
In Minehead and Frome, something special unfolded recently. Armed with smiles and leaflets, groups of Open Mental Health colleagues and volunteers embarked on the two town centers, spreading warmth and awareness of Open Mental Health’s services.
Minehead
Dodging between the raindrops on Monday, 13th November, volunteers made their way through the streets, popping into local shops and businesses to share a message of support. Their mission? To let residents know that no matter what mental health struggles they may face, Open Mental Health is here for them.
Fueled by a passion for creating a supportive and understanding community, the volunteers engaged with shopkeepers and passersby. Their friendly conversations sparked curiosity and interest, creating an open dialogue about mental health—a subject that is too often kept in the shadows when it deserves to be in the spotlight.
Handing out informative leaflets, the volunteers highlighted the valuable Open Mental Health resources available in their community. From counselling, support groups and money advice to volunteering and peer support, Open Mental Health is here to help you navigate life’s challenges.
The walkabouts were a reminder that simple acts of kindness make a profound difference, that seeking help is a sign of strength, and that there’s a network of support waiting.
Katherine West, Carers Project Lead, said, “It is so important to spread the word and let people know there is help and support out there. I think people really appreciate that we are reaching out to them.”
Local shop owners welcomed the volunteers, recognising the importance of mental health and the positive impact wellbeing initiatives can have on the community.
Gill Harrison from Spark Somerset said, “It was a really worthwhile event. We visited seventy-four shops, cafes and businesses that took leaflets and planned to use them creatively. We also engaged with members of the public, and after talking with two migrant workers employed in a local care home, we passed on leaflets to share there, spreading the message about OMH access and support even further. A woman followed us out of a café and asked for advice, and we were able to signpost her to Mindline.”
Mary Onukem, Open Mental Health Champion and part of the community engagement team, reflected that, “It was delightful to connect with businesses and share about Open Mental Health. The day’s highlight was when one of the businesses asked for more flyers and posters to distribute to their various locations across Somerset. Such action can lead to a ripple effect, allowing more people to learn about Open Mental Health.”
Gill added, “Walkabouts enable us to engage with a much wider audience and diverse group than events held by professionals in a room—which can be challenging to enter for people seeking mental health support.”
So, the next time you stroll through the streets of Minehead, keep an eye out for those leaflets—they carry information about the mental health support that is out there.
Frome
The Frome walkabout was staged on Monday, 21st and Tuesday, 22nd November, and aimed to carry on the great work started in the Bridgwater and Minehead events. In addition to getting out and about talking to people, the walkabout publicised the start of the Open Mental Health Wellbeing Café.
Open Mental Health Champions and Spark Somerset staff, bundled up leaflets and cards and hit the streets, going in pairs into shops and informing people about Open Mental Health services in their community.
Organiser Val Keeble from Spark in Somerset said, “Volunteers noticed how comfortable people are when speaking about mental health now. The feeling seems more general that it is ‘ok not to be ok’ and to reach out for help. One woman working in a shop was very pleased that something was being done to help people in Frome struggling with mental health. She took an A5 poster and put it straight in her very prominent shop window.”
The team visited thirty-nine shops and businesses and nearly every business took leaflets, putting them on the counter, window or noticeboard. A bakery owner even kindly donated doughnuts for the Wellbeing café.
The first café drop-in took place on November 24th. It is a warm, welcoming place offering free hot drinks, cake, and a chance to chat or sit quietly. If you are struggling with your mental health or would like to know more about the support available in Frome, the café is open fortnightly on Fridays from 10.00 to 11.30 am (every second and fourth Friday of the month). It is run by volunteers who know about living with mental health issues and are keen to help others get the support they need.
Open Mental Health—find the support you need
At Open Mental Health, we feel lucky to have dedicated volunteers and workers who give up their time to spread the word about our services. The walkabouts sow the idea that together, we can create a community where mental wellbeing is a shared priority.
If you’d like to discover more about Open Mental Health and the friendly, free services we offer Somerset residents, you can read all about our approach, or if you’d like to get involved, check out ways you can help support people in Somerset with their mental health.
For help to improve your mental health, call Mindline Somerset any time, day or night, on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.