With covid still very much upon us and cases of the new omicron variant increasing, Somerset County Council would like to remind everyone that wellbeing support is and will continue to be available. 

It is normal to feel vulnerable and overwhelmed as we read news about the covid pandemic, especially if you have experienced trauma or a mental health issue in the past.  

People with long-term physical health conditions can also feel more vulnerable to the effects of the covid. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and remind each other that staying healthy is as much about your mind as it is about your body.  

Chard & Ilminster News:

There may be times when you need some extra support to deal with your situation. It’s ok to ask for help. Here are ten ways you can support and manage your wellbeing: 

  1. Action for Happiness helps people take action for a happier and kinder world, offering a positive and practical outlook. Their free 10 day ‘How to be Happy’ programme is based on latest research from neuroscience and positive psychology.
  2. Mindline offer emotional support for anyone of any age in Somerset experiencing mental distress or wanting emotional support. Their helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the festive period. Just call 01823 276 892.
  3. Open Mental Health offer out-of-hours safe spaces to support anyone who feels like they are really struggling with their mental health. There are services and times available all over Somerset, call 01823 276 892 to book.
  4. Winter Wellness Bulletin contains plenty of practical resources and information aimed at supporting the mental wellbeing of children and young people in Somerset.
  5. Mind is Somerset offer bereavement counselling for adults and children aged 12+ and can work in a whole family setting if required. Tel: 0800 3047 412 Bereavement Support during the Covid-19 pandemic - Mind in Somerset
  6. Somerset Suicide Bereavement Support Service - Mind in Somerset are able to provide help and support for anyone affected by suicide bereavement, whether professional or personal. It is important that we all feel ok to talk about suicide. If you would like to learn more please go to  Covid 19 – working together to prevent suicide – Healthy Somerset.
  7. Every Mind Matters - NHS (www.nhs.uk) from the NHS provides expert advice and practical tips, including Get Your Mind Plan - Every Mind Matters - NHS (www.nhs.uk) which provides personalised advice that works for you.
  8. Home Page - Get outside in Somerset is a wealth of tips, advice and guidance for getting outdoors in Somerset, including info on group walk events, volunteering and challenges. Get Outside In Somerset - YouTube
  9. Somerset Recovery College Addressing hope, control and opportunity these courses are for those you wish to learn to live well, for their family and friends and for the professionals who support them.
  10. Loneliness is tough anytime of the year, but feeling during a pandemic can feel particularly hard. The winter blues - Campaign Against Living Miserably (thecalmzone.net)

The Somerset Coronavirus helpline, 0300 790 6275, is available seven days a week from 8am to 6pm. The contact centre staff can give advice on financial support, personal care, food and prescription deliveries, housing, social care and medical transport – including transportation to vaccine centres for eligible groups.

Everyone’s mental wellbeing changes throughout their life, but it’s important not to just put up with poor mental health. If you’re concerned about how you are feeling, please speak to your GP or visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/