Every Mind Matters Everyday wellbeing is about how we think, feel and behave. Looking after our state of mind is just as important as taking care of our body, yet most of us manage our physical health far better than our mental health. Everyday wellbeing is about how we think, feel and behave. Looking after our state of mind is just as important as taking care of our body, yet most of us manage our physical health far better than our mental health. Every Mind Matters is a new practical resource to help you discover simple steps to look after your mental health. It will provide you with free on-line information on many wellbeing topics and help you reflect on your own circumstances. If you choose, it can support you with a personalised Mind Plan to see what you can do to help yourself or a relative, friend or colleague. Wellbeing isn’t something you have, but something you do. Every Mind Matters is one resource that is trying to help everyone to feel more confident in taking action to take care of their mental health and wellbeing. Nobody feels blissfully happy and thinks positive thoughts all the time. Having good wellbeing is about being able to enjoy life and cope with its challenges. Understanding wellbeing is closely linked to understanding your experiences. Experiencing a good balance of positive to negative emotions, and judging that your life is going well, are key parts of feeling good. Doing activities that help you to experience a sense of meaning and purpose, a sense of control over your own life, and strong relationships with others, are key parts of functioning well. Wellbeing research shows that experiencing positive emotions over time can build up these internal personal resources. Five Ways to Wellbeing The Five Ways to Wellbeing can help you remember and learn how to look after your wellbeing: 1. Stay Connected 2. Keep Learning 3. Stay Active 4. Take Notice 5. Give Somerset Resources Below are links to help you find information, advice, support and inspiration in Somerset to promote good mental health and wellbeing. Downloads Little Book of Mental Health – A practical guide for Everyday Emotional Wellbeing including a list of national and local organisations. Lifehacks – a group of Somerset young people have spent time together talking about mental health and how it affects them. They’ve been thinking about how to help themselves to manage their own mental health and how to help their friends when they’re struggling too. So they’ve come up with a set of LifeHacks to help you and your friends keep mentally healthy! Local support Having knowledge about mental health is one thing but knowing and understanding what you need to do to support your emotional health, can seem more of a challenge Be gentle with yourself. There are generally no instant solutions to problems in life. Solving problems involves, time, energy and work. If you are able to take an active role in helping yourself, it should help your situation. Self-help creates self-determination. In this section we have tried to list a real range of local and specialist national services, activities and groups that are there to help you help yourself or a family member, friend or colleague. District Directories – covering all aspects of district life Wellbeing South Somerset Mendip Health Connections Wellbeing Sedgemoor Specialist Local and National Numbers AgeUK Somerset (over 60’s) – Info & Advice 01823 345613 www.ageuk.org.uk/somerset Local independent charity which works to make later life enjoyable in Somerset and North Somerset. Albemarle Centre 01823 643 4709 http://www.alblifeskills.org/ Daily activities, social clubs and training Balsam Centre 01963 31 842 https://www.balsamcentre.org.uk/ Community wellbeing and children’s centre Aspergers Team 01823 368 396 http://www.autismsomerset.org.uk/service/taunton-aspergers-group/ A dedicated service to those affected by Autism. Assist Trauma Care 01788 560800 http://assisttraumacare.org.uk/ ASSIST Trauma Care employs experienced therapists trained to work with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Autism Helpline 0808 800 4104 www.autism.org.uk/helpline The Autism Helpline enquiry service provides impartial, confidential information along with advice and support for autistic people and their families and carers. Beat eating disorders 0808 801 0677 https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ Beat is the UK’s eating disorder charity. B-eat Youthline 0808 801 0711 https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ Support for under 18’s. Bridging the Gap 01823 334906 http://mindtws.org.uk/our-services/bridging-the-gap/ A support and advocacy project for residents of Taunton Deane housing who have mental health issues. Citizen’s Advice 0344 488 9623 Central number to connect to any local branch Local Citizen’s Advice Information: Mendip https://www.citizensadvicemendip.org.uk/ Sedgemoor https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/local/sedgemoor/ Taunton https://citizensadvicetaunton.org.uk/ West Somerset Separate telephone number 0800 802 1808 Combat Stress helpline 0800 138 1619 https://www.combatstress.org.uk/ A team of specially-trained professionals are available day&night to provide free confidential advice and support for those who are serving currently or who have served in the UK Armed Forces. Compassionate Friends 0345 123 2304 https://www.tcf.org.uk/ Support for bereaved families. Community Legal Advice 0345 345 4345 https://www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice Free and confidential advice from Civil Legal Advice (CLA) as part of legal aid if you’re in England or Wales. County Courts (Taunton) 01823 281110 https://courttribunalfinder.service.gov.uk/courts/taunton-county-court-and-family-court CRUSE (Street) 01458 898 211 https://www.cruse.org.uk/ Cruse Bereavement Care is the leading national charity for bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Domestic Abuse Support Somerset 0800 6949 999 www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk Disability Law Service 0207 791 9800 https://dls.org.uk/ Provide free legal advice to people with disabilities and their carers to ensure that they have access to their rights and justice. Diversity Voice 03000 750 105 https://www.diversityvoice.org.uk/ Supporting All BME communities through advice, education, consultation and integration. EAL support in schools, preschools for BME communities. Elim Community Connect Centre 01749 677 097 https://www.connect-centre.org.uk/ Equilibrium – Bipolar Disorder Somerset 01823 323363 http://bipola7.wixsite.com/equilibrium Providing support and advice for those with Bipolar Disorder. Farming Community Network 03000 111 999 Local branch 01934 712 128 http://www.fcn.org.uk/ The Farming Community Network (FCN) is a voluntary organisation and charity that supports farmers and families within the farming community through difficult times. Foundation House 01823 368350 http://www.sompar.nhs.uk/what-we-do/mental-health/community-mental-health-services-cmhs/ Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust provides specialist mental health services for adults living with conditions such as severe depression, psychosis, complex trauma or severe anxiety. Heads Up Wells 01749 670667 https://www.headsupsomerset.org/ Heads Up is a local charity working with individuals across the Mendip area who are affected by mental health issues and other difficulties. Healthwatch 01278 264 405 https://healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/ Independent health and care champion JobCentrePlus 0845 604 3719 Taunton 0800 169 0190 https://www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus Josephine’s Star http://www.josephinesstar.org.uk/ Support to children and their families in Somerset when someone special has died. KOOTH in Somerset https://kooth.com/ A provider of online mental health services for children, young people and adults. LawCare 0800 279 6888 https://www.lawcare.org.uk/information-and-support LawCare supports and promotes good mental health and wellbeing in the legal community throughout the UK. Liaison and Diversion Service 01278 411860 http://www.sompar.nhs.uk/what-we-do/mental-health/liaison-and-diversion-service-lads/ The Liaison and Diversion Service (LADS), previously known as the Court Assessment Service. LADS provide assessment and advice for people aged 18+, either whilst in Police Custody or appearing in the criminal courts (Magistrates Court and Crown Court) in Somerset, where there are concerns or issues around mental health. LGBT Foundation Advice & Support 0345 3 303030 https://lgbt.foundation/ A national charity delivery advice, support and information services to lesbian, gay bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities. Licensed Trade Charity 0808 801 0550 https://www.licensedtradecharity.org.uk/ The Licensed Trade Charity helps pub, bar and brewery people when they are in need of help. They provide support for people who are facing a crisis with practical, emotional and financial support. Lighthouse Victim Care 101 OR 0800 555 111 https://www.lighthousevictimcare.org/ Lighthouse is a team of staff from the Somerset police and victim support organisations, working together to guide, advise and support victims and witnesses. Mankind 01823 334244 http://www.mankind.org.uk/ A confidential helpline available for all men across the UK suffering from domestic violence or domestic abuse by their current or former wife or partner (including same-sex partner). Mediation Somerset 01363 777734 http://mediationsomerset.co.uk/ Trained professionals who can help to resolve disputes. Mendip Health Connectors 01373 468 368 https://healthconnectionsmendip.org/ Support for health and wellbeing in Mendip Men in Sheds – find a local ‘Shed’ https://menssheds.org.uk/ Military Mental Health helpline 0800 138 1619 https://www.combatstress.org.uk/helpline Advice and support for serving personnel and their families. Mind InfoLine 0300 123 3393 https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/ Mind Infoline and Legal Line are confidential services, we want you to feel safe when you talk to us. MindLine Trans+ Helpline 0300 330 5468 http://mindtws.org.uk/trans-plus/ MindLine Trans+ is a confidential emotional, mental health support helpline and signposting service for people who identify as Trans, A Gender, Gender Fluid, Non-binary. Mindline (Somerset) 01823 276 892 http://mindtws.org.uk/our-services/mindlinesomerset/ Mindline Somerset is an out of hours helpline in Somerset that is a confidential listening service providing a safe place to talk if you, or someone you know, is in distress. National Domestic Abuse 0808 2000 247 http://www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk/ The Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge, is a national service for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf. National Paranoia Network 0114 271 8210 http://www.nationalparanoianetwork.org/ Providing support and advice. NHS helpline 111 NHS Go Smoke Free 0300 123 1044 https://www.nhs.uk/smokefree Help and advice for those wishing to give up smoking. New Leaf 07590 684888 https://www.newleaf.uk.com/ Workplace Wellbeing OCD action 0845 390 6232 https://www.ocdaction.org.uk/ OCD Action provides support and information to anyone affected by OCD. On My Mind 020 7794 2313 https://www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/ On My Mind aims to empower young people to make informed choices about the mental health support they want, the treatments they receive and the outcomes they desire. Open Door 01823 271996 https://www.tauntonopendoor.org.uk/ A Taunton Charity for people who are homeless, most of whom are rough sleepers. Paladin – Stalking Advocacy Service 020 3866 4107 https://paladinservice.co.uk/ Paladin is a trauma-informed service established to assist high risk victims of stalking in England and Wales. Papyrus 0800 068 41 41 https://papyrus-uk.org/ Papyrus is a charity aimed at preventing young suicide. Parent and Carer Toolkit https://www.cypsomersethealth.org/parent_and_carer_toolkit Website to support Somerset parents and carers to find information needed to help with the job of ‘being a parent’ PROMISEWorks 0300 3651900 http://promiseworks.org.uk/ PROMISEworks supports a team of trained volunteers who provide a Somerset-wide mentoring service for some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in the county. Recovery College Somerset wellbeing and learning community. Developing life skills in order to experience good mental health, for people with lived experience of mental health difficulties, their family and friends, and the professionals who support them. https://somersetwlc.co.uk/ Relate 0300 100 1234 https://www.relate.org.uk/find-your-nearest-relate Relationship counselling Rethink mental illness 01823 354 879 or 01823 351516 Rethink Advice Line 0300 5000 927 https://www.rethink.org/ Richard Huish College Learning Support 01823 320836 http://www.huish.ac.uk/student-life/student-services/local-offer-support-for-learning/ A local Taunton college. Rusty Road to Recovery 0737 601 4007 https://www.rustyroad2recovery.co.uk/ Restoring classic cars and motorbikes for wellbeing Samaritans 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org/ 24 hour confidential emotional support Somerset has branches in South Somerset and Taunton Seed of Hope 0796 981 6110 https://seedofhope.org.uk/ Growing mental health recovery Sensory Loss Team 0300 123 2224 https://www.somersetchoices.org.uk/adult/information-and-advice/sensory-loss/ Providing support and advice on sensory loss. Shout (text service) 85258 https://www.giveusashout.org/ Shout is the UK’s first free 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. Somerset Direct 0300 123 2224 Adults and Children/Young People http://www.somerset.gov.uk/organisation/departments/adult-social-care/ http://www.somerset.gov.uk/organisation/departments/childrens-social-care/ Somerset Carers Network Mental Health (Mendip) 01749 836606 Somerset 0800 31 68 600 http://www.sompar.nhs.uk/what-we-do/carers-service/ The SCN provide a comprehensive range of services for carers. Somerset & Avon Rape & Sexual Abuse Service (SARSAS) (Women & Girls) 0808 801 0456 (Men & Boys) 0808 801 0464 https://www.sarsas.org.uk/ SARSAS are a specialist support service for people in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, Somerset, or South Gloucestershire, who have experienced any form of sexual violence, at any point in their lives. Somerset Choices https://choices.somerset.gov.uk/ Information and advice on a wide range of services Somerset Counselling Centre 01823 337049 https://scctaunton.org.uk/ SCC provides a safe place to talk to a skilled counsellor. Somerset Drug & Alcohol Service 0300 303 8788 https://www.turning-point.co.uk/sdas SDAS is a countywide service for both young people and adults. It has six main hubs across Somerset. Somerset Dyslexia Assoc. Helpline Adults 01227 792032 http://www.somersetdyslexia.co.uk/ Somerset Dyslexia Association (SDA) is run by a group of local, friendly volunteers. They support children and their families, students and adults who are experiencing difficulty with reading and writing. Somerset Mental Wellbeing Service 01823 255917 Guidance for staff https://www.smws.org.uk/ SMWS aims to support individuals across Somerset to improve and maintain their mental wellbeing through access to community resources and opportunities. Somerset Talking Therapies – Bridgwater 01278 435853 Chard 01460 238756 Taunton 01823 346135 Wells 01749 836705 https://www.somersettalkingtherapies.nhs.uk/ STT offer a wide range of treatments for adults 18 years of age and over who are registered with a GP surgery in the Somerset area. SWISH 0300 124 5010 https://swishservices.co.uk/ NHS sexual health services designed for people of all ages living in Somerset. Somerset Parent Partnership (SENDIAS) 01823 355 578 http://www.somersetsend.org.uk/welcome/ Somerset SENDIAS (Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Information, Advice and Support) can give children, young people (aged 0 to 25) and their parent carers information, advice and support about SEND. Somerset Suicide Bereavement Support Service 0300 330 5463 https://suicidebereavement.wixsite.com/somerset SSBSS aims to help people in the Somerset area who have been bereaved by suicide. Somerset & Wessex Eating Disorder Association (SWEDA) 01749 343344 https://www.swedauk.org/ SWEDA (Somerset & Wessex Eating Disorders Association) is a regional charity supporting those affected by eating disorders across Somerset. SSAFA 0800 731 4880 https://www.ssafa.org.uk/ SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, exists to relieve need, suffering and distress amongst the Armed Forces, veterans and their families in order to support their independence and dignity. STEP (Somerset Team for Early Psychosis) 01823 368555 http://www.sompar.nhs.uk/what-we-do/mental-health/early-intervention-in-psychosis-step/ The Somerset Team for Early Psychosis (STEP) is a specialist service for people experiencing, or at high risk of developing, their first episode of psychosis. Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) 0300 111 5065 https://uksobs.org/ Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide exist to meet the needs and break the isolation experienced by those bereaved by suicide. SWAN Advocacy 0333 344 7928 https://swanadvocacy.org.uk/ ““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““` An independent advocacy charity working across Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES). Taunton Association for the Homeless – ARC 01823 271326 http://www.tah.org.uk/ An organisation set up to house, assist and empower homeless people in Somerset. Taunton Counselling Service 01823 282774 https://www.tauntoncounsellingservice.org.uk/ A group of professional counsellors who believe that everyone should have access to high quality counselling irrespective of someone’s ability to pay. Time to Change in Somerset https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/champions/volunteer-time-change-somerset Join local group to become a Time To Change Ambassador and support the campaign to challenge mental health stigma Victoria Park Community Centre 01278 422 255 https://vpcc.co.uk/ Community activities for all ages in Bridgewater WATCH project 07506 238540 http://watchproject.org.uk/ WATCH CIC is a community interest company, which means that everything it does must be for the benefit of the community and in particular we focus on helping people who are disadvantaged, isolated or vulnerable. Wellington Community Counselling https://www.wellington-counselling.co.uk/ Wellington Community Counselling (WCC) offers free and/or affordable adult, family and child therapeutic services. Zing Somerset https://www.sasp.co.uk/activities/activities Local sports and activities website Information about local mental health services – for when you need additional professional support Talking Therapies Service – www.somersettalkingtherapies.nhs.uk Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Adult social care – for people over 18 years who have care or support needs social care and health Support services in the community Somerset Village and Community Agents to provide confidential, practical and community based solutions for you, wherever you are in Somerset Somerset Mental Wellbeing Service – promoting mental health through connecting with your community Promoting mental health and wellbeing in Somerset Somerset County Council, Public Health Team delivers a programme of free mental health and wellbeing activities focusing on developing emotional resilience, purpose and participation. Please feel free to browse and join in.. Reading Well – Books on Prescription https://reading-well.org.uk/ Reading Well supports you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using reading. The books are all chosen and endorsed by health experts, as well as by people living with the conditions covered. Reading Well Books on Prescription is a national scheme delivered locally by Public Health and Library Services. Each library has access to the Reading Well books for adults and Young People. Look out for the special health book collections that will also be touring a library near you. Shared Reading Groups Shared reading is a unique experience that helps people to connect, feel good and live well. A group of people, one of them a trained Reader Leader, reads a great novel, short story or poem aloud. The group stop and talk about what they have read. There is no need for group members to read aloud or speak – it’s fine to just listen. The idea is to create a space where people feel at ease. Reading the literature aloud in real-time, means that everyone is involved in a shared, live experience. Group members are encouraged by the Reader Leader to respond personally, sharing feelings, thoughts and memories provoked by the reading. Everyone experiences the text in their own way, but the literature provides a shared language that can help us to understand ourselves – and others – better. List of groups Shared Reading Groups Wellbeing Zones Somerset Library service has dedicated space in both Taunton and Yeovil Library for a Wellbeing Zone. They have been specially designed to be comfortable, welcoming and safe, with expert health information and a collection of health-related books. There will also be free space for health and wellbeing organisations to host health-related activities and events. Please ask the information desk in Taunton and Yeovil Library for more information. Somerset Nature and Wellbeing Project Being outside and enjoying nature is both enjoyable and good for us. Somerset has a wealth of natural environments which people can enjoy and gain the benefits that getting closer to the natural world can bring. A resource, listing all the organisations that offer nature based support is in development. In the meantime please go to https://www.quantockhills.com/projects Parent and Carer Toolkit Being a parent can be the most wonderful job in the world but at some point all parents need a bit of help. Finding the right information and support can be difficult so, with the help of some Somerset parents and carers, we have identified the issues that most affect families and then gathered together the best web-based information and local support to help tackle some of these issues. https://www.cypsomersethealth.org/parent_and_carer_toolkit Time To Change Hub The Time To Change Hub in Somerset is a social movement working to change the way people think and act about mental health in Somerset. The Time to Change Somerset Hub is a partnership of local organisations and people who are committed to ending mental health stigma and discrimination. How can I get involved? • Become a Time to Change Champion • Apply for the Champions Fund to help run stigma busting events and activities • Get involved in our work supporting children and young people • Find out how we can support employers to sign up to the Time to Change Employers Pledge