The NHS has launched their Volunteer Responders Check in and Chat service; phone calls that can provide a listening ear and a friendly chat for those who many have been recently discharged from hospital or are simply looking for some companionship.

If you, someone you know, or someone you care for would like support or have any questions about the Volunteer Responder programme please call 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week)

Singing for the Brain is a service provided by the Alzheimer’s Society where you can meet new people in a friendly, fun and social environment.

Singing can improve your brain activity, wellbeing and mood and you don’t need to be a good singer to benefit. Join for fun vocal warm-ups and sing a wide variety of familiar and new songs in a supported environment.

The group is hosted by skilled, compassionate and experienced group leaders and runs fortnightly on Thursdays from 10am – 12pm at Muchelney House, Abbots Close, Ilminster TA19 0EF.

For more information, get in touch via the details below.

Queen Camel Cares is a support service for people within Queen Camel for those times when life can appear difficult and overwhelming. Maybe you’re returning home alone following an operation, coping after the loss of a loved one, need help with hospital visits or just need someone to talk to. Get in contact via the details below.

The service is free of charge but a contribution towards petrol for hospital visits is always appreciated.

Join your local Goldies Sing&Smile session for a fun and friendly social sing-along. We sing to the popular hits of the 50s onwards, with artists like Cliff Richard, Tom Jones and Petula Clark. You don’t have to be able to sing, just love music and good company. Goldies sessions are open to all, but particularly aim to combat isolation but older adults.

LOCATIONS:

CHARD – Crowshute House, TA20 2EZ, on the first Thursday of each month from 10.30am

QUEEN CAMEL – Cleaveside Community Room, BA22 7PR on the second Thursday of each month from 2.00pm

SOUTH PETHERTON – Burnworthy House, TA13 5AD on the first Tuesday of each month from 2.00pm

YEOVIL – Mudford Rec Centre, BA21 4AW on various Thursdays (see website for details) from 11.00am

CREWKERNE – The Henhayes Centre, TA18 8DA on the fourth Thursday of each month from 2.00pm

There is a £3 donation fee and carers are free.

This adapted cycling opportunity allows people to enjoy moving at home using pedal exercisers and a choice of ten to thirty minute bike rides that have been filmed across Somerset to bring it to life!

Ideal for older adults or those living with long term health conditions, Love to Pedal encourages people to move more in an accessible, safe and enjoyable way. Chair cycling has many health benefits whilst being an effective form of low impact exercise and therefore more gentle on the joints. This makes it a really good choice for people living with osteoarthritis or any condition where weight bearing may be difficult. Pedal exercisers can also improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen the muscles that help us to sit to stand and use the stairs effectively, increase general mobility, support weight management and improve circulation and related conditions.

SASP is working with a number of partners across Somerset to reach those most impacted by Covid-19 to offer the Love to Pedal at home opportunity. Partner organisations include Primary Care Networks (PCNs) who host Health Coaches supporting people one to one and in groups across Somerset, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, the Stroke Service, Village Agents, Occupational Therapy at Musgrove Park Hospital and Integrated Rehabilitation Therapy teams.

A number of pedal exercisers are available for you or a family member to loan for six weeks alongside our virtual bike rides. Contact your Practice’s Health Coach or one of the partners above to register your interest.

The Filo Project is an award winning not-for-profit social enterprise offering high quality small group day care for older people who are socially isolated and are experiencing symptoms associated with early to moderate dementia.

Transport is included in the service meaning we can support even the most geographically isolated. The intimate environment is key, no client is overwhelmed by a large group. We liken the day with the Filo Project to spending a ‘day with friends’.

Our free Active Befriending ’Walk and Talk’ service aims to support older people who would like to benefit from fresh air and being more active but don’t feel very confident about going out by themselves.

This is a new Befriending service which sits alongside our Befriending and our Friendly Phone Calls services to offer a more active alternative for those who want it.  The service is free, has been devised and supported by Age UK Somerset, Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP) and Somerset County Council.

What does the Active Befriending service offer?
After clients have registered they will be matched with a suitable volunteer (depending of course on availability in that area).  Then over an initial 8 week period, clients will be called for by the volunteer each week, who will then take them out for a short walk starting from (and returning to) the client’s home.

‘Memory Connections’ is our Dementia Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) weekly programme of meaningful and stimulating activities for people living with mild to moderate dementia. 

A Memory Connections group session offers its members a range of enjoyable activities providing general stimulation for thinking, concentration and memory. Each week we will cover different themes and topics such as; Life History, Current Affairs, Word Games, Physical activity, Music, Creativity and much more. We aim for the sessions to group led, our members can even choose topics/themes they would enjoy discussing to encourage a greater engagement and enthusiasm.

Our trained specialist team deliver the sessions, group members are encouraged to engage in a wide variety of activities to promote the maintenance of an active and stimulated mind.

Memory Connections (Dementia MCST) can accommodate people with or without a formal dementia diagnosis; please speak to our friendly team for further information.

Participants can attend face-to-face group sessions or virtual sessions at home using Zoom. 

We are a club for over 55 year-olds. We have two speakers a month, 5 outings per year. We do a range of social activities, including bingo and a beetle drive.

We meet every Thursday from 2.15pm to 4pm.

Crowshute House, Crowshute Link, Chard, TA20 2EZ.

Active Age Pioga is performed on chairs . We use big and small bands to help with posture correction and, if you wish, to increase the difficulty level of exercises.

It’s suitable for all abilities and is the perfect setting for making new friends as well as staying healthy, active and free from muscular aches and pains.

Henhayes Centre Crewkerne 9.30am – 10.30am – £5 per class

Age UK Somerset provides information and advice on a wide range of issues. We’ll provide you with the facts and you can make choices and decisions knowing you have reliable information. We can help you with:

• Welfare benefits and money matters
• Housing rights.
• Health and social care
• Leisure and social activities
• Family and personal matters
• Your rights to local services

And most other things that affect your quality of life.

‘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.

We support over 120 Active Living groups, each providing an opportunity for people over 50 to take part in local activities, enjoy the company of others, and access all sorts of information about keeping well and active.

Every Tuesday from 2pm – 3pm at the Methodist Church Hall.

Contact Jo Goldie for more details.

For those looking for fun, companionship and camaraderie. With live entertainment and a two-course lunch.

Fee £13. Transport available if booked ahead, additional £3.50

Tuesdays, 10:00 – 14:00, lunch served at 12:30pm, the Henhayes Centre, Crewkerne.

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 South Street Centre is dedicated to the over 50’s. We offer meals and activities, information and friendship. Our two services are the Day Centre with lunches, and the Yeovil Meals service.

The Day Centre offers a two course traditional lunch and all meals are cooked in our own kitchen using fresh, local ingredients. Just phone us before 11.00am for our Menu of the Day and to book your lunch or pop in and have a look at our weekly menu board in the foyer. Lunch served at 12.30 daily.Why not join us for morning coffee or lunch after shopping?

We have two large rooms at the centre which are available at various times for functions, meetings or presentations. Each day there is a range of activities from Flexercise, craft activities, singalong sessions to computer classes.

Yeovil Community Meals Service is a charity which delivers meals to vulnerable people in Yeovil, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). Meals are freshly cooked each day in the kitchen at Yeovil Day Centre and delivered between 12.00 noon and 1.30 pm by volunteer drivers.

Clients do not need to be referred and enquiries are welcome from any individual or representative of any person who cannot regularly prepare and cook a meal for themselves. The meal service would like to thank Marks & Spencer, Yeovil for their support.

South Street Centre, 20 South Street, Yeovil, BA20 1QE

Adult Social Care supports adults of working age and older people who have disabilities, mental health problems, a sensory loss or general frailty.

Our vision is a society which values older people and one in which they and other adults can live free from abuse perpetrated by those in whom they have an expectation of trust.  Where such abuse occurs, we seek an environment in which it can be identified and addressed.

At Hourglass and through our helpline, we work for safer ageing and a fairer society.

We have had a wide range of topics and informative sessions that have been enjoyed by all. We also have days out to local places of interest.
Takes place on the first Friday of every month, from 11am – 3pm.
For more information contact Jane Simmonds-Short.

Zumba Gold is a low impact exercise suitable for beginners, over 50’s or those new to exercise.  Contact Debbie Knight for more information and the timetable. Meets at Odcombe village hall, Old Rd, Odcombe, Yeovil BA22 8XP on Fridays 10am

Peace of mind for independent living. Personal pendant alarm giving reassurance and help at home, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. See website for prices.

Falls are common in people aged over 65 years and older and are the leading cause of injury, and subsequently, can lead to impaired function, loss of confidence, isolation and a loss of independence. Strength, flexibility, balance and reaction times are considered the most readily modifiable risk factors for falls.

The Stay Strong Stay Steady exercise programme is designed specifically to prevent falls, consisting of leg muscle strengthening, balance retraining exercises and a walking plan.

Trained and qualified Instructors are providing classes at;
Archie Gooch Pavilion, Ilminster – Wednesday pm
Chard Guildhall, Chard – Monday am
Crewkerne – Coming Soon
Holy Trinity Community Centre, Yeovil – Tuesday pm
Martock Parish Hall, Martock – Coming Soon
Ridgway Hall, Langport – Wednesday am
Somerton Parish Rooms, Somerton – Thursday am
Methodist Church, South Petherton – Wednesday pm
St Peters Community Centre, Yeovil – Thursday am

The classes run once a week and the cost is £4.00.

The classes are aimed at people who; have a low risk of falling; may experience a fear of falling; feel unstable; have a history of falls (which has been investigated); have low bone density; a family history of osteoporotic fracture; and those who wish to increase muscle strength, balance and confidence. To participate in a class you will be required to complete a questionnaire/referral prior to attending, which will either need to be signed off by a health professional or send to us and we may be able to arrange this ourselves.

For further information and a form please contact Age UK.

A national charity for the elderly, the terminally ill and their pets offering peace of mind and practical help such as dog walking and fostering.

The Cinnamon Trust is a national network of over 15,000 community service volunteers has been established to provide practical help when any aspect of day to day care of pets pose a problem, for example, walking the dog for a housebound owner.

A national fostering service is provided for pets whose owners face a spell in hospital. Volunteers take pets into their own homes and supply love and care in abundance until owner and pet can be reunited.  For more information about the service or to become a volunteer please call us or visit our website.

A fun session of chair based exercise and music to help improve flexibility, boost confidence, and promote overall well-being.

Every Monday from 1-1.30. Free of charge but generally reserved for patients of Millbrook Surgery due to space.

A programme of activities provided is available on request. Activities provided include, Talks and speakers, games, outings, songs and music and crafts. For physically challenged older people. Meeting weekly on Thursday afternoons at the Moose Hall, St Michael’s Avenue, Yeovil, BA21 4LL

The Ivy Club is an afternoon group for ladies and gentlemen aged 55 plus in Tintinhull. There is a small annual subscription and a small charge for refreshments, visitors are always welcome for a charge of £1 per meeting.

Meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month between 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Meets at Tintinhull Village Hall, Vicarage St, Tintinhull, Yeovil BA22 8PY. Contact Eileen Bennie for more information.

Social coffee morning at Grovelands, first Wednesday of every month. 10am – 11.30am. Home made refreshments and chat.

£1 a session, first wednesday of the month, 10am – 11.30am. Grovelands, 45 Grove Avenue, Yeovil, BA20 2BE

Goldies Sing&Smile groups are NOT choirs, but fun social sessions where people come together to sing-a-long to the popular hits of the 50s onwards, chat, stretch and smile. You’ll be sure of a friendly welcome, lots of fun, tea and biscuits! Everyone is welcome, there’s a £2 donation to attend.

Meetings:

Chard – First Thursday of each month from 10.30am. Crowshute House, TA20 2EZ.

Crewkerne – Second Friday and fourth Thursday of each month from 2.00pm. The Henhayes Centre, TA18 8DA.

Martock – First Friday of each month from 2.15pm. The Parish Hall, Church Street, TA12 6JL.

Queen Camel – Second Thursday of each month from 2.00pm. Cleaveside Close, The Glebe, BA22 7PR.

South Petherton – First Tuesday of each month from 2.00pm. Burnworthy House, TA12 5AD.

Yeovil – On various Thursdays from 11.00am (see website for details). Mudford Rec Centre, BA21 4AW.

Contact The Goldies Office to find out more 01761 470006

Join us once a month for activities, socialising, lunch and refreshments. Two course lunch and all drinks included in the £6 fee.

Meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month. 10.30am – 1.30pm at Grovelands, 45 Grove Avenue, Yeovil, BA20 2BE

Through befriending, lunch clubs, assisted shopping, activity and friendship sessions, outings, escorts to appointments and much more, MHA’s Live at Home schemes across the UK help to tackle loneliness and isolation in people over 55 – helping them to lead fulfilled lives and remain as active members in their local communities.

Activities and services in South Somerset take place in the Wincanton Methodist Church Hall, 38 High St, Wincanton BA9 9JF, and include:

Tuesdays – Activity and Social Session – 10:30am – 1:45pm – £7

Every other Wednesday – Lunch Club – midday-2pm – £10

Thursdays – Laughter Group – 2pm-4pm – £5

A seated exercise group will soon be taking place on Wednesdays where there is no Lunch Club, and will cost £5 per session. Tea and coffee will be included.

Services will be expanding into Yeovil in the near future.

For more information about any of these services, please get in touch using the contact details below.

A chair-based exercise/physio session for all abilities, full of encouragement and positivity. Aimed at those recovering from health problems, suffering mobility issues, unable to move certain limbs or who are not as active as they once were.

Session fee £3.50 (Henhayes members) £4 (non-members). Booking essential.

Every Monday & Thursday 9:30 – 10:30

Afternoon tea dance held at Chardstock Commemorative Hall every Wednesday afternoon between 2pm – 4.30pm.

Tea and biscuits provided.

An afternoon of sequence and ballroom dancing open to non-members and beginners.

Location: Chardstock Commemorative Hall, Chardstock, Devon EX13 7BJ
Contact: Stephen Moore

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.

Exercise Classes for Over 50’s 

Ageing Well is a National programme managed by Age UK and supported by Somerset County Council. The service promotes physical activity for mental and physical health and wellbeing – “adding years to life, adding life to years” – and organises activities and sessions throughout Somerset.

Check out the fantastic range of activities via the link below.

A slightly more energetic exercise class for the over 55’s.

Session fee £3.50 (Henhayes members) £4.50 (non-members). Booking essential.

Fridays from 9:30 – 10:30am.

Sport50 offers anyone over the age of 50 the opportunity to try a wide range of adapted sports which can include badminton, short tennis, boccia, seated volleyball, croquet and new age kurling.

Sport50 has clubs in: Ash, Bruton, Crewkerne, East Coker, Mudford, Somerton, Tatworth, and West Coker. Please get in contact with Catherine Devonshire for specific venues, days and times.

Yoga combines breathing, relaxation and physical exercises to balance the mind. It also helps to improve flexibility and can aid posture by teaching relaxation of the neck, shoulders and back. It will help you to feel less stressed and will help with your flexibility and co-ordination.

The instructor can adapt the postures for either the floor or chair to suit individual needs and abilities. No previous experience is required nor do you have to be fit already as the stretches are gentle and involve posture and breathing.

Meets at the Methodist Church Hall, every Wednesday from 2.15pm – 3.15pm. Please contact for more details.

Football without the running. Great exercise for older people or those with a disability or condition. Open to men and women of all ages. Meets on Tuesdays, and has two sessions available, 5-6pm and 6-7pm. Meets at Bucklers Mead Sports Centre.

U3A provides educational and learning opportunities for people who are retired or no longer in full-time work.  There are a wide range of courses and groups available.

The University of the Third Age (U3A) is an international self-help learning organisation for people who have completed their career or finished raising a family. It’s a time to enrich your lives with new skills and experiences, pursue interests and make new friends.

The U3A is different from other learning organisations – rather than pay people to teach, our members share their skills and talents with other members.

In South Somerset, there are U3A’s in Yeovil, Crewkerne, Chard, Somerton, Mattock, Castle Cary and the Blackmore Vale. You can find your nearest branch here https://www.u3a.org.uk/find

Yeovil’s U3A is the longest running one in the UK! They have around 250 members and 40 active groups.

Singing for the memory. Light refreshments provided. £2 a session.

Second wednesday of the month, 10am – 11.30am. Meets at Grovelands, 45 Grove Avenue, Yeovil, BA20 2BE

For people with dementia or memory loss, the Memory Group provides a happy, social session offering a personal, engaging and interactive experience. The group offers company, comfort and stimulation with the option of a 2 course meal served at lunchtime. The 3hour session also provides a few hours valuable respite for carers.

Please note- before attendance an assessment will need to be undertaken to ensure the group is suitable. Please contact the Henhayes Centre on 01460 74340 for more information. 

Every Monday 10am to 1pm, lunch served at 12:30pm.

For support on many issues affecting the elderly such as housing, benefits advice, hospital discharge, isolation, and care homes.

Monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties are a lifeline of friendship for lonely people over 75. Each older person is collected from their home by a volunteer driver and taken to a volunteer host’s home for the afternoon. Bringing people of all ages together, develop fulfilling friendships and support networks.

The Macular Society is the only charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world-class research, and the best advice and support.

With the help of our members and supporters, we:

·        Fund new research into a cure so that future generations won’t suffer from sight loss caused by macular disease

·        Continue to help people of all ages adapt to life with sight loss, by supporting them to regain confidence and independence so they can take back control of their lives.

The Yeovil Macular Support Group meets on the third Thursday of each month, from 1.30-3.30pm, at South Street Centre, South Street, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 1QE.

We run programmes for those aged 50+ from Rylands Farm, near Sherborne, which is known as The Countrymen’s Club and also a separate club for their carers. Activities are tailored to the preferences of the group & needs, which can be very broad ranging and include working with animals and spending time touring the farm and discussing changes, through to picking fruit or vegetables and then cooking a meal to be shared.

Other activities include art therapy, traditional songs and poems, general woodwork or small building projects. Building projects are driven by the needs of each site so usually relate to agriculture or horticulture.

As the session content is led by the Countrymen it is a varied programme but it always involves time outside in the fresh air – come rain or shine! The project is open to all, but is designed to address rural isolation and meet the needs of those with lifelong conditions who find it difficult to socialise & access the countryside or work activity.

Men living in South Somerset are more than welcome to come along to our Countrymen’s Club at Rylands Farm!

You can borrow talking books free of charge, if you are registered with a visual impairment, are unable to hold or use printed material due to a physical disability or if you are dyslexic.

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

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service offer a Free Home Fire Safety Visit – a visit involves a fire and rescue service employee visiting your home to give advice and guidance to help with fire safety needs e.g. fit a smoke detector if there isn’t one, provide advice about hazards around the home, talk through an escape plan and provide additional safety items such as vibrating alerts (subject to criteria). Also advice for people with hoarding issues.

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.