Family life isn’t always easy. Sometimes we could all benefit from connecting with others in similar situations to ourselves but this can be tough when you’re in a minority.
That’s why Intercom Trust have launched a new project – Family Pride Southwest – that aims to strengthen community and family networks with a combination of relaxed fun, opportunities to learn together, and extra support where needed.
Family Pride will help you make connections with other LGBT+ families. (An LGBT+ family may contain one or more parents who identify as LGBT+ and/or one or more children who identify as LGBT+).
To find out more or make a referal, visit the website.
Home-Start is a charity that has been established for 50 years, supporting families with at least one child under the age of 5 practically and emotionally.
Home-Start’s volunteers offer in-home, judgement-free, 1-2-1 support for families for 1-2 hours a week . The charity also run a Mother’s in Mind group for military mothers who need emotional support and a safe place to talk and be listened to, judgement free, which children are also welcome to attend.
The Mother’s in Mind group runs every Thursday during term-time and holidays from 10am – 12pm at the Birchfield Community Centre, Yeovil, BA21 5RL.
Home-Start have also begun working with DadMatters, encouraging strong bonds between dads and their child(ren) through support groups and advocacy.
This service is currently only available to serving or military families in South Somerset. Families can self-refer themselves, and referrals will also be accepted from any professional.
To make a referral, please visit the Home-Start Blackmore Vale website here.
Home-Start is a charity that has been established for 50 years, providing practical and emotional support for families with at least one child under the age of 5.
Home Start volunteers offer 1-2-1, judgement-free support for families in their own home. The charity also provide support through Mothers in Mind, a group for military mothers who need emotional support and a safe space to talk and be listened to. Children are also welcome to attend this group, with refreshments and toys available.
This service is currently available to serving (or military) families in South Somerset only, with the potential to be available to all families in the future.
Home Start home visits can be arranged around the availability of the family and the charity’s volunteers. The Mothers in Mind group meets on Thursdays between 10am – 2pm at the Birchfield Community Centre in Yeovil. Both services are free.
For referral forms, professionals and families can visit the website and open the form.
Happy Mojos is a way of life. As a children’s activity provider in Somerset, Happy Mojos use creative play to help support the mental wellbeing of children. In their classes and clubs, children have fun in an environment where they can be still, loud, active, creative and mindful, whilst feeling empowered, nurtured, supported, encouraged and respected.
Their fun and creative play sessions give children the confidence to cope with life around them. They learn how to understand emotions and express themselves; building positive relationships with others, whilst having the best time!
Happy Mojos offer school holiday and after school clubs in Somerset. Visit their website for more information and to find a group near you.
Organic Rhythm has been on a mission to present a range of hands on interactive programs to inspire, educate and entertain all types of audiences for the last 15 years. The Drum Bus is their exciting new project – an American school bus from New York that’s been converted to offer a mobile drumming venue.
This energising, uplifting and stress-releasing activity can connect and bond people and is perfect for team building, conference ice breakers, community building, and more.
Based in Ilminster but ready to travel across South Somerset and beyond, The Drum Bus aims to bring the therapeutic benefits of drumming to you.
Costs vary depending on location so get in touch to discuss.
Bumps, Tots & Toddlers is a support group for parents and very young children.
The group meets weekly during term time and is open to parents/carers and their children of pre-school age.
Parents are offered refreshments on arrival and at the half-way point, both parents and children are given biscuits/cake and drinks.
Birthdays are celebrated with cake + candles and game of ‘Pass the Parcel’. As well as plenty of opportunity to play and interact, Bumps, Tots & Toddlers offer craft activities each week, singing & music and a story.
During the winter months, the group meets at Queen Camel Memorial Hall. During the summer months, they meet at St. Barnabas Church in Queen Camel.
The group takes place every term-time Wednesday from 10am – 12pm and charges £2 per family each week.
For more information, contact Morwenna on the details below.
The Early Help offer in Somerset is not just for young children, as problems can emerge at any point throughout childhood and adolescence. The Early Help offer includes universal and targeted services designed to reduce and prevent problems escalating or becoming entrenched.
There are a wide range of Early Help options for support across the county that provide generic or more tailored support based on the concerns presenting. One such team for support is the Family Intervention Service (FIS), which is a specialist county-wide service developed through the joining of established Team 8 and getset level 3 services. It offers support to children and young people from birth up to 18 years and their families where multiple complex issues are present.
The Family Intervention service can also work with families where an individual over 18 has Special Educational Needs, is at risk of homelessness or where younger children are in the home. The team also work to support Young Carers in the county.
If you feel that you and/or your family are in need of support with concerns of behaviour, family relationship dynamics, mental health/emotional wellbeing, substance misuse, domestic abuse, financial or housing support, and/or parenting support FIS could be a service to support you and your family and you can access this by talking to any professional involved regarding making a referral. This could be a GP, School, Health Visitor, Mental health professional, PCSO etc.
Alternatively if you just want to talk, contact us by phone on the number below.
Honest information for everyone about drugs.
The Community Services Team support a range of services including wellbeing activities, older persons befriending, a job club and support for individuals and families. For Martock Parish residents only.
Come and have fun, use your imagination and meet other Lego enthusiasts.
Children under 8 to be accompanied by an adult. Children over 8 can stay by themselves.
No need to book, just turn up to have some fun!
£1 (a drink and biscuit included)
Every Saturday morning: 9.45-10.45, at South Petherton Library.
The Parent Carer Toolkit has been compiled and developed by Public Health and Somerset families. It supports parents and carers to find the information they need to help them with the job of ‘being a parent’.
For babies under 12 months.
Every Friday (term time only). 10.30am – 11.15am.
Meets at Chard Library, Holyrood Lace Mill, Holyrood Street, Chard, TA20 2YA
Somerset Parent Carer Forum’s activities are carried out for the benefit of Parent Carers and families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Somerset. The work we do is focused in the following areas:
We organise local groups and workshops to bring parents carers together for practical and emotional support. Topics include welfare reform, challenging behaviour, managing relationships and transitions. We connect families going through similar experiences or whose child has the same condition or disability. We organise coffee mornings so parents can make new friends and socialise.
Are you thinking of, or in the process of adopting? Perhaps you are bringing up a grandchild? Or a friends child? If any of these apply to you then this is the group for you.
Children are also welcome – we have plenty of toys and there is always coffee and cake.
We meet on the last Friday of the month at The Balsam Centre, Wincanton between 12:30 and 2:30pm. You can just turn up, but if you want more information see details below.
“We’re here to support parents. We give them accurate, impartial information so that they can decide what’s best for their family, and we introduce them to a network of local parents to gain practical and emotional support.”
getset Services (incorporating Children’s Centres) work with children, young people and their families from 0 to19 years and up to 25 years where the young person has a special educational need. We provide services, early help and support where it is needed. Groups, sessions and other activities, including 1 to1 family support are run at or from the centres.
Clare House, Millfield, Chard TA20 2DA.
*Please note that the getset service is subject to change following funding cuts – contact the centre before visiting*
– PFSA work in and are managed by schools, referrals need to come via the students year head or school SENCO of the school where your child attends. PFSAs work with both the child and the family by supporting parents with the positive parenting program (PPP), housing, benefits, taking parents or students to appointments, help with form filling etc. We support young people with attendance, behaviour, self-esteem, confidence building, bullying, funding for trips and uniform or supporting them to find groups to join. PFSAs work with students that may struggle with transition between schools. CAMHS and CSC refer to the PFSAs through schools on a regular basis as children do not always meet their threshold. If a family would like some support then they can call their child’s school and request -support from the PFSA.
The Early Help offer in Somerset is not just for young children, as problems can emerge at any point throughout childhood and adolescence. The Early Help offer includes universal and targeted services designed to reduce and prevent problems escalating or becoming entrenched.
If you have a child 0-19 or are a young person, Early Help may be able to help with any of the following: sleep routines, tantrums, fussy eating, potty training, money management, housing, return to work, child development, domestic abuse, healthy eating, breast feeding, managing behaviour, relationships, independent living.
Alternatively if you just want to talk, contact us by phone.
Bibic supports children and young people age 6 months to 25 years old, with or without a diagnosed condition, who are experiencing social difficulties, developmental problems or struggling with learning, communication, behaviour or physical movement.
Supporting families to better understand their child’s difficulties and condition, bibic enables more independent lives, increases confidence and self-esteem and improves life choices, giving hope for brighter futures.
Yeovil Community Church is part of the church in Yeovil and has been for over 100 years. Starting as Preston Chapel, we have evolved from a brethren congregation to a network of small congregations across the town, to the church we are today, which sees itself as a resource to and a part of the community in Yeovil.
We believe that we are part of something bigger than just ourselves; that we are created to live in community and that our community prospers when we meet the needs of the marginalized, poor, sick and disadvantaged.
Provides a timetable of social and support groups including Yeovil4Family and Yeovil4work.
Safe Families for Children supports families going through difficult times, reducing the flow of children into foster care.
Partnering with local churches and other organisations, we care for some of the most vulnerable members of our society – children whose parents are struggling to cope.
You can help no matter what your skills! Volunteers choose how they give support, when and which needs they feel able to respond to. We provide training and guidance throughout – you are never ‘left on your own’.
For more information, see our website.
PROMISEworks is a Somerset-wide mentoring programme for young people between the ages of five and nineteen who are experiencing difficulties at home or with education and training.
for relationship counselling and family difficulties.
Toddler Group that runs every Friday from 9.30am – 11.30am at the Chard Baptist Church. Please call for more details.
Mum and tots group, every Wednesday from 10am – 11.30am at the Methodist Church Hall.
Contact Jenny Payter for more information.
The Children’s Centre aims to provide universal and targeted services in partnership with children, parents/carers, other agencies and the community that will improve outcomes and opportunities for all children in the geographical reach of the centre.
If you are a parent/ carer with young children aged 0-5 years, come along and join us for a free, fun play session including craft activities and a healthy snack.
Contact Claire Price for more information.
Location: 1st Floor, Clare House, Millfield, Chard, TA20 2DA
Make new friends whilst helping your child to develop their reading and language skills. All are welcome – Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Carers and Child-minders. No need to book – just join in! Every Monday from 10.30am – 11.00am (term time only).
Meets at Yeovil Library, King George Street, Yeovil, BA20 1PY
A morning of fun for children (accompanied by a parent or adult carer). Crafts, games, activities, stories, songs and friendship. Join us as we find out more about God by having fun and making a mess! Activities free – donations towards lunch. Booking essential.
Second Saturday of the month, 10.30am – 12.30pm. Meets at St Peter’s Church, Coronation Avenue, Yeovil, BA21 3DY
Yeovil Lego Club. Children must be aged 6 and above and accompanied by an adult. Every Saturday from 10.30am – 11.30am
Meets at Yeovil Library, King George Street, Yeovil, BA20 1PY
Songs and Rhymes for pre school children of all ages. No need to book, and no charge – just come along and join in! Every Tuesday (term time only). 10.30am – 11am.
Meets at Ilminster Library, Ditton Street, Ilminster, TA19 0BW
Songs and Rhymes for babies under 12 months. Come and join in the singing, then have a chat with new parents over a drink and biscuit afterwards. No need to book and it’s all free! Every Friday (term time only). 10.30am – 11am
Meets at Ilminster Library, Ditton Street, Ilminster, TA19 0BW
Bounce, clap, shake and sing along with us for a lively singing and story time. Ages walking to 4. Every Monday (term time only). 10.30am – 11am
Meets at Crewkerne Library, Falkland Square, Crewkerne, TA18 7JS
Lego club runs the first Saturday in the month for ages 4-8. Come along and play with our vast collection of lego, and make a model to go in our display cupboard. Booking preferred. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meets the first Saturday of the month, 10.30am – 11.30am
Meets at Crewkerne Library, Falkland Square, Crewkerne, TA18 7JS
Squats & Tots is an indoor postnatal exercise class for all levels of fitness where you do need to stress about childcare. It is adapted for new Mums to work on regaining muscle and strength lost during pregnancy and also for Mums that are just looking to join a fun group to move their bodies, get fit, lose fat and meet others.
Mondays 9.30 – 10.30am
Memorial Hall, Wincanton.
All pre walking babies are welcome to come to our singing, rocking, tapping and story session. Meets every Wednesday (term time only). 10.30am – 11am
Meets at Crewkerne Library, Falkland Square, Crewkerne, TA18 7JS
Come along and join in the fun with songs, rhymes, games and puppets. Every Monday (term time only). 10.30am – 11.15am.
Meets at Chard Library, Holyrood Lace Mill, Holyrood Street, Chard, TA20 2YA
Magdalen Farm near Winsham offers tranquil, accessible surroundings and a range of supported programmes for families.
Magdalen Farm is the place to come to learn a new skill or volunteer your support – as an individual or team.
Local people play a key role on the farm. A team of growers volunteer alongside our horticulturalist in the gardens to keep a steady stream of fresh and delicious produce coming into the kitchen, and to ensure it is a first rate teaching environment. Other volunteers choose roles including essential maintenance jobs and nature conservation.
If you are interested in joining the Tuesday volunteers please contact Linzie on 01460 30144.
Parents and Carers are welcome to this lively friendly group for 0-2’s. We have fun playing and chatting with singing time at the end. 10:00am every Tuesday in the church room with toys and refreshments.
Meets at St. James’ Church, Preston Road, Yeovil, BA20 2EZ
A group for 0-4’s with craft activities ride-on toys, and singing time. All Parents and Carers are welcome.
9:30am every Wednesday in Abbey Manor Community Centre. Contact Jeny for more information.
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.
If you’ve been affected by miscarriage, molar pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy, we hope this website will provide the information that you’re looking for.
We hope that family, friends, colleagues and health professionals will find the site helpful too.
We’re here to help you through.
ARC offers non-directive information and support to parents before, during and after antenatal screening; when they are told their baby has an anomaly; when they are making difficult decisions about continuing with or ending a pregnancy, and when they are coping with complex and painful issues after making a decision, including bereavement.
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.
Mandala offers a therapeutic package of in-depth child psychotherapy, supporting early childhood trauma, insecure attachment and low self-esteem. We work closely with parents, carers and key professionals to provide gentle, nurturing therapeutic support to help them recover from trauma they have experienced and promote a better understanding of their needs.
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