People may be struggling more than ever, due to Coronavirus and the different ways it is impacting our whole community. So, please do check in on those around you and help keep everyone connected at this time. There is no right or wrong way to feel, but there is help out there for you should you be looking for support, information or just a listening ear.
From money difficulties to young people’s wellbeing and general mental health issues, a whole host of organisations are open and ready to help provide you with the support you need, please just take a look below. Somerset County Council have also created a useful ways to look after your mental health leaflet full of tips, advice and important contact details.
Coronavirus concerns
If you have an urgent Council issue, all five Somerset district Councils have a Coronavirus helpline that will be manned 8am to 6pm every day. If you are in need of any help or support please call 0300 790 6275.
Please call us on 01373 465 757 where we will help during office hours. Our website also has many resources that you may find useful, visit www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk
Mental health support
They are open 24/7, just call 01823 276 892 for help and emotional support or visit www.mindinsomerset.org.uk.
They also have a host of online sessions available to anyone in Mendip, take a look at their Mendip Recovery & Wellbeing Groups page.
Whatever you’re going through, you can call the Samaritans for free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.
A safe space for LGBTQ+ people to discuss anything, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional wellbeing. Open 10am-10pm 365 days per year, call 0300 330 0630 or visit their website for chat and email options.
A directory of groups and support available in the community that might help you improve your health and wellbeing.
Ongoing befriending support to anyone who feels isolated or lonely in Frome and the surrounding villages. As part of the Shop For Me service they have a bank of volunteers who can also help you if you need emergency shopping or medical supplies.
Emotional support to patients, families, friends and carers who have been affected by cancer or any other life threatening condition.
Support for young people
Counsellors are available to support young people everyday, visit the Kooth site.
This is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and need mental health support as trained Shout Volunteers will be ready to help day and night, just text 85258.
Whatever your worry, Childline are here to support you and you can contact them about anything. There are lots of different ways to speak to a Childline counsellor or get support from other young people, either call 0800 1111 or use 1-2-1 chat between 7.30am and 3.30am every day.
2BU Somerset
Youth support service promoting the wellbeing and positive mental health of children and young people who identify as LGBTQ+. For more information, contact Lisa@2BU-Somerset.co.uk, 07799 136552 or check out the website www.2bu-somerset.co.uk.
Domestic abuse support
Offer a freephone 24-hour national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk (access live chat Mon-Fri 3-10pm)
This is a helpline for male victims of domestic abuse, if you need to talk just call 0808 8010327 or email info@mensadviceline.org.uk, you can also access a webchat service Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – 10 – 11am and 3 – 4pm.
Support for all LGBT+ people who’ve experienced hate crime, domestic abuse or sexual violence. Please note they are running a reduced service over the Christmas period.
Money and debt worries
This online support service can direct you to the best free debt advice service to suit you, whether that is via phone, online or a local organisation. They also provide advice and guides to help improve your finances, tools and calculators to help keep track and plan ahead and support over the phone and online.
Clear, practical advice and support for people experiencing issues with mental health and money.
Shelter have online information and an urgent helpline open 365 days a year for anyone in need of housing advice and/or facing homelessness. Call 0808 800 4444 if you need urgent support.
Their website offers lots of information and tools to help you to deal with debt problems.
