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)

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.

A 12-week course covering the 5 ways to wellbeing in a friendly and inclusive group at the Henhayes Centre. Sessions will include a variety of activities to cover the 5 steps to wellbeing. This empowering course is a mix of practical, creative, and workroom-based activities and will help participants:

• Meet, socialise, and make friends in a safe, secure environment.
• Have a greater understanding of the 5 ways to wellbeing.
• Learn new skills, work as part of a team and have a greater understanding of peer support.
• Identify their unique skills and abilities and make positive life choices.
• Set their own goals and look to the future with greater confidence, motivation, and hope.

A 12-week course covering the 5 ways to wellbeing in a friendly and inclusive group at the Balsam Centre. Sessions will include a variety of activities to cover the 5 steps to wellbeing. This empowering course is a mix of practical, creative, and workroom-based activities and will help participants:

• Meet, socialise, and make friends in a safe, secure environment.
• Have a greater understanding of the 5 ways to wellbeing.
• Learn new skills, work as part of a team and have a greater understanding of peer support.
• Identify their unique skills and abilities and make positive life choices.
• Set their own goals and look to the future with greater confidence, motivation, and hope.

Mudford Rec Youth Club runs 7.30pm – 9.30pm, term – time only, entry £1.

Liven up your Thursday evenings and come along to the youth club!

Consent must be provided by a parent or carer.

For more information contact: NatalieWalton@ymca-bg.org

Yeovil Trinity Peer Group is an open mental health peer support group, offering support and conversation.  Starting 16th September 2022.  Meeting every Friday 10.30am – 12 midday at Yeovil Foyer, Peter Street, Yeovil, BA20 1PN

We are a friendly, well-established and non auditioned choir that regularly welcomes new members, often with little or no previous singing experience. We find that that the best way to learn is in the company of other, like minded, individuals – and be assured that our charismatic conductor, Katrine Reimers, will bring fun to the occasion as well as satisfaction.

Checkout our Facebook page to see what’s been going on!

The first three rehearsals are free to give you time to get used to us and make some friends.

We meet weekly on Monday evenings, 7.15-9.00pm, from September through to May at The PEC, King Arthur’s School, Wincanton, BA9 9BX.

Free coffee morning at the library. Bring a mug.
Meets every Tuesday, 10am – 12pm. Crewkerne Library, Falkland Square, Crewkerne, TA18 7JS

Chaffcombe Village Hall every Tuesday at 2pm

The Baptist Church Rooms alternative Wednesday afternoons 1.30pm – 4.00 pm.

Meet at Eleos Cafe every other Friday, call for details.

Forefront Community Church Coffee Morning every Wednesday 10:30-11:45am. Forefront Community Centre, 42 Fore Street, Chard, Somerset TA20 1QA

Coffee morning at Chard Methodist Church, Thursday mornings 10am – 12pm.

Crowshute Centre, Wednesdays from 12 til 1pm. £7.50 for main course. Contact Tony Prior.

Yeovil Rivers Community Trust is a charity specialising in the restoration, preservation and sustainability of the rivers and streams in and around Yeovil. 

Volunteers are central to our work and we encourage the local community to get involved in our projects improving and restoring rivers, streams and ponds and the environment around them. Our aim is to create improved habitat for local wildlife and lovely spaces which can be enjoyed by the whole community, whether it is just sitting admiring the view or using them for recreational or educational purposes. 

During the pandemic, we have seen how engaging with nature and getting out into the Great Outdoors can have a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing.   We offer a range of volunteering opportunities and outdoor activities which include wildlife habitat enhancements, surveys, litter picking, wild flower planting, invasive plant species clearing, as well as organised nature trails, education events, and a whole lot more.  

Activities are available for everyone, irrespective of age, gender, ability, and it is a great way to get outside, meet people, to learn new skills/hobbies and to make a difference to our countryside. Everyone is welcome and we look forward to seeing you at one of our events.  

For further details please contact Lorne Thomson.

Long Sutton Village Hall, Thurs 7.30-9.30pm. anitaandjim22@gmail.com 01460 929383

Broadway Hill Methodist Church. 1hr of tech tuition on any device for the cost of a cuppa. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, 2.30-4.30pm. Contact Sue Parsons.

Parish rooms, 3rd Tuesday of the month at 2.30pm.

Somerton sports club, last Wednesday of month 10.30am. long.derek1946@gmail.com 01458 274038

Parish rooms, Market Square. Second Wednesday of month 7.30pm, £5 includes tea or coffee. i_dissagree@hotmail.com

Mid Wessex Singers is held at West Street Church Hall, Tuesday 7.15 – 9pm.

The Friendship Club is held on the second Thursday of the month at 10.30am.

Exhibition space, Old town hall. First Wednesday of month 11am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm.

Somerton Community Choir, all levels, social and fun!

First meeting free, then membership £25.00 per year.

Contact Sue Frost 01458 272836.

1st and 3rd week of the month. Meet outside the library at 11.30am. Call Mo Fletcher 01458 274631

The Coffee Mornings run from 10am to 11.30 am every Wednesday of the year. Drinks and cakes are all £1. Proceeds to local groups & charities. There is a lift. All welcome.
The Court Room at Ilchester Town Hall, High St, BA22 8NQ.

Social session, alternate Wednesdays 2.30 – 4pm, restarting 9th February 2022. Please call Lyn Foley if you would like to attend. Cost £3.00.

The Lighthouse Cafe, West Street, Stoke sub Hamdon.

Starting Monday 4th October 2021

A class for all abilities aiming to strengthen the body and improve flexibility, general fitness, and wellbeing, while helping to develop control and endurance for the entire body. Pilates puts emphasis on alignment, breathing, developing a strong core (the muscles of the abdomen, low back, and hips), and improving coordination and balance.

Mondays 2:30pm – 3:30pm – £4.00 Members / £6.00 Non-Members . Booking essential.

Suitable for all ages, abilities, and fitness. A fusion of different dance & aerobics to give you a fun and enjoyable workout.
Every Tuesday 19:00 – 20:00 – £5.00 per session . Booking essential.

We meet every Friday at 11 a.m. and cook and eat a meal together. Speedwell Hall, Abbey Street. Also give away free food from supermarkets at Bar5 on Thursdays from 10:30.

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

Since 1996 Carymoor has transformed 100 acres of capped landfill into a thriving nature reserve. Our nature reserve is the perfect place to connect with nature, learn new skills and to meet people. We use traditional conservation techniques to manage our reserve which help to boost physical and mental health, and to support wildlife on site.

Our visitor centre is surrounded by an orchard, wildflower and sensory gardens, and a vegetable garden, and our nature reserve has a mosaic of different habitats, including meadows, woodland and wetland.

If you like to play board games but live on your own, join this small friendly group of people who come to play scrabble every Tuesday at Ilminster Library between 2-4pm. No need to book and no charge to play but voluntary donation towards the refreshments served. 

Meets at Ilminster Library, Ditton Street, Ilminster TA19 0BW

We are driven by a single goal; to do our part in making the world a better place for all.

We strive to bring men together to connect, create, converse and build lasting friendships.

Wednesday afternoons between 2pm and 5pm and every Thursday between 1pm and 5pm for woodwork activities.

Hornsbury Mill, Chard TA20 3DB

The South Petherton Luncheon Club takes place very Tuesday and Thursday from 12.30pm-1.30pm at the Coke Memorial Methodist Church Hall on Palmer Street, South Petherton, TA13 5DB. Transport is available to those who need it.

For more information, please call the number below.

South Somerset Community Choir rehearses on Monday evenings during term time from 7pm to 9pm in Crewkerne Methodist Church, South Street, Crewkerne.

The choir sings a wide range of music from show tunes to popular songs and folk pieces to classical works and is open to singers of all abilities.

New members are always welcome.

Woodwork and craft activities, sharing skills, experiences, ideas and tools with like-minded people. Open to all. Nice crafting room upstairs.

Tuesday from 10 am – 1 pm,  Thursdays from 1 pm – 4 pm.

14a East Street, Crewkerne.

Henhayes Knitters meet every Tuesday for a get together for knitting and nattering whilst raising funds for the Henhayes Centre. All ages and abilities welcome.

Every Tuesday, 14:00 to 16:00 at the Henhayes Centre, Crewkerne.

Somerset Wellbeing Friends provided by Mind in Somerset

Focusing on improving life skills, promoting coping strategies and tackling loneliness.
They also offer support for those affected by mental health issues. Everyone is welcome to come, learn and make friends!

Bridgwater- The Engine Room- Every Monday 10am-12pm
Taunton- The Albemarie Centre- Every Monday 2pm-4pm
Yeovil- St Mark’s Church- Every Tuesday 11am-1pm
Frome- Cheese and Grain- Every Tuesday 2.30pm-4.30pm
Minehead- Quaker Meeting House- Every Thursday 11am-1pm

Supported group for people living with memory loss and their loved ones.

Drop in and meet new friends enjoy new activities, coffee and a chat.

Every Friday 10-12pm.

Chard Young people’s centre,

Essex Close,

Chard

TA20 1RH

Please call Judith for more information.

All welcome! Organised by Connecting Petherton.

2.30-4pm on the 2nd Friday of the month (except for Sept 2019, no meeting).

Pitway Community Hall, Silver Street, South Petherton TA13 5AW.

Enjoy free refreshments and good company. Find out about local activities and events. Open to all.

First Weds of the month, 2:00 pm  – 3:30 pm

Yeovil Family Church, 164 Preston Road, Yeovil,  BA20 2EQ

For more information contact Sue Baimbridge.

Meets Mondays 2.30-4.30pm at Vicarage Street Methodist Church, Yeovil. Contact Jane Carter-Uren for more details.

Oaklands Surgery’s PPG run a coffee morning at the surgery on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, from 10:30-12:00.

Contact Margaret via the Surgery.

Meet local people and find out about local support and activities. Open to all. Part of the Take Part project, supported by Yarlington.

2nd & 4th Weds of the month. 10:30am -12:30pm.

Yarlington Community Hub, St. John’s Road, Yeovil, BA21 5QA.

For more information, contact Emma at Spark Somerset.

Our aim is to connect people with others that may feel in need of some company. All welcome. Enjoy a cuppa and company. Donation welcome.

We meet once a month, on the first Wednesday, between 2 and 3.30pm.

The GateWay/Yeovil Community Church, Addlewell Lane, Yeovil.

Join us for this wonderful event offering everyone from the community the chance to share in a free meal, fun, activities and board games. From 4.30pm to 6.30pm on the fourth Saturday of each month.

Minster Rooms, Court Barton, Ilminster.

Social project which supports people through doing practical activities. Primarily woodworking but also crafts. All welcome.

We have moved to the Pen Mill trading estate – Unit 5B, 8 Buckland Rd, BA21 5EA.

This takes place in our hall every Wednesday morning from 9.30 am – 12 noon run by a team of volunteers.  It provides a happy lively place for people of all ages to meet up and have a chat over a cup of coffee or tea and a selection of homemade cakes.

A book and magazine exchange table is provided.

There is no charge but donations are always welcome and after covering expenses surplus funds are given to charity.

Methodist Church, 2 Upper High St, Castle Cary BA7 7AT

Weekly lunch & a talk from a wide range of speakers.

12 noon – 4pm.

Contact Cynth Jeffery for more information.

A support group for adults with learning disabilities to;

• Have a voice about things that matter
• Meet new friends and have fun
• Get information and support
• Gain new skills and confidence

We meet on a monthly basis from 1pm to 2.30pm in Yeovil Library.

Groups are free but please bring money for snacks and drinks. We are unable to provide personal care or support so please bring support if required!

Colleen and the group look forward to welcoming you. Please contact People First Dorset to find out more & future dates.

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.

A coffee group at Westlands Sports and Social Club, Yeovil. A chance for people to get together and meet others to have a chat. Very informal event for anyone who wants to come. First Thursday of the month, 2pm – 3pm

Our Tuesday Luncheon club is an opportunity for a social gathering and a nutritious lunch. We have a range of short talks, usually once a month, that are enjoyed over coffee after lunch. At Milford Park, Yeovil, BA21 4QD, please contact for more details.

Monthly walks, 4 miles and 8 miles approximately, coach to destination. All ages welcome – No dogs.

Contact Mrs. Bagg for more details.

Meet at 27 Helmstedt Way, Chard, TA20 1DQ.

The Geranium Trust, the charity based in Barwick & Stoford, near Yeovil, holds regular tea parties for those feeling lonely or isolated. If you, or someone you know, would benefit from spending a couple of hours each month drinking tea, eating cake, and making new friends then PLEASE get in touch. If you are housebound we may also be able to arrange to bring a special ‘one to one’ tea party out to your home. Just contact us to see what we can arrange.

We have a full and varied programme throughout the year including guest speakers.  We have a range of group activities including a craft/knit & knatter group, art group, book club, outings and monthly lunches. A friendly welcome for all visitors/new members of all ages awaits.

We meet on the second Tuesday of each month (excluding July) at 7.30pm.

Baptist Church Hall, Holyrood Street, Chard.

Starting in Australia, Men’s Sheds have now expanded worldwide. Many men found that once they retired they lost their social network so “Men in Sheds” started, bringing retired or unemployed men together to work on community projects and to socialise again. If you enjoy pottering about in your shed, or you’d like to work on a project – your own or a community project – with others, then come and meet the “shedders”.

Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 10-12:30.

The Balsam Centre, Wincanton.

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.

We’re a real mix of people: able bodied skilled woodworkers, some who are not as able as they used to be and need help, and some who have never done woodwork before. There’s a lovely atmosphere and plenty of help for those that want it. We’ve made bird boxes, bird tables, flower tubs, bat boxes, and bug hotels so far.

Come along and see what we do. Just come for a visit, or come and join in. You’ll be made very welcome. Men and women welcome.

Our workshops are the Chapels at the Cemetery.  We meet from 2.00 till 4.30pm every Thursday.

For Preston Grove patients only – friendship coffee group meets on the first Thursday of every month (2-3pm) where patients and carers can come for a chat and a coffee/tea. Please contact the surgery for venue details.

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.

Offering an afternoon painting group on a Monday, outdoor painting in the summer and occasional workshops. Please contact for more details.

Provides a free service to those in the community affected by a life-limiting illness. We run informal drop-in support in Yeovil and Taunton. We welcome anyone who is affected by a life limiting illness. This could be patients, friends, family or carers.  There is no need to book

Yeovil :  Wednesdays 10.30-12.30, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil  BA20 1UX

Taunton :  Thursdays 2-4pm, Sunflower Centre, St Margaret’s Hospice, Heron Drive, Taunton  TA1 5HA.

There is also a 24 hour support helpline for patients and their families facing a life-limiting illness. Call the number listed below.

Feel better with a book and self help reading lists. Groups run at;

• Wincanton Library, Tuesdays 2.30pm-4.00pm (2nd, 4th and 5th Tuesday of the month)

Please contact us for more information.

Scouting in East Somerset District is thriving, making an enormous difference to the lives of literally hundreds of young people, volunteers and our wider community.

East Somerset District is one of the largest Scout Districts in the UK. We have over 1,900 young people and over 800 volunteers.

We cover a large geographical area from Yeovil in the south to the village of Rode (north of Frome) in the North.

Fun and Adventure can be found in our Scout Groups up and down our District which includes Yeovil, Wincanton, Martock, Somerton, Bruton and Castle Cary.

From the Hub Yeovil Community Support Charity. A Social Club for Adults for Vulnerable Adults. We run a variety of activities including crafts, games, quizzes, and general socialising. Club members can purchase an evening meal for £2.50. TAG meets at The Hub on Wednesday Evenings 6.15-8.30.

If anyone is tired of eating alone, or of cooking, come along and share a meal with us and meet new friends. Meets the 4th Friday of month at 12.30pm. At St Marks Church, Chelston Avenue, Yeovil

Third Thursday of the month in the church room. We have guest speakers and themed meetings.  Our mature membership enjoy meeting to chat, enjoy various talks and refreshments.

Meets at St James’ Church, Preston Road, Yeovil, BA20 2EZ

An opportunity to make new friends and enjoy a cooked lunch. Meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meets at the St Andrew’s Church Hall, Preston Grove, Yeovil, BA20 2BQ

Local lunch club. Every Wednesday from 12pm – 1pm, at St Peter’s Church, Coronation Avenue, Yeovil, BA21 3DY.

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

Fourth Thursday of the month at 2pm in the church room. A social group with refreshments and an opportunity to bring your own knitting or sewing, or just to sit and chat. At St James’ Church, Preston Road, Yeovil,  BA20 2EZ

Come and meet once a week for a sociable get together with other like minded knitters and crocheters. Bring a mug.

Meets every Monday, 10am – 12pm at Crewkerne Library, Falkland Square, Crewkerne,  TA18 7JS

Friendly company and a warm drink!  Signposting support for those in need.  Every Friday 1.30pm -4.30pm at the Methodist Church, Cameo Room, Vicarage Walk, Quedam, Yeovil

This is a FREE event that takes place in Martock Library every Monday from 2pm to 4pm. Everyone is welcome, young, old or inbetween; experienced or novice. Pop in and try it!

Martock Library, The Shopping Centre, Martock, Somerset, TA12 6DL

Coffee community group. It is run for the community by the community, not just church members, and everyone is most welcome. Meet on Mondays from 10am – 12pm at St Peter’s Church, Coronation Avenue, Yeovil, BA21 3DY.

Food donated by Tesco and Coop and by members of the public. Coma along as often as you like, for a free tea or coffee, company and a chat.

Every Saturday 10:15 – 11:15.

Sweet Surprise, Silver Street, Ilminster.

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.

Feel better with a book at free Shared Reading group. Everyone is welcome to join to share a story and poem.

·         Yeovil Library, Mondays, 11.30am – 1.00pm

Please contact us for more information.

Are you struggling with your laptop, tablet or smartphone? Help is at hand! Session fee £3.50.

Tuesdays from 10am – 12pm.

Mum and tots group, every Wednesday from 10am – 11.30am at the Methodist Church Hall.

Contact Jenny Payter for more information.

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.

A place to come and chat and meet new people. We provide a range of activities which include; Quizzes, games, crosswords, trivia and puzzles, visiting speakers, painting, flower arranging and crafts, knitting, poetry and short story sessions. There is also Flexercise and indoor activity with Music and singing, calligraphy, Computer skills, and Wii games (Bowling, basket ball and table tennis).

Every Wednesday from 10am to 3pm.  Contact Rachel Follett 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

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.

Local ‘get together’ including lunch. A range of activities provided at this group which include flexercise, quiz activities and speakers. Every Thursday from 10am – 3pm.

The best time to ‘drop in’ to find out more, is in the morning between 10 and 12am for tea or coffee. This is a friendly and sociable group who enjoy meeting up to talk, share their interests, and have a meal together.

Contact Caroline Bennett for more information.

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

A place to make, mend and grow in rural Somerset. Located on Spring Farm in Ash there is now a craft cabin with the aim to build an adjoining wooden workshop canopy. There is also a growing vegetable plot and a few animals to care for.

In time the team want to open up the facilities to all sorts of people, young and old to come to make, mend and grow things together. Learn new skills as well as make beautiful or useful things.

The team of volunteers would also like to provide people with the opportunity to learn about and grow in the Christian faith which is their strong foundation and motivation.

Roast Dinners for gay guys who need company and to help them make new friends on the Sunday that follows the last Friday in the month.

Call or email for details.

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.

The Women’s Shed was established in June 2017 and has gone from strength to strength. It was designed to run in a similar fashion to the popular Men’s Shed also at the Balsam Centre. We share our skills or have professionals come in to run some sessions.

The project provides women from military and local families access to traditional craft activities such as:

• Hand sewing
• Machine sewing
• Knitting
• Crochet
• Jewellery making
• Patchwork
• Basic car maintenance
• Bath bomb making
• Candle making
• Wet felting
• Bird box making
• Card making
• Christmas decorations

Meets at The Balsam Centre in Wincanton every Tuesday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Contact Nicola Micklewright for more information.

Coffee morning for gay guys at Barwick and Stoford on the 2nd Saturday in the month from 11 – 3 pm.

Call or email for details.

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!

CHARD WATCH (Working Altogether in Chard) is a group of like-minded people whose aim is to provide other isolated individuals from Chard, and the surrounding areas, a safe place to grow by developing confidence, friendships and valuable skills. We give members an elevated sense of confidence and empowerment by enabling them to take their own positive steps. Change comes from within, and we help people take their first steps to fulfil their potential.

Our project offers a warm and non-judgemental social base where members can regain confidence by accessing various workshops and activities like art, reflexology, cooking, drama, walks, personal awareness courses and IT workshops. One of our most important engaging times are our tea and talk sessions whereby members bring subjects, ideas, plans, worries, etc. to discuss with other members, staff and volunteers. WATCH also delivers a variety of free self-management, peer workshops and bespoke courses both locally and across the whole of Somerset.

Please contact us for more information on what we can offer and how to become a member.

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.