Category mental health
Sober after a twenty-year addiction
“I would encourage others to reach out to Turning Point. It’s about being honest with yourself and recognising you have a problem…” Steve talks about the impact of twenty-years of drinking, being honest about his problem and the support that he had to finally quit. Thirty-five-year-old Steve has drunk since he was fifteen years […]
10 top tips to help reduce your alcohol consumption
Living through a pandemic has been difficult for all of us, and in a time of extraordinary change and uncertainty many people drunk alcohol to help manage stress, anxiety and depression. It has been said that drinking is the UK’s favourite coping mechanism. However, alcohol is an unhealthy coping strategy in a time when adopting […]
Volunteering team launches new Facebook page
A new Facebook page has been launched by Somerset County Council’s Central Volunteer Team to keep people informed about Somerset County Council’s volunteer opportunities, key updates and good news stories. Volunteering was significantly impacted by the pandemic, with many services unable to operate due to lockdown. As restrictions ease and more volunteering roles are returning […]
Suicide – a personal story
“I didn’t want anyone trying to pull me out of my darkness and grief at that time, I just needed someone to sit alongside me, just knowing that they understood.” Hayley talks about the loss of her ex-partner and close friend to suicide, the devastation, the support that she received and her determination to help […]
Inspiring hope on World Suicide Prevention Day
Friday, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, and Somerset County Council is encouraging everyone to be aware of the role they can play in preventing suicide. One in every 100 deaths worldwide is the result of suicide. It can affect every one of us. The Covid-19 pandemic has been particularly tough and for many […]
Pharmacies supporting people to change their alcohol habits
Community pharmacy staff across the county are ready to advise people on how they can change their drinking behaviour to help improve their health. Somerset County Council is linking with pharmacies across Somerset in a bid to help support people who may be drinking in excess of the Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines. The project will […]
Men’s Health Awareness week – Dave Partlow’s story
As part of Men’s Health Awareness Week (14 – 20 June), Dave Partlow, Somerset County Council Adult Social Care Strategic Manager, talks about the emotional rollercoaster of working in high stress, frontline jobs, how he dealt with that pressure and his introduction to the Five Ways of Wellbeing – principles of support he was already […]
Libraries launch audio explainer during Hi Vis fortnight
Somerset Library Service has developed an audio explainer which allows visually impaired people to hear about the inclusive services that are available to them. The audio is being launched on their website during Hi Vis fortnight (7-20 June), an awareness campaign that seeks to highlight the wonderful world of accessible reading – this year’s theme […]
“We need to talk” – Council staff open up during Mental Health Awareness Week
Staff and leaders at Somerset County Council have spoken out about their own wide-ranging experiences during the pandemic this week in order to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health…
Mental Health Awareness Week – Dave Partlow’s story
Dave Partlow, Somerset County Council Adult Social Care Strategic Manager, talks about the emotional rollercoaster of working in high stress frontline jobs, how he dealt with that pressure and his introduction to the Five Ways of Wellbeing – principles of support he was already unconsciously using in his life. Throughout the pandemic, Dave has supported […]
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