Projects: West Somerset Inclusion Project

The West Somerset Inclusion Project is beginning its new outreach programme with the launch of a service in Dulverton offering information and advice on all aspects of mental health. Staff from the Minehead office will be in Dulverton Town Hall every Thursday between 12 noon and 2pm. If you would like any information about mental health issues or would like to talk to someone about what services you would like to see in Dulverton please do go along – anybody is welcome to drop in.

For more information on services in the Minehead area you can call the Minehead office direct on 01643 708765 or email Deborah.melmoth@mindinwestsomerset.org.uk.

Big Lottery Funding

Mind in Taunton and West Somerset is delighted to report that the West Somerset Inclusion project will be funded by the Big Lottery Fund for the next 5 years. This means that our Minehead and West Somerset services will continue to support those experiencing mental ill health and emotional distress in West Somerset.

Over the next five years Mind TWS aims to help and support another 8000 people in West Somerset and work with at least 35 other local organisations. We want to improve mental health and well being for local people and ensure there is access to healthy lifestyles and a choice about the kinds of mental health support people receive.

Mind TWS is dedicated to providing specialised services for older people living in West Somerset who may be experiencing mental ill health or emotional distress through loneliness, bereavement or isolation. Resources for older people with mental health issues have been reduced in the area which means that this funding is even more timely and vital.

The Minehead office operates as a drop in centre for anyone needing support and advice, and a phone service is also available on 01643 708 765. The West Somerset service also runs two groups, one social and one activity based.

West Somerset Inclusion Project

As a result of the ‘Mind the Gap’ report published early in 2002, this project aims to fill some of the gaps in mental health services in West Somerset. It is working to fight the exclusion and stigma faced by those who experience mental or emotional distress and is working to help those who are experiencing, or have experienced, distress to get their lives back on course, to build confidence and self-esteem and to improve the quality of their lives.

Let us know what you need. We are working to promote a greater choice of activities and resources for those who have experienced mental or emotional distress in West Somerset.

Some of the other initiatives now being implemented include consultation with user/survivors, the setting up of self-help networks, researching and implementing best practice from other rural areas and improving communication between all those with an interest in mental health issues in West Somerset.

For information about all aspects of our work in West Somerset, please contact Deborah Melmoth at: 3, Parks Lane, Minehead TA24 5NU Tel: 01643 708765.

Available leaflets:

Please contact us if you would like a copy of the West Somerset Inclusion Project leaflet.