Become a volunteer with Somerset Sight

Sight impairment can happen to anyone and is largely age related. One in 5 people over 75 will suffer, making even the simplest of tasks difficult - going into one’s garden to see the flowers, making a cup of tea or reading the post. Driving is no longer possible so getting about is challenging, especially when there is little public transport. Occupying time becomes more difficult when you cannot read, go out for a walk or continue with hobbies that have been enjoyed throughout one’s life. Sight loss is known to increase the risk of depression, loneliness and isolation.
Somerset Sight has run a successful visiting service for more than 20 years, matching a trained volunteer with someone with sight loss. They meet for a couple of hours a week.
Sight impaired people in Somerset are waiting for a volunteer to help them with correspondence, trips out and socialising. To become a volunteer please contact Somerset Sight on 01823 333818. Full training and support is provided.

Activity Days

Reminiscence Learning are organising a series of Free Spring- and Summer-themed Activity days, the first of which is at Martock on 28th Feb. Details are on the poster which you can see by clicking here.

• Everybody will take away a craft they have made 
• Lunch and refreshments provided
• Booking essential: contact office@reminiscencelearning.co.uk or phone 01823 323752

Changes to Dementia day services in Somerset

Somerset County Council is changing the way it provides day time activities for people with memory loss or dementia. To move from a point of directly contracting one type of service to having a flourishing, sustainable colourful market of services SCC recognise pump prime funding is required to stimulate development of the market.
If you run, organise or plan to introduce a service that is relevant for those living with dementia, as an individual or organisation, meeting the priority needs below, grants may be available.

1. Enabling day-time activities for people with moderate to severe dementia including supporting people experiencing complex symptoms of dementia. e.g. prone to wandering off or challenging behaviour.
2. Enabling unpaid carers to have respite from their caring role.
3. Enabling younger people (up to 60 years old) with memory loss or dementia to take part in activities and services which meet their needs

Contact: Heather Brumby
Senior Commissioning Officer,
Somerset County Council – Adult and Health Commissioning Team
Email: hbrumby@somerset.gov.uk