Stay Well for Summer
Emotional
Support.
24/7.
Emotional support from Mindline Somerset
Our team at Mindline Somerset are here to support you throughout the year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you need someone to talk to about how you’re feeling or want advice about local services that offer help and support, call locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.
Crisis
Support.
Somerset.
Out-of-hours support from Crisis Safe Space
Instead of going to A&E, making an urgent doctor’s appointment, or suffering in silence, you can arrange a one-to-one session with a member of the Crisis Safe Space team, who will be willing to listen and be able to help you. Sessions are held face-to-face or virtually, depending on the location.
Crisis Safe Space is an out-of-hours service provided by our partners, Mind in Somerset and Second Step, for anyone who feels like they are really struggling with their mental health.
If you feel your life is at risk right now due to suicidal thoughts or you have seriously harmed yourself, you need to get urgent medical help. Please call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E. If you can’t do this by yourself, ask someone to help you.
Help & advice from our partners:
Open Mental Health is an alliance of organisations that can help you toward a brighter future. If you are struggling with your mental health or wellbeing, call Mindline Somerset locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692. It doesn’t have to be an emergency or crisis. Whatever challenges you’re facing, we’re here to listen and help.
In the meantime, whether you’re feeling stressed, anxious, depressed or need someone to give you support, Stay Well for Summer has practical resources to help.
Health and Wellbeing: Staying Supported
Citizens Advice—Free advice on almost any topic
Citizens Advice Somerset knows that relationship issues or money and bills can be worrying or stressful.
If you need free and confidential advice about your rights and options, Citizens Advice Somerset can help. Their goal is to help everyone find a way forward no matter what problems they face.
Citizens Advice offers specialist casework and advice to clients across the whole spectrum of advice needs, including face-to-face, ward-based, and virtual support, but with a particular focus on debt, money advice, welfare benefits, and housing.
So, whoever you are, and whatever the problem, advisers are on hand to give you a helping hand, by phone (0808 278 7842), via email or in-person.
Visit their website: https://citizensadvicesomerset.org.uk/
Mind in Somerset—Your local mental health charity
Mind in Somerset’s core purpose is to provide services and support to anyone affected by or vulnerable to mental illness, improving their quality of life and wellbeing. Through our 24/7 Mindline service, Peer support groups, Garden, Art therapy and much more, there is a service for everyone. We have an open door and treat everyone as individual, ensuring the right support, at the right time in the right way.
Whether you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or just need someone to listen, Mindline Somerset is here for you. Check out our resources below and don’t hesitate to reach out:
Visit their website: https://www.mindinsomerset.org.uk/
Second Step—Putting mental health first
We’re a leading mental health charity that’s been putting mental health first for people in Bristol and the South West for over 30 years. We believe that with the right support, everyone can take control of their life and make their future their own.
Crisis Safe Space is here for anyone experiencing severe emotional distress. Open to over 18s living in Somerset, you can book a phone session or video call or call Mindline on 0800138 1692 .
Stepladder, Second Step’s men’s mental health project, is here to support, signpost and connect men all year round. Go to our website to find groups to connect with and a host of wellbeing resources to tap into.
Visit their website: https://www.second-step.co.uk/
SASP—Increasing health and happiness through physical activity
Park Yoga and Beach Yoga – free yoga sessions happening every week in Vivary Park, Taunton and Minehead Beach every Sunday Morning throughout the summer.
Activity Finder – find an activity near you.
Somerset Health Walks – a walk done on a regular basis for your wellbeing, ranging right from beginner through to gentle, moderate and advanced. It can help you to feel good, to have more energy, to sleep better and to manage your weight.
Unbreakable Men and In It Together (IIT) – our relative men’s and women’s inclusive physical activity space offer.
These initiatives are all about encouraging people to move more in ways that suit them, whether that’s a gentle walk, joining a group yoga session outdoors, or getting active with others in a supportive community. The summer months are a perfect time to get outside, try something new, and experience the benefits of being active for both body and mind.
Visit their website: https://www.sasp.co.uk/
Spark a Change—Building healthy, resilient communities
We all know volunteering helps others, but did you know it can boost your physical and mental wellbeing too? It’s a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and make a difference to a cause that matters to you. From virtual to in-person roles, indoors or out, one-off or regular—there’s something for everyone. Whatever your age, location or interests, Spark a Change makes it easy to find an opportunity that’s right for you.
Visit their website: sparkachange.org.uk/volunteer-campaign to get started.
Somerset Council—For a healthy and caring county
Visit their website: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/
Nelson Trust—Making change possible
The Nelson Trust is a valuable resource for women throughout Somerset who need some extra support to navigate current complexities in their lives. Whether that be accommodation worries, social care involvement, family and relationship struggles, substance misuse and more. We offer one to one and group work support from our women’s centre in Bridgwater and throughout Somerset.
Visit their website: https://www.nelsontrust.com/
WATCH CIO—The power of peer support
Watch CIO reaches out and engages with isolated adults. We know how connecting people with shared experiences of mental health challenges can empower each of us, which is why peer support is at the heart of everything we do. At WATCH, our focus is on creating an environment to allow people to reach their potential in their own way and in their own time. We offer in-person project days, an online peer support forum and a range of courses, including our Self-Discovery, an 8 week journey to mental wellbeing.
But that’s not all—there’s so much more to explore as we continue to foster connections and celebrate the power of togetherness in 2025. Ready to get involved? Reach out to info@watchproject.org.uk for more information and join us on this journey!
Visit their website: https://watchproject.org.uk/
Support for Families and Young People
Balsam Centre—Supporting healthy and happy lives
As a Healthy Living Centre, our mission is to provide community-based, participatory, purposeful and life-changing activities in a supportive and safe environment which improve people’s well-being. The Balsam Centre provides lots of opportunities to support your health and wellbeing, including advice and support if you’re finding things difficult.
Our vision is simple and shared by all who work here: for people to live healthy and happy lives.
Visit their website: https://www.balsamcentre.org.uk/
FUSE Performance—Creative projects to support health and wellbeing
Why not join in with one of our face to face activities sessions or download some of our links from the inside out arts project. The resources can be used at home or in a youth, community, education setting.
Minehead Eye—A host of activities and events for all ages
For more information on our events, visit: www.mineheadeye.co.uk.
Young Somerset—Putting young people first
Young Somerset provides a range of support and bespoke services to support young people and their families. You can have the opportunity to access our youth groups designed by young people providing the choice and the opportunity and space to be yourself.You can have the opportunity to access our youth groups designed by young people. Umbrella provides a safe space for 13-17 year olds to foster new relationships with peers and a trusted adult that are long lasting. We provide cooking, art, sport and other group activities that are chosen by the young people that access the group.
Visit their website:https://www.youngsomerset.org.uk/
2BU—LGBTQ+ youth support service where it’s OK 2BU
If you’re a young LGBTQ+ person living in Somerset, you may find that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning your sexuality or gender identity can sometimes be difficult. 2BU provides a support network at difficult times if you are struggling, want some support or you just want to meet others like you.
Visit their website:https://www.2bu-somerset.co.uk/
Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders
SWEDA—Supporting people affected by eating disorders
SWEDA is a specialist eating disorder charity which works with children, young people, adults and their families across the South & West, delivering preventative 1-2-1 therapy to adults in Somerset with signs and symptoms of eating disorders. SWEDA and Open Mental Health offer a twice-weekly, free, impartial, and confidential helpline for people living with eating disorders and their families. The helpline is open every Sunday from 11 am until 2 pm and every Tuesday from 8 pm until 11 pm on 0300 330 5464.
When you are living with an eating disorder or disordered eating, the summer can be an especially tricky time. Diet culture is at its loudest with the pressure to look ‘beach ready’, and you might be worrying about how to dress during hot weather. You may be out of your normal routine, have less time for yourself than usual, or too much time alone.
SWEDA has put together some tips for Summer Self-Care, and they have lots of other resources on their website. And if you’re looking for a creative summer activity to help yourself feel more calm and grounded, why not make something for SWEDA’s #GreatMake.
Alternatively, for help and support to empower your recovery, contact SWEDA via their website or call OMH Mindline Somerset anytime, day or night, on 01823 276 892 or freephone 0800 138 1692
Visit their website: https://swedauk.org
Loneliness and Carers Support
Age UK Somerset—Changing how we age
Age UK Wellbeing Service offers a range of different elements – such as Walk and Talk, Wellbeing Friends and Friendly Phone Calls – to help individuals over 60 feel less lonely and always listened to and to improve their quality of life. If you or someone you know could benefit from talking to one of our friendly volunteers, click here to find out more.
Visit their website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/somerset/
CCS Somerset—Inspiring and enabling positive change for Somerset
Somerset Carers service provides support for unpaid carers including information, advice and carers groups. The person you care for maybe your partner, parent, child, friend or neighbour – we are here to support you, the Carer, if you are over 18 years old, no matter how formal or informal your caring arrangement. Our downloadable resources include a carers checklist with useful contacts or for mutual support and friendship, attend our Somerset Carers support groups. We will do our utmost to ensure you receive the right support you need in your day-to-day life. We are also hosting a series of information sessions around Somerset specifically for carers.
Our phone lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Call our free advice line: 0800 31 68 600 or 01823 331 222 or email us at carers@somersetrcc.org.uk.
Visit their website: https://somersetcarers.org/
Diversity Voice—A space to be who you are
Diversity Voice is here to help those who feel isolated to find a sense of connection. Our work centres on diverse communities, with a particular focus on supporting neurodivergent individuals, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities (including invisible illnesses), and anyone feeling particularly alone. We’re here to give you space to be exactly who you are and to feel however you feel. You belong here, and you matter.
Help and Advice in Any Language
Visit their website: https://diversityvoice.org.uk/
Easy Read Guide to Good Mental health
Many people in Somerset have reading challenges. This might be due to learning disabilities, an unfamiliarity with English, dyslexia, low literacy, or other conditions that affect how people process information.
Access our Easy Read Guide to good mental health in Somerset here
Expertise.
Peer Support.
Empathy.
Looking after yourself during summer
We have been talking to our Experts by Experience about some of the challenges the summer months can bring for those living with a mental illness and things you can do to look after yourself during this time. Here are some of their tips.
Summer days are longer, and it can feel like more time to fill if you are struggling. Making plans with people you can connect with and have honest conversations with can help. If you feel like you don’t have anyone you could have those conversations with, you could reach out to Mindline Somerset.
Explore our Stay Well 2025 articles
How to Self Refer to OMH
Mental Health Apps: Finding the right support for you
Mental Health Summer Wellbeing
Promote.
Your.
Wellbeing.
Just like our physical health, our mental wellbeing improves with a bit of regular care and attention. Small, positive actions can make a huge difference in building resilience and happiness.
Ready to get started?
Discover simple, effective ways to promote your mental wellbeing
Download our Leaflet
Supportive NHS resources
Away from Home?
Need a GP while you are on holiday? Remember that your GP practice can still help you!
Going away this summer?
Please remember to order enough of your medication, at least five days in advance of your holiday. Running out of your regular medication could cause serious side effects. Enjoy your holiday; request your medication early!
Staying Well
As the seasons change it’s important to take care of yourself and help to keep yourself healthy. Below, we’ve shared information and support available to help you find the right service for your health care needs.
NHS Talking Therapies
Help for anxiety and depression
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s Talking Therapies service offers many different short term, time-limited treatments for anxiety and depression. These treatments are available both individually and in groups, by telephone and video for your greater convenience, and in person at venues too.
The service can also support you to cope better if you have experienced a traumatic event, or if you are struggling to live with a long term physical health condition such as diabetes, heart failure or breathing difficulties.
Visit the website and use the self-referral links on the page to access assessment and support. You’ll be offered a prompt assessment session with an experienced clinician, usually on the phone, to look at what’s troubling you and how the service can offer the most effective support.
How to get support:
Mindline Somerset
Our team at Mindline Somerset are here to support you throughout the year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you need someone to talk to about how you’re feeling or want advice about local services that offer help and support, call locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.
Get Urgent Help
Crisis Safe Space is an out-of-hours service provided by our partners, Mind in Somerset and Second Step, for anyone who feels like they are really struggling with their mental health. If you feel your life is at risk right now due to suicidal thoughts or you have seriously harmed yourself, you need to get urgent medical help. Please call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E. If you can’t do this by yourself, ask someone to help you.
Helpful Websites for Adults
- Samaritans provides confidential, emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to those experiencing despair, distress, or suicidal feelings. Tel: 116 123 Email: jo@samaritans.org
- Anxiety UK provides support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.
- Beat supports people who are going through difficult times with eating disorders
- Bipolar UK helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.
- CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably and provides support to men aged 15 to 35
- No Panic offers support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Offers a course to help overcome your phobia or OCD.
- Papyrus is the young suicide prevention charity. HOPELINEUK: 0800 068 4141
- Sane provides emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers. SANEline: 0300 304 7000
- Shout is led by trained volunteers who can help you in a moment of chaos/crisis to find calm. Free text 24/7 on 85258.
- YoungMinds provides information for parents on child and adolescent mental health. Parents’ helpline 0808 802 5544
- Womens Aid – Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children.
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 (run by Refuge)
- ManKind – For Male Victims of Domestic Abuse. Freephone 0808 800 1170
- Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service – Free, confidential, and non-judgemental support. Call 24/7 on 0300 303 8788
Help for Young People (U18)
- Young Somerset – wellbeing support including virtual hubs and counselling.
- Papyrus is a national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. They provide confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through their helpline, HOPELINEUK.
- Young Minds Crisis Messenger text service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, you can text YM to 85258.
- Kooth is a confidential online mental health service where young people and adults can receive counselling, advice and support for their emotional well-being.