Our Dementia Support Workers offer information and practical guidance to help you understand the condition, cope with day-to-day challenges and prepare for the future.
Face-to-face, over the phone or in writing they will help you to:
Reconnect is a free service that offers practical support to people, throughout Somerset, with dementia and memory problems. We visit people in their homes weekly, usually for approximately an hour, for a maximum of two years. We support people to manage their paperwork and finances and ensure they’re receiving the correct benefits. We can also support them to access social opportunities, maintain a safe home and find solutions to the issues that memory problems often bring. Anyone can refer to our service.
We can help you if;
– You live in Somerset
– You are 65 years+ old and experiencing memory loss
– You are under 65 and have a diagnosis of dementia
To access our service, all we require is a completed referral form. Anybody can refer to our service, as long as the person that they are referring agrees to this. We can forward referral forms via the internet, alternatively we are happy to assist people to complete one over the phone.
Mind have extended the hours of the Mindline phone service during the Coronavirus lockdown. This is now available 24/7.
Their staff can also refer you to specialist support from other local Mental Health charities.
Some people are feeling more anxious at the moment, either from the long periods of isolation from the lockdowns or about Coronavirus itself. The following resources may help;
11 tips to cope with anxiety about coming out of lockdown – Every Mind Matters
Anxiety self help for adults – NHS
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, completely free.
See the Apps that could help your mental health that have been tested and approved by the NHS. Most are free.
NHS website and App to help you to recover after having Covid.
As you find yourself recovering from COVID-19 you may still be coming to terms with the impact the virus has had on both your body and mind.
These changes should get better over time, some may take longer than others, but there are things you can do to help.
Your COVID Recovery helps you to understand what has happened and what you might expect as part of your recovery.
SASP have some great ideas and advice on staying active and healthy during the pandemic. There are ideas for families and children, mums & babies, adults, older people & those with long term conditions, adapted activities for people with disabilities and suggestions for getting outdoors.
You can watch the most recent session on our website www.goldieslive.com or catch up with past sessions on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCktq1e5exyOQqhfAfdlburg
– CHARD –
On the FIRST THURSDAY of each month
Crowshute House with Joanne McNulty
Crowshute Link, TA20 2EZ
From 10.30am – 11.30am
– ILMINSTER –
On the LAST FRIDAY of each month
Ilminster Parish Hall with Joanne McNulty
North Street, Ilminster, TA19 0DG
From 2.00pm – 3.00pm
– QUEEN CAMEL –
On the SECOND THURSDAY of each month
Cleaveside Community Room
with Jaine Thorne Cleaveside Close,
The Glebe, Queen Camel, BA22 7PR
From 2.00pm – 3.00pm
– BRUTON –
On the SECOND WEDNESDAY of each month
Bruton Methodist Church with Jane Harris
Shute Lane, Bruton, BA10 0BH
From 2.00pm – 3.00pm
– WELLS –
On the FIRST FRIDAY of each month
Elim Connect Centre with Al & Annie Whitley
Portway, Wells, BA5 2BE
From 2.00pm – 3.00pm
– WINCANTON –
Occasional sessions run in partnership with
the Wincanton MHA Live at Home Scheme
Methodist Church Hall with Tara Evans
50 High Street, Wincanton, BA9 9JF
For full details contact Tara on 01963 33588
– MILBORNE PORT –
Occasional sessions run in partnership with Abri Housing
Wheathill Close Community Lounge with Bridget Ashfield
Wheathill Close, Milborne Port, DT9 5EU
Mental fitness is all about the good management of good mental health. HeadFIT for Life helps defence people stay mentally fit and on top of their game. By the Ministry of Defence and Heads Together.
We have a team of Wellbeing Practitioners that offer support for children and young people who are experiencing low level mental health difficulties. We are currently offering sessions virtually or face to face.
A parent, professional or young person can request support by visiting: https://www.youngsomerset.org.uk/wellbeing-support
Virtual Youth Club – Twice a day (weekdays) we are running live youth club session on our Instagram. Activities are open to anyone and range from cooking to music and quizzes!
Mindline – We are also part of the Mindline support helpline, offering 24/7 emotional support to people in Somerset. Tel 01823 276892.
For more information, please visit our website.
You can download this useful guide via the link below. Public Health at Somerset County Council produced this.
Companion Calls are a temporary addition to our Dementia Connect service, which is available year-round, nationwide, to support anyone affected by dementia.
We know many people with dementia are at a higher risk from coronavirus and with restrictions on movement, it can be even harder to get on with everyday things. We have all had to change how we shop, stay active and keep in touch.
Not being able to leave the house or receive visitors means less social contact with families, friends and communities. Even carers may not be able to visit as often. We understand the impact that loneliness can have on mental health and well-being.
That’s why we started Companion Calls, where our trained volunteers make regular phone calls to check in and have a friendly chat about anything the person they’re calling fancies. It could be their favourite TV show, the weather or simply to talk about how things are going.
Please call our Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456. One of our Dementia Advisers will have a chat with you to find out if Companion Calls are right for you, or if there are other ways we can help.
Companion Calls are a social chat – they do not offer specific dementia support, advice or guidance. If you or anyone you know needs dementia support at this difficult time, contact our Dementia Connect support line.
SARSAS is a specialist support service for people in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, Somerset, and South Gloucestershire, who have experienced any form of sexual violence, at any point in their lives.
SARSAS offer a confidential helpline, regular support sessions, counselling, email support to individuals and an advocacy service. They also support the family and friends of people affected by sexual violence and offer training and advice to professionals.
The SARSAS helpline currently runs 5 days a week and is available to men and women, boys and girls. SARSAS accept self-referrals through their helpline and from professions on behalf of people they are supporting. Please note referrals will only be accepted where the person being referred has consented to be referred to SARSAS.
Professionals need to make referrals via the downloadable referral form on the website.
During Coronavirus, our helpline numbers are 0808 801 0456 and 0808 801 0464 and are open to any victim-survivor. Their operating hours are:
• Monday: 11pm – 2pm
• Tuesday: 12pm – 2pm and 6pm – 8pm
• Wednesday: 12pm – 2pm and 6pm – 8pm
• Thursday: 12pm – 2pm and 6pm – 8pm
• Friday: 11pm – 2pm
Offering support, advice and information for bereavement through face-to-face, telephone and email support.
We are a faith-based service offering chaplaincy support for people of all faiths and none in times of emergency.
For anyone facing end of life issues, bereavement, or anxious about someone in hospital, residential care or isolated at home, from the Faith Communities Major Emergencies Team for Avon and Somerset. Caring and confidential.
8am – 11pm, 7 days a week.
Advice for Armed Forces Veterans to access health services.
Call or email Sheila Taylor, Veterans Champion for Mental Health at Sompar.
For people who are 75 or older, living alone or in sheltered housing with little or no contact with family or friends and struggle to leave their house in normal times. A regular friendly phone call with one of our trained volunteers.
‘Call in Time’ is a free public telephone befriending service run by Age UK. It matches volunteers with older members of the public. Not having someone to talk to regularly can be lonely and isolating, particularly if you’re used to sharing your home and time with others. A friendly, weekly, 30-minute chat on the phone can make all the difference.
The calls are friendship calls and are not for counselling or bereavement support.
While we’re waiting to find a suitable match for an older member of the public, we carry out regular, short Good Day Calls with them, to make sure they don’t feel ignored. There is a criteria for example people need to be over 60, live alone or be a full time carer and be able to hear clearly over the phone.
‘Call in Time’ is also looking for volunteers.
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 exciting as you discover who you are, it can also be a challenge or difficult.
Information is available via our website www.2bu-somerset.co.uk for contact details and how to join our youth support groups or access dedicated support.
Dementia Talking Point is a helpful online community where anyone who is affected by dementia can receive valuable support. The community is free to use, open 24 hours a day and all you need is an internet connection.
Ask questions, share experiences and get information and practical tips on living with dementia. From the Alzheimer’s Society.
On Dementia Talking Point you can:
Ask for advice
Read other people’s stories
Offload your concerns about dementia
Share helpful information
A confidential, free, national helpline for older people. They can offer information, friendship and support. They signpost callers to the many, varied groups and services that exist in their communities.
The Silver Line Telephone Friends offers a regular weekly friendship call with a volunteer.
The little book of mental health: a practical guide for everyday emotional wellbeing has been re-published by Public Health at Somerset County Council.
The digital version can be downloaded by clicking here.
Printed copies can be ordered via Louise Finnis, Health Promotion Manager – Mental Health, Public Health, County Hall finnis@somerset.gov.uk
We are the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Working closely with young people and families, we campaign on a number of issues impacting young people and their mental health.
Our activists campaign for political change and spread the message in schools, at events and online about how to look after your mental health. We also run a parents helpline, which offers free advice and support to any adult who’s worried about the behaviour or mental health of a young person.
We also offer training and consultancy to professionals who work with children – including teachers, doctors and mental health services. Finally, we provide a huge amount of information and support on their website and on social media.
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.
Smokefreelife Somerset is a free stop smoking service provided by Somerset County Council supporting Somerset residents to become smoke free.
Following all support being provided by phone appointment due to the Covid-19 outbreak, our service is now returning to face to face support. Initial appointments will be provided by phone followed by weekly attendance at one of our face to face support sessions.
If you are facing a life-limiting illness and have concerns or would like someone to talk to, call us. Offering a Friendly Phone Call service during Coronavirus – call 01823 333822 to find out more.
Somerset Drug and Alcohol Partnership have a list of AA meetings in South Somerset, visit our website to view the directory of AA groups and view the groups in your area. Alternatively you can phone the Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service to find a group nearest to you.
Talk to us any time you like, in your own way, and off the record about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. We know a lot about what can help you through tough times. We can help you explore your options, understand your problems better, or just be there to listen.
It doesn’t matter who you are, how you feel, or what has happened. If you feel that things are getting to you, get in touch. We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Local branches have different opening hours for face to face support. Find your local branches and numbers below
Yeovil: Morley House, 26 West Hendford, Yeovil BA201XE
Taunton and Somerset: 16 Wood Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1UN
Call or check website for hours open to receive callers at the door.
Want to learn the basics plus a bit more with a computer or laptop? Come along and have some fun learning with us. Courses run for approximately 4 – 5 weeks. Computers are provided but you can bring your own laptop if you prefer. Please call into the library for more information and to book your course.
Classes run on Thursdays from 10am – 12pm, at Chard Library, Holyrood Lace Mill, Holyrood Street, TA20 2YA
Supports farmers and families within the farming community through difficult times. Helping people deal with a variety of issues, including financial difficulties, animal disease, mental health and family disputes.
For support on many issues affecting the elderly such as housing, benefits advice, hospital discharge, isolation, and care homes.
If you are a Child receiving services from Children’s Social Care you could ask for an advocate:-
A child In Care is also entitled to an Independent Visitor.
Finding out you’ve got Type 2 diabetes can be an overwhelming experience.
This step-by-step online guide is designed to help you understand and start managing your condition. From diet to treatments and where to get support, you’ll find all the information you need right here.
The Virtual Village Hall is a programme of themed online activities designed to enjoy at home. Sessions are led by expert tutors, Royal Voluntary Service activity coordinators, volunteers and some well-known faces, and require very little space or equipment. You’ll find a wide range of sessions to take part in, like creative arts and crafts, music and singing, cooking and baking, dance and exercise, and technology skills. Join in with live sessions or catch up on demand when suits it you.
Whatever you need to know about coping with stress, anxiety or depression, or just the normal emotional ups and downs of life, the NHS Choices Moodzone is here to help. Follow link below.
It offers practical advice, interactive tools, videos and audio guides to help you feel mentally and emotionally better.
We offer information and support at all stages – from diagnosis through to recovery. We provide information packs, a helpline, newsletters, support groups around the country, and a web forum where you can share your experiences and learn from other people with PMR and GCA. Above all we offer hope.
HealthUnlocked forum: where you can talk to and get support and advice from other people who are suffering from PMR and GCA – https://healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk
Facebook – where you can talk to and get support and advice from other people who are suffering from PMR and GCA – https://www.facebook.com/pmrgcauk/
Our Helpline runs from Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm. The number is 0300 111 5090.
We are also setting up a telephone Buddy project where those isolated with either or both conditions can talk regularly to someone who understands. For more details call – 0300 999 5090.
Jointly is an app that makes caring for someone a little easier, less stressful and a lot more organised by making communication and coordination between those who share the care as easy as a text message. It can be accessed by laptop, smart phone or desktop computer.
An online information hub offering young people advice and help on mental health problems including depression, anxiety and stress.
MindEd is a free educational resource for all adults on children and young people’s mental health.
For thousands of years, meditators have claimed many benefits for their practice. Our experience, and that of Headspace members, suggests that regular mindfulness practice, through meditation, is an effective treatment for stress, worry, lack of focus, relationship problems, addictions and more. Please access the website for more information.
What is HOPELINE UK?
HOPELINE UK is a confidential support and advice service for:
A HOPELINE UK advisor will hear about the things that are happening in your life that are contributing to your thoughts of suicide and provide advice about how you can cope with your thoughts of suicide, or where you can access help. You can also speak to our HOPELINE UK advisors to get advice about how to start a conversation about suicide with someone you are concerned about, and how to best support them. Run by the charity Papyrus.
Open 9am – midnight every day of the year.
Somerset Partnership have put together a collection of self help guides. These are available to view when you follow the link below. The guides cover these topics:
Alcohol and You
Anxiety
Bereavement
Controlling Anger
Depression and Low Mood
Domestic Violence
Eating Disorders
Food for Thought
Health Anxiety
Obsessions and Compulsions
Panic
Postnatal Depression
Self Harm
Shyness and Social Anxiety
Sleeping Problems
Stress
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