Mind in Somerset opens new office in Bridgwater

We were delighted last week to open our new Bridgwater office following our Annual General Meeting at the Town Hall, where were joined by our service users, volunteers and funders. We continue to encourage wide input in shaping the direction Mind in Somerset takes, as part of our commitment to provide a comprehensive mental health service for people across Somerset.

The ribbon was cut by one of our Honorary Life Presidents, Jean Grant. Jean founded Mind in Taunton and West Somerset, a component part of Mind in Somerset. The opening of the new Bridgwater office represents another step towards supporting the 80,000 who experience poor mental health in Somerset. This follows on from the opening of a Mind charity shop on North Street in Taunton this summer, in conjunction with Time to Change, our campaign aimed at reducing mental health-related stigma and discrimination.

With mental health problems affecting one in four of us this year, it is important to seek help and not to suffer in silence. We offer groups and support from Frome to Minehead and Weston to Chard that can help you tackle any problem you may be facing. If you feel as though you are suffering from poor mental health or loneliness you can call the confidential information and support line Mindline on 01823 276892. This line is open between 8pm and 11pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Author: David Fields
Posted on: 18th September 2019

Apprentices announce headline events for fundraising campaign

On the weekend of September the 7th and 8th, the AWASA group of apprentices from Leonardo’s will be launching two of their biggest fundraising events of the year for Mind in Somerset. Starting on Saturday the 7th, they have arranged to compete in the gruelling Three Peaks challenge and will scale three of the tallest mountains in Wales, Scotland and England in just 24 hours. This means that over this short time they will be driving 466 miles, walking 23 miles and ascending a huge 3,400 metres to complete the challenge. Please support their efforts by donating here.

On Sunday they have arranged two charity bike rides around Somerset, one of 60 miles and one of 30. Both of these start at the Leonardo’s main gate and finish at the Rose and Crown in South Petherton. Entry is £15 and you can sign up by emailing [email protected]

AWASA have held many fundraising events for us through this year, and we have been delighted to be one of their Charities of the Year. We would like to say a big thank you from Mind in Somerset to everyone involved – and good luck! 

Author: David Fields
Posted on: 15th August 2019

Mind in Somerset recognised for Outstanding Contribution to Health and Social Care

We are absolutely delighted to be nominated as finalists for the Somerset Outstanding Care Awards 2019, particularly recognised for our “Outstanding Contribution to Health and Social Care”.

This is a testament to the enthusiam and skill of our teams, volunteers and staff, who work hard to improve mental wellbeing across Somerset. We would like to thank them all for the work that they do every day to support others.

The winners will be announced on the evening of 20 September. Wish us luck!

Author: David Fields
Posted on: 9th August 2019

September 26th: Our campaign launch to improve mental health in the workplace

Mental ill health is the leading cause of sickness absence in the UK. In 2017, stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 40% of all work related ill health at an estimated cost to employers of £35bn a year, equivalent to £1,300 for every employee in the UK. 95% of employees calling in sick with stress give a different reason. There is significant evidence to show that looking after the mental health of employees makes business sense and increases productivity. Encouraging them to talk about their mental health can make a real difference to sickness absence rates, presenteeism levels and staff wellbeing.

Mind in Somerset’s vision is that every employer in Somerset has access to quality mental health and wellbeing training.

On Thursday 26th September we will be hosting a campaign launch at Dillington House to outline the range of training courses we can offer to improve workplace wellbeing. In addition to this, we will explain how we are working in partnership with national Mind and the Time to Change (TTC) Employer Pledge programme to change the way we all think and act about mental health problems.

To sign up to the event, please follow this link.

We are very grateful to BBC Somerset for supporting us in this campaign and our sponsors for this event; Porter Dodson, Gooch & Housego, Jones Building Group, Norseland and Somerset County Council. 

Author: David Fields
Posted on: 5th August 2019

SKYDIVE With Us!

Have you ever thought about doing a skydive? You can now jump for free with us! We skydive twice a year. 

Jumping for Mind in Somerset will mean you are helping to make sure no one in Somerset faces a mental health problem alone. Every penny you raise gets spent in Somerset to support people experiencing poor mental health!

By signing up to skydive you’re helping us champion a greater understanding of mental health issues in the community.

Your fundraising directly helps us fund training and services for the whole of Somerset. 

To organise your jump click here. 

Author: Marc Lewis
Posted on: 20th May 2019

SSBSS Surgeries Coming Soon

Author: Marc Lewis
Posted on: 20th April 2019

Time To Change Champion Induction Sessions in Wells & Taunton

Could you be a Time to Change Champion?

Would you like to help change how people think and act about mental health in your community?

Time to Change Somerset is a part of a growing social movement that is changing how we all think and act about mental health. Even today, far too many people are made to feel ashamed or isolated because they have a mental health problem. Time To Change Somerset aims to change that and to end mental health discrimination.

The training is available in both Taunton & Wells to enable people to become Champions for the Somerset Time to Change hub, which is a network of local organisations and individuals committed to ending negative attitudes and behaviours towards people experiencing mental health problems.

With the right support we believe that people can recover from a mental health issues and experience equality of opportunity in all areas of life. Encouraging people to open up to mental health – to talk and to listen – is the first step.

Time to Change Champions are people with lived experience of mental health problems and are vital campaigners for the movement as they have links to communities, come from a diverse range of backgrounds with various levels of previous experiences and skills.

If you are interested in joining the social movement to change how we think and act about mental health Issues and becoming a Time to Change Champion, sign up for one of the training sessions in Somerset:

• 1 May 10:00am-12:00pm – Heads Up, Upper Breach Wells, BA5 3QG

Book on Eventbright at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/time-to-change-somerset-champion-induction-session-tickets-60140433656

• 1 May 2:00pm- 4:00pm – Albemarle Centre, Albemarle Road, Taunton, TA1 1BA

Book on Eventbright at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/time-to-change-somerset-champion-induction-session-tickets-60139733562

For more information, speak to Marc on:

(01823) 334 906

[email protected]

Author: Marc Lewis
Posted on: 9th April 2019

Mind in Somerset on BBC Radio Somerset

Mind in Somerset made a return to the airwaves this week when C.O.O Andy and Community Fundraising Manager David spoke about the work we do to support good mental health across the county and beyond and how you can help support us.

Listen again by watching our YouTube video below. 

Author: Marc Lewis
Posted on: 17th March 2019

Entry for our Driving Challenge is now open!

Sign up and join us for the Driving Challenge and Family Fun Day at Henstridge Airfield on 6 July 2019 to raise money for Mind in Somerset.  

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Author: Ayesha Kirton
Posted on: 1st March 2019

Dragon Boat Race May 19

The Spring May Bank holiday in 2018 saw the return of South Somerset Mind to the Dragon Boat Race at Sherborne Castle Country Fair! An almighty team of staff and volunteers kindly agreed to row for us in aid of raising funds for the charity.

In May 2019 we have entered again – if you are interested in joining the team to paddle for Mind in Somerset then please do contact us. Please also sponsor us. 

Author: Alexander Priest
Posted on: 11th October 2018