Mental Health Awareness Week
The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week this year is taking action, but when we are feeling overwhelmed, the idea of trying to improve things can sometimes seem too much. That’s why our Wellbeing Kit focuses on gentle actions you can take, because small steps really do lead to big results.
Emotional support 24/7
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.
Mindline Somerset live chat is available on our website every day from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m, offering a compassionate space for emotional support and mental health advice. Please reach out if you are struggling.
I have benefitted so much just from having someone sitting alongside me during my periods of mental health crisis.
Crisis Safe Space
The Crisis Safe Space (CSS) service offers a warm, calm, and supportive alternative to going to A&E during a mental health crisis.
It’s straightforward and easy to arrange an appointment with a compassionate team member who will listen without judgment and work with you to find a way forward.
To help you understand exactly what CSS offers, watch our video and hear directly from someone who has used the Crisis Safe Space, giving you a real-world look at a client’s experience and how finding a non-clinical space helped them through a difficult time.
Bookable evening and weekend appointments are available when you’re struggling with your mental health.
Take action!
The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is taking action. When we face mental health challenges or life worries, we often feel a bit hopeless. But taking even a small step can help us regain a feeling of control and boost our wellbeing.
Helping others is one of the best things we can do for ourselves, as we feel more connected to our community. We’ve put together a guide for Mental Health Awareness Week that looks at support available across Somerset for you and ways you can get involved in supporting others.
Ways to help yourself
Taking action for our own wellbeing is just as important as helping others. Here are some ways you can take a step toward looking after yourself:
Get Moving:
SASP Health Walks are a happy and relaxed way to get some fresh air and meet new people without the pressure of a gym environment.
Connect Locally:
Whether you live in Mendip, Sedgemoor, South Somerset, or Taunton and West Somerset, there is a local Open Mental Health team ready to help. You can also check the Balsam Centre timetable for details of what’s on in Wincanton or take a look at our list of free activities in Somerset.
Join a Group:
Mind in Somerset runs recovery and wellbeing groups where you can talk to others in a safe space.
Training Courses:
Organisations like Spark Somerset and Mind in Somerset offer courses that can give you the skills to support others, whether in your workplace or your local neighbourhood.
Tailored Support for Eating Disorders:
If you find that your relationship with food is impacting your wellbeing, you can reach out to SWEDA. They support an average of 75 people every month, and the vast majority see a real improvement in their thoughts and behaviours after getting help.
Look at Ways to Promote Your Wellbeing:
Check out our suggestions here or discover more about symptoms and conditions.
Learn New Skills:
From managing your emotions to the various Talking Therapies courses, plus workshops from WATCH CIO, there are plenty of free ways to pick up tools for your mental health toolkit.
Read Our Guide:
Take a look at our wellbeing kit for 2026 for practical tips from our partners on staying well and support options.
Ways you can help others
If you are looking for ways to support those around you, there are plenty of options in Somerset:
The Orange Button:
This is a simple way to show people that you are comfortable having a conversation about suicide and that you know where to find help. It is about being a listening ear in your community.
Learn About Mental Health:
If a friend or family member is struggling, it can be helpful to understand what they are going through. Rethink Mental Illness has excellent fact sheets on various conditions to help you feel more informed.
Peer Support:
Sometimes the best help comes from someone who has “been there.” You can train to lead a peer support group or get support for an existing group through WATCH CIO.
Training Courses:
Organisations like Spark Somerset and Mind in Somerset offer courses that can give you the skills to support others, whether in your workplace or your local neighbourhood.
Volunteering Opportunities:
This is a fun way to improve mental health and wellbeing, connect with the local community, meet new people, learn new skills, and put life experience and knowledge to good use. Take a look at our current Open Mental Health volunteering roles.
Become an Expert by Experience:
If you have your own journey with mental health services and recovery, you could use that knowledge to influence our decision-making. Last year, nine Experts by Experience put in over 1,700 hours across 19 different workstreams to make sure the voice of lived experience stays at the heart of what we do.
Helpful resources
Managing your Emotions Course
Simple Things we can do to Feel Better Today
Getting Outdoors in Somerset
Help & advice from our partners:
If you’re struggling with your mood or finding it hard to cope, the organisations that make up the Open Mental Health alliance are here to support you.
Health and Wellbeing: Staying Supported
Balsam Centre—Supporting healthy and happy lives
The Balsam Centre is a welcoming community hub in the heart of Wincanton, dedicated to helping people of all ages live healthier, happier lives. We offer a wide range of activities, groups and services designed to boost your mental and physical wellbeing. Whether you’re looking to connect with others, get active, learn a new skill, or find support during a difficult time, there’s something here for you.
Visit their website: https://www.balsamcentre.org.uk/
Citizens Advice Somerset
Citizens Advice Somerset provides free, confidential, and impartial advice on virtually any issue. Our goal is to help everyone find a way forward, no matter what problems they face. So whoever you are, and whatever the problem, advisers will be available providing telephone (call 0808 278 7842) and email advice to anyone who needs it. If you have internet access, the advice pages here can help too.
Our Food Resilience Map can help you find your nearest food bank, community fridge, or community pantry. If you need a referral to a local food bank, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us confidentially using the contact details above. We’ll be happy to support you and make the necessary arrangements.
For more information: https://citizensadvicesomerset.org.uk
Mind in Somerset—Your local mental health charity
Whether you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or just need someone to listen, Mindline Somerset is here for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.
Visit their website: https://www.mindinsomerset.org.uk/
Second Step—Putting mental health first
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 0800 138 1692.
Join Us for our Coffee Mornings at 2 Fore Street, Bridgwater.
Every Friday (except the last Friday of the month), we’re hosting a friendly coffee morning at our Fore Street location. It’s the perfect chance to relax, chat, and connect with others. Time: 10 am – 12 pm.
Location: 2 Fore Street, Bridgwater.
Adults (18+) are welcome to come along and enjoy great company and a warm cup of coffee, we’d love to see you there.
Go to their website to find groups to connect with and a host of wellbeing resources to tap into.
SASP—Increasing health and happiness through movement
Staying active in winter is essential for both physical and mental wellbeing, no matter your age or ability. Whether you enjoy the benefit of the outdoors or the warmth of indoor activities, find something to help you move more in ways that suit you. Staying active during the winter is particularly important as it can help boost your energy and lift your mood during this time of year.
Check out SASP’s Things To Do page for fresh ideas to keep you active or take a look at the Somerset Moves Activity Finder where you can find activities local to you.
Visit their website: https://www.sasp.co.uk/ Things to do: https://www.sasp.co.uk/things-to-do Activity Finder: https://somersetmoves.activityfinder.net/
Spark—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
Somerset Council has a useful webpage, it is a resource to support your mental health.
Visit the page: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/
Nelson Trust—Making change possible
For women throughout Somerset experiencing substance misuse, debts, mental health, or family issues. Our women’s centre can provide you with a safe and welcoming space to seek vital support. We offer one to one key working to address ongoing issues, groups with other likeminded women and a safe place to talk.
Visit their website: https://www.nelsontrust.com/
WATCH CIO—Your Potential. Your Voice. Your Way.
This year at WATCH CIO, we’re celebrating another year of community, connection, and compassion. Our projects continue to bring people together — from our Peer Pathways online sessions, where peer members connect and learn from one another, to our Thursday Project, where peer friendships flourish over conversation and a warm meal. To find out how to get involved or see what’s on visit our Events Calendar or contact info@watchproject.org.uk.
Rethink—Working to transform lives
This information is about managing your mental health. It is for people who are 18 or over and affected by mental illness in England.
Here is a very useful link: Advice Service from Rethink
Visit their website: https://www.rethink.org
Support for Families and Young People
Balsam Centre—Supporting healthy and happy lives
The Balsam Centre is a welcoming community hub in the heart of Wincanton, dedicated to helping people of all ages live healthier, happier lives. We offer a wide range of activities, groups and services designed to boost your mental and physical wellbeing. Whether you’re looking to connect with others, get active, learn a new skill, or find support during a difficult time, there’s something here for you.
Visit their website: https://www.balsamcentre.org.uk/
FUSE Performance—Creative projects to support health and wellbeing
We hope we may be able to support with the survival tool kits and helpful suggestions for creative activities to support health and well-being. 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
Minehead EYE is dedicated to working with young people and communities across West Somerset. It is an established and well-respected Youth and Community Hub for West Somerset. The EYE is open 7 days a week from 10am, delivering a range of universal and targeted youth services, groups, and community projects; using its centre, professional workforce, 7 youth and community clubs and an outreach model of delivery across West Somerset communities. Minehead Eye is a £3.4 million centre and boasts of many facilities and resources across a spectrum of activities (sports, media, I.T., music, cooking and art). Its indoor skate park, climbing wall, music studio and café are unrivalled in the area, therefore often populated for recreational use. We’ve organised a variety of activities—from Crafty Explorers to Roller discos and acoustic nights—to keep everyone engaged and energised. We also offer a drop-in café with our wellbeing team through most of the festive season, providing a space to unwind with a chat and a cuppa.
For more information on their events, visit: www.mineheadeye.co.uk.
Young Somerset—Putting young people first
We remain committed to being a trusted presence fro young people in Somerset. One-to-One Support and Signposting Our Wellbeing Support Practitioners are on hand to offer individualised emotional wellbeing support, helping young people explore their feelings and navigate challenges. We also support families with guidance and access to additional services. Mental Health Practitioners in the Community Even during the school holidays, our Community Wellbeing Practitioners and MHST teams continue to work with young people, ensuring consistent care through the break.
You are not alone. Young Somerset is here to help. 24/7 Support with Mindline Somerset. Young Somerset supports Mindline Somerset, a free and confidential listening service. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Mindline is a confidential listening service that offers a safe space for anyone in emotional distress or in need of support. Call Mindline Somerset: 01823 276 892 or freephone 0800 138 1692
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/
Dealing with the Challenges of Disordered Eating
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.
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
These services are here to support people who feel isolated or give care to others.
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/
Thrive
We are a charity who supports communities in Somerset to Thrive. We believe that everyone living in Somerset should have access to the support they need to meet their basic needs in food, fuel, transport and health.
Somerset Carers Service Somerset Carers service provides support for unpaid carers including information, advice and carers groups. Our downloadable resources include a carers checklist with useful contacts and some top tips for carers.
Visit their website: https://somersetcarers.org/
Village Agents Our Village Agent service supports anyone living in Somerset who is facing a worrying or tough time. This could be because of a number of reasons; health, finances, housing or feelings of loneliness and isolation. You can access your local Village Agent through one of our Talking Cafes, or directly by requesting a call back on our website – https://thrivesomerset.org.uk/
Diverse and Displaced Communities We work with and support minority ethnic communities across Somerset, including refugees and displaced people. We are leading the The Welcome to All partnership which addresses the growing need for practical, compassionate support rooted in lived experience and delivered through trusted community organisations. Our Somerset Diverse Communities team supports people from ethnically diverse, faith and marginalised backgrounds. We work closely with local communities, building trust and listening to lived experiences.
For more information – https://thrivesomerset.org.uk/diverse-and-displaced-communities/
Supportive NHS resources
NHS Talking Therapies
Help for anxiety and depression
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s Talking Therapies service offers many different short-term treatments for anxiety and depression. These are available individually, in groups, or even by telephone and video to make things easier for you. Whether you are struggling with low mood, a traumatic event, or the emotional challenges of a long-term physical health condition, there is a path forward.
You can self-refer directly through the website. You’ll be offered a prompt assessment with an experienced clinician to look at what’s troubling you and find the most effective way to help.
Managing Your Emotions Course
Free online course
Learning how to manage big emotions is a skill, much like learning to drive or cook. When we have the right tools in our kit, we can start to feel more in control of our reactions and more at peace within ourselves.
That is why we are so pleased to offer this free 10-week online course. It is designed to give you practical, everyday strategies to help you steady the ship and improve your mental wellbeing.
Emotional wheel and workbook
Sometimes, our emotions feel like an overwhelming jumble of mixed thoughts, or maybe we’ve become so used to suppressing them that we don’t properly notice how we feel. That’s where the Emotional Wheel comes in: this guide will help you use it to recognise and name your feelings, and the accompanying workbook will help you explore them further.
The five ways to wellbeing
The Five Ways to Wellbeing are simple, effective actions we can all take to boost our overall health and happiness. When we look after our social connections, our physical health, and our emotional resilience, we’re creating a strong foundation for a more fulfilling life. Think of these five ways as everyday building blocks you can use to protect your mental fitness.
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How to get help:
Mindline Somerset
Get Urgent Help
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
- 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.