South Somerset Locality
Serving the South Somerset area of Somerset: Chard, Ilminster, Crewkerne, Yeovil & Wincanton.
To access support please call locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692 or email: southsomerset@openmentalhealth.org.uk
If you work with mental health patients, the Open Mental Health alliance can provide access to a range of specialist services to help you support adults in Somerset struggling with their mental health, learn more here.
The support you need, when you need it
To learn more about our specialist services please click on the + icon
Peer Support
WATCH offers a range of courses including self-management and peer support, health and wellbeing and training to volunteer within Open Mental Health.
WATCH has a Peer Support Connections Coordinator who facilitates peer support pathways and activity across South Somerset. They also work alongside a Peer Group Worker whose role is to support the forming and development of Peer Support groups.
Rethink Mental Illness have volunteer Peer Mentors that can provide 1:1 peer support to people experiencing mental distress.
Online Peer Support from WATCH
Online Workshops
Our partners at WATCH CIO focus on the idea that we are the experts of our own lives. Their workshops are designed to be a safe, welcoming environment where everyone is seen and valued. From the Pathways online drop-in to the Peer Worker Development training, Ways to Wellbeing & Inner Blue Skies their goal is to provide practical tools that we can use in our everyday lives to steady our ship when things feel a bit rocky.
Please visit the WATCH website to learn more >>
If you would like further information about the courses or to sign up please contact: courses@watchproject.org.uk
1:1 and Group Support (in person)
The Balsam Centre, Mind in Somerset provide flexible, holistic 1:1 support from Open Mental Health Recovery and Wellbeing Workers. This support can be delivered either in person in individuals’ homes or community venues (anywhere in South Somerset), as well as over zoom or on the phone, depending on need and preference.
Open Mental Health partners deliver the following in-person groups in South Somerset:
To learn more about these sessions please email: southsomerset@openmentalhealth.org.uk
| Title | Where | Day | Time | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Star Group | St Peters Community Hall Coronation Avenue Yeovil BA21 3DY | Monday | 10am to 12 noon | Weekly support group for those diagnosed with Autism or awaiting a diagnosis. Providing a safe, Autism-friendly environment with structured activities. Contact info@balsamcentre.org.uk to join or call 01963 31842 |
| Chat Cafe | Balsam Centre, Wincanton | Every Monday | 10am-1pm | Drop in for a friendly chat and a drink. |
| Step into Nature | The Balsam Centre Wildlife Gardens and on local nature reserves | Monday | 11am-3pm | Slow down, get away from it all, connect with the natural world and improve your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing, all within a safe space. Book by calling: 01963 31842 |
| 'Not just a coffee' - grief support | The Balsam Centre Balsam Park Wincanton BA9 9HB (SatNav BA9 9PA) | Monday | 1-3pm | Grief can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our new counsellor-led group, Not Just a Coffee: Learning to Live with Grief, offers a safe and supportive space to talk, listen and find comfort alongside others who understand. The group meets every other Monday afternoon, 1pm-3pm in the Veronica Room, excluding bank holidays. Everyone coping with loss is welcome. |
| Yeovil Men's Wellbeing Group | Mind in Somerset, Yeovil Office, The Foyer, Peter Street, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 1PN | Tuesday | 2pm - 4pm | Wellbeing support group for men. Please enquire beforehand for further details, email: info@mindinsomerset.org.uk |
| Vanessa Gardening Project | Mind in Somerset, Trinity Foyer, Peters Street, Yeovil | Tuesday | 11am – 1pm | A welcoming place to drop in where you can socialise with others that may be in a similar situation, be involved in gardening activities or access guidance, reassurance and support. |
| TDAH | Balsam Centre, Wincanton | The second Tuesday of every month | 7pm-9pm | A peer-support group for women with diagnosed or undiagnosed ADHD.A safe, confidential space where women can get support and share their experiences with others. You can just turn up, or get in touch on 01963 31842 or info@balsamcentre.org.uk if you have any questions. |
| Yeovil Community Day | Mind in Somerset, Trinity Foyer, Peters Street, Yeovil | Wednesday | 10am – 3pm | For anyone experiencing poor mental health who would benefit from attending and participating in group activities or people who just want advice and information. |
| Wellbeing Drop-In from WATCH | Hive Youth Centre Essex Close, Chard, Somerset, TA20 1RH | Thursday | 9.30-11am | Here you can have a cuppa and a chat with someone who can help you find your way into the support available to you. Open to anyone, no booking needed – turn up and speak to our friendly staff |
| Yeovil Women's Wellbeing Group | Mind in Somerset, Yeovil Office, The Foyer, Peter Street, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 1PN | Thursday | 10am - 12pm | Wellbeing support group for women.Please enquire beforehand for further details, email: info@mindinsomerset.org.uk |
Psychologists, mental health nurses, occupational therapists
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are able to offer assessment and treatment interventions for people of all ages with a range of mental health difficulties including those with very complex needs, or mental health difficulties that mean someone is a risk to themselves or other people. Support is mainly offered in the community although there are inpatient wards for people needing treatment in hospital.
There are different teams and individuals that offer specific interventions, these include, home treatment (crisis support), perinatal, early psychosis, assertive outreach, employment support, forensic, eating disorder, Memory Assessment, wellbeing clinics, dual diagnosis, specialist psychological interventions and many more.
Interventions include a wide range of therapies, brief psychological interventions, crisis support, medication (prescribing, administering and support), wellbeing advice, and courses.
Housing, money and benefits support
Specialist Citizen’s Advice caseworkers can provide support for people experiencing mental health difficulties who also have needs around debt and money advice, benefits access, housing, employment and discrimination.
Older and Young People Specialists
Age UK Somerset can provide telephone support for older adults who are experiencing mental distress.
Young Somerset provide support for young people through The Big Tent. Empowering young people to find the right wellbeing support at the right time for them.
Peer support groups for younger people are also offered by Mind in Somerset’s Youth Matters in Langport, Yeovil and Chard.
Eating Disorder Specialists
Somerset and Wessex Easting Disorder Association (SWEDA) can support anyone anyone affected by eating disorders, and have a dedicated Community Worker and Counsellor for South Somerset. SWEDA also work closely Somerset Partnership’s Eating Disorders team and CAMHS eating disorder team.
Group Support (online)
To learn more about these sessions please email: southsomerset@openmentalhealth.org.uk
Event | Details | Day | Link/Info | Who | Host |
Role Playing Games | Incorporating role-playing games and a peer space to support your mental health. | Monday, 1:30pm – 4:00pm | Self‑refer via Mindline Somerset on 01823 276 892 or visit: Mind Wellbeing & Recovery Groups | Open to adults (18+) across Somerset. | Mind in Somerset |
Ways to Wellbeing | Learn simple tools to support your wellbeing in this 4 week course | Tuesday 13th October, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, for four weeks. | Open to adults (18+) across Somerset. | WATCH CIO | |
Unbreakable Men | Unbreakable Men is a community of like-minded men who just want to feel their best. | Tuesday 7:30 - 8:30pm | Men aged 18+ across Somerset. | SASP | |
Pathways | A low-pressure environment where attendees can join with their cameras off or simply use the chat function to share interests and learn about community events. | Every Tuesday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | Open to adults (18+) across Somerset. | WATCH CIO | |
Reclaim the Body | Use gentle movements to sooth the nervous system and build body/mind resilience. | Tuesdays 2:00pm- 3:30pm 6 week ongoing course on zoom. | Self‑refer via Mindline Somerset on 01823 276 892 or visit: Mind Wellbeing & Recovery Groups | Open to adults (18+) across Somerset. | Mind in Somerset |
Peer Worker Development | Training for anyone with lived experience of mental health challenges who wants to support others. | Wednesday 30th September, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm | Open to adults (18+) across Somerset. | WATCH CIO | |
Wellbeing Friends | A friendly, supportive group where you can learn coping strategies to improve wellbeing. 12-week course includes: 5 Ways to Wellbeing, Relaxation, Sleep, Goal Setting, Stress and Anxiety, Catastrophising, Confidence, Change | This peer-support group meets Online every Wednesday from 11:00am to 1:00pm. | Self‑refer via Mindline Somerset on 01823 276 892 or visit: Mind Wellbeing & Recovery Groups | Open to adults (18+) across Somerset. | Mind in Somerset |
Peer Support Group | A safe space to meet like-minded people, chat about daily life, share interests, and join quizzes | Wednesday, 2:30pm – 4:00pm | Self‑refer via Mindline Somerset on 01823 276 892 or visit: Mind Wellbeing & Recovery Groups | Open to adults (18+) across Somerset. | Mind in Somerset |
Cycles of Change | Explore 3 guided sessions: Self Care, Skills for Wellbeing, Self Esteem. | Wednesday, 6:00pm – 8:00pm | Self‑refer via Mindline Somerset on 01823 276 892 or visit: Mind Wellbeing & Recovery Groups | Open to adults (18+) across Somerset. | Mind in Somerset |
Art and Craft Support Group | This is an opportunity to meet regularly online and develop craft skills in a calm and supportive environment. | Thursday, 1:30-3:00pm | Self‑refer via Mindline Somerset on 01823 276 892 or visit: Mind Wellbeing & Recovery Groups | Open to adults (18+) across Somerset. | Mind in Somerset |
Managing Your Emotions Course | A 10 week course designed to give you practical, everyday strategies to help you steady the ship and improve your mental wellbeing. | Next courses start Thursday 10/09/2026 and Thursday 26/11/2026, both in the morning. | Open to adults (18+) across Somerset. | NHS |
Crisis Safe Space
Mind in Somerset provide Crisis Safe Space in Yeovil, for anyone who feel they are really struggling with their mental health. Crisis Safe Space offers a safe and comfortable place for someone in crisis to access one-to-one support when they need it most.
Crisis Safe Space is open Monday – Sunday: 6pm – 11pm and Weekends: 12pm – 4pm.
Appointments can be booked online on the Crisis Safe Space page on this website or accessed by calling Somerset Mindline.