment on Monday afternoon too.

For more information or to come along please ring Pete Dayman-Johns: 07974 702642 or call the number below.

Monthly leg group for people with lymphoedema, leg ulcers and other leg conditions. A chance to connect with others as well as hearing from guest speakers  on all aspects of leg heath, including hosiery, nutrition, movement and self-care.

Every 2nd Wednesday upstairs at Frome Medical Practice in the education room. 10:00-12:30,  drop-in at any time.

Goldies sessions are fun, daytime social singing groups where we chat, reminisce and sing-along to the popular hits of the 50s onwards, including artists like our Patron Cliff Richard, Tom Jones, Dusty Springfield, Elvis, Petula Clark, The Beatles and many more. Goldies is not a choir, you don’t have to be able to sing, just love good company and great music. We ask for a £3 donation to attend and provide a cup of tea/coffee. No need to book, just turn up.

Shepton Mallet Goldies meet on the first Friday of each month with Jane Harris from 2pm-3pm at The Salvation Army, Commercial Rd, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5BU.

Wells Goldies meet on the first Wednesday of each month with Al & Annie Whitley from 2.15pm-3.30pm at The Methodist Church hall, 24 Southover, Wells, BA5 1UH.

Heads Up work with individuals affected by mental health issues and other difficulties, in order to help them towards recovery, greater well-being and quality of life. They offer a variety of courses, classes and therapies.

For more information give Heads Up a call, office times are Monday – Friday 9am-4pm.

Wells – Upper Breach, South Horrington, Wells, BA5 3QG

Health Connectors are based in all the GP practices in the Mendip area. 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 would like support with. We can link you up 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 and services, we also run groups such as Talking Cafes, Be Healthy Be Happy and Pain Management programmes.

The heritage cafe is a place to find out what heritage activities are going on in the local area, organisations you can become involved with, and how heritage can be beneficial for your health and well-being.

Third Friday of each month from 11am-12 noon at the Cheese & Grain Cafe, Market Yard, BA11 1BE. Everyone is welcome.

Next dates are: 15th September, 20th October, 17th November & 15th December.

The Friendship cafe meets on the first Wednesday of the month, between 2:30pm-4:00pm at The Holcombe Village Hall, Charlton Rd, Holcombe, BA3 5ET.

Tea/coffee and cake is available and there is a regular raffle that takes place, the funds raised from the raffle cover the cost of running the group, (however a small suggested donation of £2 may be introduced when the funds drop).

You can also help yourself to unwanted books that have been donated by other group members.

For further information please contact Linda Dyer on the below contact details;

Love to Move is a seated movement to music program providing physical, emotional and cognitive benefits designed to get older people, especially people living with dementia to move more and have fun. This group helps carers have a bit of fun with their partners or friends who are living with dementia outside of their home environment.

Mondays; 10 am at Housing21, Douglas Yates Court, Coleford, BA3 5PD

Mondays; 2 pm at Evercreech Village Hall,  Victoria Lane, Evercreech, BA4 6JP

The cost is £5 per person if you pay in advance or £6 drop in. Accompanying carers  £1. Anyone attending Love to Move for the first time can pay £5 for their first ever session, however, block payment post this session will apply. Paying in advance will be for an 8 week block which equates to £40.

MAKE:SHED provides a regular open workshop space for people aged 18-35 to work on practical and creative projects, individually or with others. We meet on Thursdays, 6-9 pm in the Remakery at the Welsh Mill Hub. You’ll get to use tools and equipment, learn, share and develop skills, meet new people and have support to sell what you make. It’s free. Everyone can get involved in fundraising, but it’s not required. Follow us: www.facebook.com/MAKESHEDfrome

Frome Dementia Action Alliance Memory Café.  The Alliance is made up of different charities and organisations in Frome who help people with Dementia. For anyone affected by dementia.  No charges. 

When: last Wednesday of every month from 2pm -5pm

Where: Masonic Hall on North Parade, Frome, BA11 1AU 

A relaxed drop-in for people with memory problems and their carers / family. Come along for companionship, information & advice, occasional talks, fun activities – and a cuppa!

When: 3rd Wednesday of each month, 2pm to 3.30pm

Where: Methodist Church Hall, Southover Wells, BA5 1UG

Every Tuesday from 9am-12pm, Wednesday 9am-12pm, Thursday 9am-12pm 2pm-5pm. at The Woodbin, Somerset Care and Repair, Charlton Trading Estate, Charlton Road  BA4 5QE. Membership is a donation of £2.50 per week and there is an annual registration fee of £15. Come along and make friends, learn a new skill or bring a skill with you to share.

*IMPORTANT – Please contact in advance due to reduced capacity*

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. Drop in and stay as long as you like, bring your own mug for a hot drink. Annual fee is £10, with a session donation of £4.

Frome Men’s shed: Mondays and Thursdays 9am-1pm

Welshmill Hub, Park Hill Drive, Frome, BA11 2LE

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 or the Good Neighbour Scheme can deliver. The mobile library driver will help you get on and off the vehicle. To use this 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.

If you are over 60 why not try The Monmouth Lunch Club Mondays 10am-2pm. Activities, tea/coffee and a two course hot lunch.
Cost: £ 6.75/ week.
Venue: Monmouth Close, Glastonbury, BA6 9LN

Music 2 Connect run a free monthly music & singing therapy session for people living with memory problems, dementia and their carers. Held monthly on the third Friday of the month at The Salvation Army Hall, 21 Commercial Rd, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5BU.

Please arrive at 1:45 pm for a 2pm start,  tea & coffee are provided.

For more information or to let them know you would like to attend please contact Judi on the number below.

Parent and Toddler Group, meet at the Salvation Army, Old Magistrates Court, 21 Commercial Road, Shepton Mallet BA4 5BU. Mondays and Wednesdays 10am – 11.30am (term times only)

Health Connections Mendip run a postcard project in Frome and the surrounding area. Anyone can get involved, it’s aimed at people who may not be able to attend groups easily. If you’d like to receive a free regular postcard from one of our writers do get in touch.

If you’d like to become a writer we have a induction process and a project worker to support our writers.

Re-engage has been providing social contact for older people for over 50 years. This free service provide monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties and regular friendly phone chats. The tea parties are a lifeline of friendship for lonely people over 75.

Re-engage offer a a free service called Call Companions, this is a service for older people who are lonely, isolated or in need of a companionship and would enjoy a regular friendly phone call, please use the online form HERE and we will then be in touch with the older person directly.

The Glastonbury monthly tea parties are not currently running.

Free meet-up for refugees and hosts. Incudes free hot drinks, free lunch and activities for children as well as local information and support.

Location: Ammerdown Centre, Radstock, BA3 5SW

For more information about the next date or for help with transport call the number below.

Wells Refugee Welcome Hub offers support to Ukrainian guests and their sponsors in Wells, Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury, Street and the surrounding villages.

The Hub is a central information point. It offers language tuition, support and signposting and a safe meeting place for refugees and their families.

Opening hours: Mondays between 10:00 am-1:00pm for the Hub Drop in and Fridays 10:30-11:30 for the Conversation Café.

Portway Annexe, Portway, Wells, BA5 Q2F.

Every second Saturday of the month there will be a Repair Café at The Art Bank, 13 High Street, Shepton Mallet between 11:00am – 1:00pm.

Come along and get items fixed for free; volunteers can help you repair electrical, general goods, bags and other items that need sewing. No need to book, just turn up.

A weekly support session for young adults in Frome.

Every Thursday 2pm-5pm at the Welsh Mill Hub, Park Hill Drive, Frome, BA11 2LE

Routes sessions are open to everyone aged 18-35 for support with a whole range of issues from housing, to relationships, jobs to emotional health. Pop in for a cuppa and a chat – we can work together to find solutions to any issues you’re experiencing. Wifi and phone available.

A not-for-profit inclusive walking group promoting walks in Shepton Mallet and the surrounding villages.

Anyone can become a member. You can choose how much you’d like to pay to join. Members are able to join in with regular walks for free and enjoy preferential booking for all of the Festival programme and other special events. Twice a year, in summer and winter, social events are arranged.

In association with the Alzheimer’s Society UK. Come and join our friendly singing group,  Wednesday mornings 11:15-12:45 at the Seager Hall, Union Street, Wells BA5 2PU. £5 per person to include refreshments.

An informal singing, drumming and musical interaction group for older people including those living with dementia by Somerset Arts Well – Music for Wellbeing. Suggested donation £3-£5 or whatever you can afford. Refreshments included.

10.30-12 pm on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays in the month. (12 January, 26 January, 9 February, 23 February, 9 March, 23 March)  United Reformed Church High Street, Glastonbury, BA6 9DZ

Thursdays 10:30-12:00 St John’s Community Hub, High Street, Glastonbury, BA6 9DR (accessible from St John’s car park BA6 9LJ)

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.

A fun filled singing group, for people with Dementia, Memory Loss and their carers.

Tuesdays – 1:30pm-3:00pm at Masonic Hall, North Parade, Frome, BA11 1AU

Crispin Community Center, Leigh Road, Street BA16 0HA.  Second Monday of each month between 10.30a.m  and 12 pm. Activities include demonstration, outings and local speakers for the carer.

Come along and say hello to a Health Connector. It’s a chance to meet outside face-to-face and find out what help and support is available in the community, as well as meeting others. Look for the Talking Bench flag.

Frome: Every Friday from 11.30-12.00 outside Frome Library.

Shepton Mallet: Every Friday from 10.30-11.00 at the Market Place, Shepton Mallet.

Talking cafes are a place to meet new people, make friends and chat to a Health Connector about activities, support groups and services in your community.

Frome: Monday 10am – 11.30am Cheese and Grain, Market Yd, Justice Ln, Frome BA11 1BE

Frome: Thursday 1pm – 2.30pm, Coffee#1, 15-16 Westway Centre, Frome BA11 1BS

Coleford: Monday 1pm – 2.30pm, The Hub, Old School, Church Street, Coleford BA3 5NQ

Shepton Mallet: Wednesday 10am – 12pm, The Art Bank, 13 High St, Shepton Mallet BA4 5AD

Shepton Mallet Young Person’s Talking Café: Starting Friday 6th October (aimed at people aged between 18-30 years old), Fridays 1pm – 2.30pm, The Cheeky Bean (downstairs seating area), 12 Market Place, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AZ

Street: First and third Wednesday of the month 10am – 12pm, Fondo lounge at 107, High Street, Street, BA16 0EY

Street: Tuesday 10am-12 noon at Crispin Hall, High Street, Street BA16 0EZ

Wells: Thursday 10am – 12pm, Bishop’s Palace, Wells BA5 2PD

Glastonbury: Mondays 10am – 12pm, St John Baptist’s Church, High Street, Glastonbury, BA6 9DR

Evercreech: Thursday 2.30pm – 4pm, Evercreech Village Hall, Victoria Lane, Evercrecch, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6JP

Rode: 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month, 10.30am – 12.30pm, Rode Chapel, 47 High Street, Rode, BA11 6PB

Oakhill: Starting Wednesday 13th September, 10.30am – 12pm, Ashwick & Oakhill Village Hall, Zion Hill, Oakhill, BA3 5AN

The Shepton Mallet Dementia Alliance Association run a Tea & Skittles social group, where you are welcome to come along and enjoy a game of skittles  followed by tea/coffee and biscuits, aimed at people living with memory problems, dementia and their carers but is open for anyone to attend.  We ask for a £2.50 donation to attend, no need to book, just turn up.

The group meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 2.30pm – 4pm at The Charlton Inn, Charlton Rd, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5PH.

For further details please contact Anne on the details below;

The Pod is a local charity supporting individuals with additional needs. The charity creates opportunities and provides safe, supportive, sociable, and enterprising spaces that improve the quality of life for young carers as well as children and adults with disabilities and their families.

They run a weekly youth club, a weekly social group and other various fun community groups. For more information on the various groups they run please visit their website. If you would like to find out more about the various volunteering opportunities with Pod please contact them for more information.

The Reader is a free weekly reading group. Grab a cuppa, be with people and share stories.

Online – Tuesday afternoons (2.00-3.30pm) via zoom – for more information email Alison below.  Every other week it alternates with a wellbeing session.

Phone lines are open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. You can also call this number if you are interested in volunteering for them.

Are you a young carer? If you’re aged between 8 and 16 then please come along to the Zone and meet new friends who are in the same boat!

Wednesdays 6pm-8p.m. Fortnightly at Rise, Whittox Lane, Frome, BA11 3BY .

Please contact us to discuss a place as places are limited.

Free cuppa and a play for under 5’s and their grown-up. Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00-11:00 at The Good Heart Cafe, 7 Palmer Street, Frome

u3a is a UK-wide movement which brings together people, who are no longer in full-time employment, to develop their interests and continue their learning in a friendly and informal environment. Groups in Wells, Shepton Mallet, Street and Glastonbury.

Shepton Mallet U3A runs a number of groups including several walking groups, singing for pleasure and weekly coffee mornings. There are also u3a groups in Oakhill, Doulting, Evercreech and Prestleigh.

The coffee morning is held every Thursday morning at 10:30am in the conservatory of the restaurant at Dobbies Garden World in Shepton Mallet. This is a social gathering for all U3A members, their friends and anyone else who would like to find out more information about the U3A. There is no specific age limit but members are in their ‘third age’ i.e. retired or approaching retirement, and most meetings take place during the day. Annual membership costs £14, or you can join for the half year fee for £7.

Our shed is open and growing, we welcome both men and women through a careful application process. The main activities at present are related to woodwork e.g. making things to sell, repairing furniture and other items. We do wood carving and lathe working as well. The membership fee is £5 per year and £3 per session, which included tea/coffee and biscuits.

Frome WI meet once monthly and enjoy a varied and interesting programme of monthly meetings. For their 10th anniversary year, annual membership of Frome WI is reduced by £10 to £34 (April 2022 to March 2023) or you can attend as a visitor for £4 per meeting. All attendees pay a donation for refreshments.

Meeting: 3rd Monday of the month at 7.30pm at Frome Cricket Club, 30A Rodden Rd, Frome BA11 2AH.

For the most up-to-date schedule of events pleas visit their Facebook page.

Free to attend. Nature and wildlife activities in Frome, for people with dementia or memory loss. Learn about wildlife together.  Activities include arts & crafts, wildlife gardening, nature walks and more. Open and inclusive to suit all abilities and interests. Please call ahead to book your space and check location. Carers and family members welcome too. Free to attend, transport available.

Mells, Walled Garden – Mondays 2pm – 4pm

The Frome Women’s Shed is on Monday mornings from 9am to 1pm Welshmill in Parkhill Drive, Frome, BA11 2LE. Like the Men’s Shed, we are there to connect people, in a safe and supportive environment. We meet to make and mend things together, learn new skills, make friends, work on our own projects and on projects that benefit the community.

The annual membership charge is £10, and when attending a Shed session, the fee is £4, (or as much of that amount as can be managed).

The YMCA welcome young people aged 10 to 19 years to catch up, have fun and support each other. Young people can drop in as and when. They will need to complete a registration form on the first time attending which they can do themselves. However, a parental/guardian consent form will need to be completed after the first session. For more information please visit the web link below.

Youth Clubs running in Frome, Coleford, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet and Street