What’s been happening

"Happy to Chat Bench"

Sitting on the Happy to Chat bench are Bridget Harvey and Tessa Munt. Behind are Wells City Council staff Nathan Bell and Dominic Butler, who helped install the bench, and Heads Up trustee Philip Welch.

Life is becoming less personal every year.

Bank branches close, we shop online more, communicate by text rather than speaking, and people walk the street wearing headphones in their own little world.

To counter this trend special benches have been set around the world that carry the same sign: “Happy to Chat bench. Sit here if you don’t mind someone stopping to say hello.”

Happy to Chat benches encourage people to start conversations and talk to each other, rather than being isolated and sometimes lonely.

Now one has been installed on the Recreation Ground in Wells by Heads Up which was made at the mental health charity’s woodwork workshop in South Horrington with money from a Somerset County Council grant.

“Thank you county councillor Tessa Munt for securing this grant and for your support of our charity,” said the charity’s service director Bridget Harvey, “and we are very pleased to work alongside Somerset Council with contracts to support vulnerable people in our society.”

Councillor Munt said: “I think this bench is brilliant. An absolutely fantastic way of getting to know people.”

Photo and Text Credit Philip Welch.

Wow! Thankyou Charlie Bigham's!

For the third consecutive year we have been delighted to have approximately 15 employees from Charlie Bigham’s who kindly came and did some volunteering as part of a company wide initiative. Friendly, hard working and conscientious; it’s always a please to welcome them. Massive thankyou for all their efforts.

“I think I can speak for everyone in that we all thoroughly enjoyed the day and hope that our efforts made even a small dent in all the amazing and inspirational work you do at Heads Up.” Mathew Bates, Recruitment Partner.

Photo credit: Philip Welch.

Wells Rotary president Alan Webb presents the keys of the minibus to Heads Up Service Director Bridget Harvey

Wells Rotary have officially presented a minibus to Heads Up that will help the mental health charity extend its outreach service across mid-Somerset.

“Our ambition is to provide transport for clients who otherwise cannot get to our centre in South Horrington, said Heads Up Service Director Bridget Harvey.

“There is little community transport, bus services are being cut, and some people who would like to get to Heads Up for its therapeutic workshops and dementia services, are unable to do so.

“Our thanks and appreciation for the efforts of Wells Rotary and everyone involved in making the project such a success.”

Fundraising for the project was supported by local businesses with Charlie Bigham’s and the CPNA (Community Practicing Nursing Association) charity taking the lead role.

The branding for the new minibus reflects the support given by local businesses Burns the Bread, Chubb Bulleid, CBS Precast, Harris & Harris, The Crown at Wells, D B Paul, Wolf Barbers, Brownes Garden Centre, Old Mill Accountants, Wells Chiropractic, Stuarts Residential and Cooper & Tanner.

Wells Rotary Club president Alan Webb said: “Led by Wells Rotary this project has been a tremendous effort from across the community. The level of sponsorship and support we received at the various fundraising events we organised was truly amazing. Together we can be proud of having made a real difference to the lives of others in our community.”

Heads Up hopes to extend their outreach service from Wells to Glastonbury, Street, Shepton Mallet, Evercreech, Cheddar and Axbridge. The minibus will hold 12 people – a volunteer driver, a helper, and ten clients.

To find out about becoming a volunteer driver for the minibus email Jane Coombes at janec@headsupsomerset.org.uk or call 01749 670667. No previous experience of driving a minibus is required as full training will be given, but a full driving licence is necessary.

Drivers are being asked to cover a three-hour round trip once or twice a month with plenty of flexibility in scheduling the roster.

Mental Health First Aid Training

Tying in nicely with Mental Health Awareness Week; on Friday May 19th 2023 we were really pleased to welcome another fantastic team from Wells Cathedral School to take part in Mental Health First Aid training with our Trustee Vanessa Gordon.

Wells u3a Visit Heads Up

Wells u3a have kindly raised funds for Heads Up recently; and we were really pleased to welcome some of them to see first hand how their support helps. Such a friendly, upbeat, enthusiastic group of people, thankyou for visiting.

Homemade cakes and biscuits welcomed members of Heads Up Connect as they gathered for a tasty talk by hand-made chocolatier Jane Swayne.

The venue was the Education Room at the Bishop’s Palace for this group set up by Heads Up to support carers.
Working as an unpaid carer whether for an adult with dementia, a child with specific physical or cognitive needs or, in fact, for anyone who needs extra care and support in their everyday life, can be a lonely, isolating and sometimes bewildering business.
Heads Up Connect hopes to address some of these issues with a mixture of social and information sessions including a monthly lunch at Wells Golf Club.

Photo and text credit Philip Welch.

Heads Up Minibus

Heads Up is close to fulfilling its ambition to provide minibus transport for clients who cannot get to its base in South Horrington.

Wells Rotary Club has been leading a fundraising drive to buy a minibus for the charity and has just reached the £25,000 required.

The two organisations have also launched a campaign to recruit volunteer drivers to drive the minibus once it has been acquired.

“A lot of clients love to come here but we have always struggled with transport,” said Bridget Harvey, Service Director at the mental health and wellbeing charity.

There is limited community transport, bus services are being cut, and some people in the local community who would like to get to Heads Up for its therapeutic workshops and dementia services are unable to do so. The next nearest similar facility to Heads Up is in Yeovil.

When the minibus service is running, initially it will pick up people twice a week to take them to Heads Up and return them home at the end of the day, then expand to three times a week.

“We’re trying to help Heads Up extend its outreach service,” said Mike Love of Wells Rotary.

Bridget said: “I think it would give people a better quality of life, giving them something to look forward to knowing that someone is going to pick them up and bring them here. Just knowing someone cares – it makes a difference.”

To help fund the minibus and its ongoing operational costs, an Auction of Promises is being held as a black-tie event at Wells Town Hall on 3rd March. Prizes are expected to include a dinner for ten at The Crown in Wells, a week’s sailing in the Mediterranean, and use of a villa in Cyprus for a week.

To find out whether any tickets to the event are still available, contact Jane Coombes at Heads Up. Email janec@headsupsomerset.org.uk or call 01749 670667.

Jane is also the person to contact to find out more about becoming a volunteer driver for the minibus. It is hoped that ten people can be recruited to launch the service, with the pool eventually expanding to 20.

Text Credit Philip Welch.

Photo: Alan Webb and Mike Love with the good quality secondhand minibus Wells Rotary are minded to buy for Heads Up. They found it in Brighton.

Thankyou Timbersource

Timbersource based in Waterlip, nr Shepton Mallet have kindly offered to support Heads Up with donations of wood for our Woodwork workshop, as well as offering other support. A big thankyou to Chris Law, Sales and Marketing Manager at Timbersource for their generosity. We are extremely grateful for their support and are very much looking forward to how this new partnership will develop.

'Time to Chat' Bench

This morning our ‘Time to Chat’ bench was collected from Heads Up and will eventually make its journey to Wells Recreation ground once suitable footings have been put in place.

The ‘Time to Chat’ bench commissioned by Somerset County Council has been made by some of our clients that attend the Heads Up Woodwork Workshop. We are very grateful to our Patron, Tessa Munt for arranging this funding.

The bench will sit in the Recreation Grounds and will provide a perfect opportunity for individuals wishing to ‘chat.’ Providing an invitation to talk, the bench will aim to reduce isolation and loneliness in our local community.

Photo Credit Philip Welch.

Heads Up Christmas Party!

Many clients who we support throughout the week attended Heads Up’s Christmas Party – and they brought with them friends and family to be a part of our festive celebrations.

There was carol singing and lots of chatting and laughing with opportunities to meet new people. The wonderful food was prepared and organised by Trustee Carol and Heads Up chef Wayne. Day Care Manager Mandy and some of the clients had made and nurtured (for several weeks) their own Christmas cake during one of their weekly cooking workshops.

Among our lovely visitors, we were delighted to welcome Mayor Stewart Cursley, as well as Rupert (Head of Food) from Charlie Bigham’s, who have been a huge supporter of Heads Up during 2022.

Bridget Harvey and all at Heads Up wishes to thank Somerset Community Foundation for their kind Festive Fund donation, which enabled the charity to put on this special get-together.

Photo Credit: Philip Welch.

Heads Up Artwork at West Mendip Hospital

An exhibition of wonderful pictures painted by Heads Up clients is brightening the corridor from the reception at West Mendip Hospital to the wards. This photo by Philip Welch shows them being admired by Heads Up Trustee Carolle Skeates.

A special Thankyou to our Trustee Carolle Skeates

As Ladies President of the Somerset Bowling Association for 2022 Carolle Skeates decided to choose Heads Up as her designated charity.

“During the bowling season from April to September I managed to raise £1,900,” said Carolle, “with the help of many very generous bowlers.”

“Most were from Somerset and some from other West Country counties, as well as £730 raised on our County Tour to South Wales.”

Carolle is a long-serving trustee at Heads Up where the money will ensure that carers of people with dementia will receive a little pampering to go some way to make them feel valued for the amazing care and love they unselfishly give.”

“May I offer a huge thank you to all who donated,” said Carolle after presenting the cheque.

Somerset Arts Week

Our first year being part of Somerset Arts Week! Such a huge success, with us receiving many visitors.

Thankyou Seasalt!

A big Thankyou to Sally, Chloe and Molly from Seasalt, Wells for volunteering in one of our Creative Groups. Our learners loved having visitors with fresh ideas! We would welcome them back anytime.

Musicality!

Our Memories clients were privileged to listen to the musical delights from three Wells Cathedral students this morning, Freya, Ben and Josh. We’re so grateful to the students and Jayne Obradovic, Heads of Student Experience for making contact with us. The Mayor and Mayorness of Wells also came along to enjoy the music and meet some of our clients.

Professional Boundaries Training

Some of our wonderful team, including staff, volunteers and trustees met last week to receive some professional boundaries training. For some, this was new learning material and for others a review of practice and a time to revisit scenarios. The training was delivered by Vanessa Gordon, one of our Trustees.

The Swan Hotel Celebrates 600 Years with Stunning Display Created by Heads Up

The team at Heads Up have been involved in creating an array of stunning flowers, made from recycled plastic now displayed at the Swan Hotel, Wells. Heads Up have made an incredible 600 flowers, one for each year that the Swan has been open, marking its 600th anniversary. Many of our team, volunteers and clients have been involved in the process that has included collecting, washing, cutting and spraying the bottles before making them into flowers. It has been a superb effort. The Swan Hotel are an incredible support to Heads Up and hope that the display will continue to raise funds for our charity. The flowers will be on display throughout the summer, if you haven’t done so already do visit, the display really is magnificent!

Photo Credit Julie Hanks.

Wells Amateur Boxing Club Fundraising Event

A boxing tournament raised money for three good causes – one in Ukraine, one in South Africa and Heads Up at South Horrington – which received £600 each.

The organisers were Wells Amateur Boxing Club and an audience of 300 packed the Captain Jack’s Suite at Wookey Hole Caves to watch the action.

The South African beneficiary will be the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club (OWBC) founded by Mzi Damesi, a security guard at night who in the day started the club in a ramshackle old building. He has managed to train his boxers to reach Commonwealth Games standards while winning championships with little or no money or transport, even having to walk 73 miles back from a tournament over two days as they could only afford transport one way. Graham Kelly, one of the tournament’s organisers explained: “Our Wells club is connected to the OWBC in South Africa through my work with Stonewood Builders who are helping sponsor and support the building of a new boxing club outside the Hermanus township to give a safe place for the young kids to train, shower and eat.” They are working with the EMS Foundation in South Africa to achieve this. The foundation provides and supports sporting activities for disadvantaged children such as facilities and equipment. EMS are trying to raise £300,000 to build the new club in Hermanus, an area where young people are drawn into crime. “Fellow coach Andy Lovell and I stay connected with Mzi via Facebook and WhatsApp, encouraging each other to get the new club built,” said Graham.

“The aim is that we as a club visit the OWBC while the building is underway and hopefully they get enough sponsors to visit here and train with Wells ABC at some point. At the tournament more than 70 boxers and coaches from 12 different clubs came for 14 bouts of officiated by seven England Amateur Boxing Association referees, judges and timekeepers. “The evening was fantastic with an electric atmosphere in a great iconic venue,” said Graham. “This was the first ABA show here in over 10 years. We lost count of the number of times competitors and visitors commented on it being the best ABA boxing show they had ever been to. “Also the Wookey Hole staff were great and welcomed us back with open arms.”

Bridget Harvey, manager of the Heads Up mental health charity which looks after clients across mid-Somerset, said: “We are deeply grateful for the support of the boxing club.”

Photo Credit and Text: Philip Welch

Love the Farm!

Ten volunteers from Heads Up raised £1,250 for the charity by working as a “Love the Farm” team at Glastonbury Festival. “Encouraging and preventing people from peeing on the land was part of our role,” said team leader Sally Dempsey. “They are definitely getting the message and were generally polite when we pointed them in the direction of the loos.” The team raised around £1250.

Mental Health First Aid Courses

Pictured below are candidates from Somerton Fire Station attending our Mental Health First Aid Course, delivered by our Trustee Vanessa Gordon. Its great to be able To deliver these courses in person again after a break away from direct learning. If you would like to find out more about the Mental Health courses we offer, please get in touch.

National Carers Week

Life as a full-time unpaid carer for a loved one can be demanding and unrelenting. With this in mind an annual Carers Week was created with the aim of making caring visible, valued and supported. To mark this week Heads Up organised pottery classes for carers at their base in South Horrington. All the carers had never tried making pottery before, except one participant who did it at school. “We believe it is important to support carers and give them some time to themselves,” said Sally Dempsey from the charity.

Photo and Text Credit: Philip Welch

National Volunteers Week

Mandy Loxton, our Volunteer co-ordinator gave thanks to some of our wonderful volunteers that we are fortunate to have here at Heads Up, marking National Volunteers Week. We are so grateful for everything they do.

Photo Credit: Philip Welch

Jubilee Celebrations!

Staff, clients and volunteers at Heads Up had the most delightful celebrations to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. A couple of wonderful tea party’s consisting of cream teas, victoria sponge and shortbread. Everyone had a lovely time, the food and celebrations were enjoyed by all.

Photo Credit: Philip Welch

The Final Function for Philip and Caroline Welch's 19-month term as Mayor and Mayoress of Wells

The final function for Philip and Caroline Welch’s 19-month term as Mayor and Mayoress of Wells was a Royal Garden Party in Buckingham Palace. By a happy coincidence it took place on Somerset Day.
Philip is vice-chair of the trustees at Heads Up where he reports on news at the charity and takes photos there for the media. “We had a wonderful time,” said Caroline, “despite the unfortunate rain which lasted all afternoon, it was a great honor to be there.” (Photo credit Philip Welch).

Dementia Action Week

Selling forget-me-nots made by Heads Up at the Wells Dementia Action Alliance stall on Wells Market are volunteer Dave Thompson, Maggie Charlesworth from The Lawrence Centre and Shirley Pays from the Alzheimer’s Society. (Photo credit Philip Welch).

Support for Ukrainian Guests Arriving in Wells

On Monday 16th May 2022 a welcome event was held for hosts and their Ukrainian guests in Wells and Mendip Museum. Soup, cake and a glass of wine was provided with outdoor games in the garden for the children.

As a host, Sally Dempsey, Enterprise Manager at Heads Up attended and took 35 felted dogs that clients at Heads Up had decorated with Ukrainian coloured ribbons. The dogs were a welcome gift from Heads Up.

Pictured is Sally Dempsey with a Ukrainian student who recently arrived in Wells.

Photo credit Philip Welch.

Dementia Action Week 2022

We’ve celebrated Dementia Action Week 2022 in style, from tea parties to live music to cream teas!

We even had a special visit from ‘Queenie’ as we affectionately call her.

Cream teas, french fancies, angel cake and cherry bakewells were all deliciously received, whilst raising awareness of Dementia.

This year the Alzheimer’s Society have chosen ‘diagnosis’ as their theme due to a sustained drop in Dementia diagnosis rates for the first time ever. The awareness week has aimed to increase understanding and recognition of symptoms, signpost for support and guidance and to improve the diagnosis process for individuals, carers and healthcare professionals.

Mental Health Awareness Week

Heads Up hosted a successful and well attended coffee morning for Mental Health Awareness week on Tuesday May 10th. A brilliant opportunity to get talking, to listen and to offer support.

Our scones were freshly baked by our cookery group and proved very popular served with jam and cream!

We were delighted to receive a visit from the Mayor of Wells, Philip Welch and others in the local community.

Photo credit Philip Welch.

Heads Up are Delighted to Restart Courses

This is the first of our Mental Health First Aid courses that we have been able to facilitate since Covid. We are absolutely delighted to return this strand of our service. The Mental Health First Aid Course, delivered by our Trustee, Vanessa Gordon is a fully accredited course with Mental Health First Aid England. Vanessa has worked in mental health services for over 30 years encompassing older people, child, adolescent, acute mental health, inpatient, and community services. She is a registered Mental Health nurse and was the National Clinical Lead for NHS England Patient Safety for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, until her recent retirement. Feedback from the first cohort, Wells Cathedral School was overwhelmingly positive with every participant marking an improvement in their personal confidence and their knowledge and understanding in how best to support others with a mental health issue at the end of the course. Please get in touch with Heads Up if you are interested in finding out more about our courses either personally or for a group of employees.

Visit from the High Sheriff of Somerset

Staff and clients at Heads Up were delighted to have a visit from the High Sheriff of Somerset, Thomas Sheppard on Tuesday.
“Thomas was charming and exclaimed how impressed he was with the amazing facilities we have to offer at Heads Up,” said Bridget Harvey, Service Director.
He was given a tour of the building by Bridget and Vanessa Gordon, a mental health professional who is a Trustee of the charity.
Afterwards the High Sheriff praised Heads Up saying: “It plays such an important role in providing community mental health care and support delivered with energy and good humour.”

Photo Credit: Philip Welch

Networking with the Health and Wellbeing Coaches from Cheddar Medical Practice and Axbridge and Wedmore Medical Practice

We are proud to have shown Health and Wellbeing Coaches Sonia, Seb and David around Heads Up earlier this week. Based at Cheddar Medical Practice and Axbridge and Wedmore Medical Practice the team were keen to broaden their knowledge of local services that they can signpost too. We were only to happy to share information about our service and build connections with professionals in our area.

Christmas Day Celebrations at Heads Up!

Heads Up were delighted to provide their premises for a special festive lunch on Christmas Day for their clients and other vulnerable people who would otherwise be alone.

Five volunteer drivers brought them to Heads Up in the morning then took them home after the Queen’s Speech.

They were welcomed with a free three-course lunch, drinks, music, card tricks and presents.

Their host was the Mayor of Wells, Councillor Philip Welch, who donned the Santa Claus outfit to distribute the gifts.

“Businesses in Wells showed true Christmas spirit and were very generous,” said Councillor Welch, who is vice-chair of the trustees at Heads Up. “Griffiths Butchers gave all the turkey, Wells Golf Club staff cooked and sliced it. All the veg, gravy, cranberry sauce, Christmas pudding and drinks were donated by Morrisons, Waitrose, Tesco and Queen Street Deli.

“The Cathedral School gave the Christmas crackers, festive serviettes and tablecloths. Serving equipment was loaned by the Crown Hotel. Plates, glasses, condiments and cutlery were borrowed from Geoff Haskins and special thanks to the volunteers who helped on Christmas Day and beforehand.”

They included chefs Paul Jeffrey and his son Max, Sharon and Bob Haigh from Wells Rotary, Non Hobson who made the table decorations, Sue Walker who provided the music, her partner Brady who opened up the building for the day, the five drivers, and the four city councillors who wrapped the presents.

Working Together at Christmas

A TALENTED Year 11 Blue School student has designed a Christmas card for the clients and carers at Heads Up. Abi Rolfe was recommended to do the work by the school’s Head of Art, to Jenni Robertson, their Head of Health and Social Care.

“We are working in collaboration with Heads Up,” said Jenni, “so the students can learn about dementia and the other forms of mental illness.”

“This is a beautiful piece of artwork that Abi has created, taking into account the intended client group when creating her design.”

The school will present the cards to the Heads Up clients and carers at a festive lunch on Christmas Day at Heads Up hosted by the Mayor of Wells, Councillor Philip Welch.

“We are establishing a long-term relationship with Jenni and her team,” said Heads Up manager Bridget Harvey, “where their Health and Social Care students come and participate in our woodwork and pottery classes.”

“From February we will also be giving the students Dementia Friends training.”

Also supporting the Christmas Day lunch at Heads Up are the owners of Daniel’s Café in Wells, Kate and Georgie Robbins, who will be providing goody bags for the clients and carers.

Photo credit and article Philip Welch.

Thankyou Wells Blue School Health and Social Care Students

Our Clients were delighted to have received Christmas Cards from the Health and Social Care students at Wells Blue School this week. The cards, prompted jubilant conversation and raised smiles all round! We look forward to welcoming some Wells Blue School Health and Social Care students for their work experience in the New Year.

Stimulating Memories!

It is our aim to keep our Memories Workshops as varied and dynamic as possible. We are fortunate to have local members of our community bring in their skill sets; for example Brian Reader attends once a fortnight to read poetry with our Memories Clients while Simple Uke! Led by Sue Walker are a regular number at Heads Up who encourage singing along to old favourite songs. Both are fabulous for stimulating memories. (Photo credit, Philip Welch).

Thankyou Wells Cathedral School and Little Wellies Nursery

Our Clients and Carers were absolutely delighted to have received beautiful hand-made Christmas Cards from students at Wells Cathedral School and Little Wellies Nursery.
The cards have provided so much joy this week some of which contained a few sentences, jokes and some very creative artwork. We’re so thankful that Wells Cathedral School support our Charity. We wish the Students, Staff and Governors a very Merry Christmas.

Wells Lions Club Donation

Wells Lions Club have donated £600 to fund music therapy for people with dementia and other mental heath conditions. The photo shows their President, Alan Sanderson, presenting a £300 cheque to the vice-chair of the Heads Up trustees, Philip Welch, and another for £300 to Claire Chettoe of The Lawrence Centre in Wells.

Wells Art Contemporary (WAC)

As a local community group, with a passion for using creativity to improve mental health and wellbeing; Heads Up has once again been invited to submit a piece of artwork to be displayed during WAC – Wells Art Contemporary art exhibition currently being held at Wells Cathedral until Sunday 26th September.

Our collaborative work has been made and contributed to, by over 40 clients, volunteers and staff at Heads Up. We decided this year to theme our piece around positive memories. Following a hard year when many people have felt more alone and isolated than ever, we wanted to celebrate being together again and reflect on the positives in our lives.

Our collaged wooden chair is covered in images, words and sentences that we have gathered together following discussions around positive memories. The cushion has a patchwork of fabrics, each one holding a significant memory. The title: ‘Daisy Chain and Cider’ was a statement made by a client in the Memories Group and felt like a fitting title for a piece created in Somerset!

We have enjoyed reminiscing about favorite places, songs, events, people and times; and there has been a lot of song and laughter along the way.

Please come and visit the exhibition and see our artwork; we hope you will contribute to our daisy chain of memories (that is already 100 daisies long) which you will find beside our chair in the Cathedral.

Thankyou Amica Felt and Well Done Sally!

Sally had a really busy Saturday running a stall at the Moreton in Marsh Show. Our little stall was full of wonderful arts, crafts, gifts and jewellery that supporters and clients had made for us to sell; to help raise funds for our Charity.

We would like to say a big thankyou to Amica Felt, as we are extremely lucky to have their support, as their chosen Charity this year.

Amica have kindly donated felt for us to use within our creative workshops; but they have also furnished us with their slightly imperfect products, which our clients then add a little love and embellishment to, in order to help us raise money.

Heads Up would also like to thank all those who took the time to appreciate the efforts that had been made; we were delighted at just how many people bought our items. The felt dogs and horses with bandanas were a massive hit!!

Sally had a really nice day meeting so many lovely people who gave us such wonderful feedback; and she was delighted to be presented with a Commended 3rd (out of 80 stalls) in the Trade Exhibit Competition.

Stourhead National Trust

This year commemorates 75 years since Stourhead National Trust was gifted to the National Trust.

Studio Meraki, a socially engaged arts collective based in Bristol, have been appointed to design Stourhead’s 75th Anniversary installation in co-creation with the local community.

A group from Heads Up were delighted to be invited to take part in some creative workshops and contribute to the creation of the overall design.

The artists chose to use feathers as a medium to convey the feeling of the Stourhead stories they heard when visiting in July this year – ‘Feathers carry a huge amount of symbolism for many different cultures.’

Heads Up made feathers out of plastic milk cartons, which were then wired together to make birds.

Learning Disability Week 2021

This Learning Disability Week 2021 our Monday group took part in the first of a four week arts and crafts workshop run by Life with Art.

Using paints and different materials, including leaves from our garden, to do leaf rubbings; its really nice to incorporate different textures to bring a picture to life.

We love the fact these hedgehogs are such individual characters.

Volunteers Week 2021

Celebrating Volunteers this Volunteers Week 2021 and thanking them for providing us with admin support, as well as supporting our wonderful clients in both our dementia groups; and within our wellbeing workshops throughout the week.

We are so grateful to Strode College Hair & Beauty Salon, who have kindly offered our volunteers a little pampering session next week, as a way of saying an extra special thankyou.

Dementia Action Week

This afternoon in our memories groups, we thought we’d have a little tea party for Dementia Action Week.

Forget-me-nots picked from our garden whilst the sun was shining, yummy cakes made by our lovely Clinical Lead Mandy; and of course – a nice cup of tea.

Thankyou to The Works

We’re so pleased that you are back open and providing the great service that you do within our community.

Thankyou to your staff and lovely customers, who have supported us by purchasing raffle tickets; your kindness raised £50.

It's Time To Talk Day! February 4th 2021

It’s Time to Talk Day!

Reach out and have that conversation about Mental Health. The smallest of conversations have the power to make the biggest difference to how someone is feeling.

With this in mind take the time to make that call, send that text message or even write a letter or a card … lets get talking about Mental Health!

Thankyou Wells Cathedral

Christmas Wreaths

Our talented pottery clients made stunning Christmas Wreaths today!

Delivering Christmas Lunches!

Christmas Wreath Bird Feeders!

Christmas wreath bird feeders for sale, made by Heads Up’s crafty gardeners. £10 each, includes peanuts and fat balls. Please contact Heads Up if you would like a festive wreath for you and your garden birds to enjoy!

National Lottery Community Fund

Remembrance Day

Mandy, our Deputy Manager created this wonderful display to mark Remembrance Day inside our reception area. A very poignant display providing an opportunity to promote discussion amongst our Memories Clients today. These beautiful pottery poppies made by Mandy were given to each of our clients to take home today.

Computer Tablets Encourage and Maintain Participation During Restrictions

Collaboration with Daniel's Cafe and Sandwich Bar

World Mental Health Day 2020

Harvesting!

A few pictures of our wonderful produce from the Heads Up Healing Garden … Wow!!

Wells Art Contemporary Virtual Exhibition

A Special Thankyou to the White Stuff Donation

Thankyou to Wells City Council

Wells City Council have donated 400 masks to Heads Up.

The photo below shows them being presented by Town Hall Manager, Kevin Westwood (left) and Town Clerk, Steve Luck to Bridget Harvey, Service Director at Heads Up.

“We are more than happy to offer some practical help to a valued local charity in these difficult times.” said Kevin.

This follows gifts of masks from the Council to the Connect Centre and Wells Foodbank.

Local Businesses Rally Together to Help Support Community Initiative as Lock Down Eases

A Successful First Couple of Weeks

It’s been a busy couple of weeks since reopening our service on August 3rd.

Our woodwork, creative activities, pottery, gardening and memories workshops have all resumed, with number limitations and advanced cleaning and PPE regimes in place.

It’s been wonderful to see so many familiar faces back in the service. Those that have returned have been respectful to the social distancing measures and new processes we have had to put in place, for which we are extremely grateful for.

A Successful Reopening

Tuesday August 4th 2020 saw the successful reopening of our service since temporarily closing due to the outbreak of Covid-19 on the 17th March 2020. It’s been a long four and half months however we were absolutely delighted to welcome back some familiar faces today. With a number of changes to minimise risk and increase safety in response to Covid-19 our service isn’t quite how it once was. However, our team have embraced the challenges and have adopted new and innovative ways of working that we are sure will be well received.

Some of the changes include a phased reopening with fewer workshops and fewer in attendance, separate workshop entrances, temperature and screening checks on arrival, additional PPE and enhanced cleaning regimes. In addition, our team have taken part in further First Aid training incorporating Covid-19, delivered by the extremely professional Occupational Training Solutions which also included appropriate and safe use of PPE to ensure we are prepared for every eventuality.

Our community efforts remain paramount to our service delivery, with our outreach service continuing and expanding. We very much hope when it is safe to do so, in the coming weeks and months to increase our provision as restrictions ease.

Group photo credit: Philip Welch.

A copy of our Covid-19 Risk Assessment is available on request.

Heads Up Newsletter April-June 2020

HU Newsletter April-June2020

A Healthy Stroll!

As lock down restrictions have started to ease we have been able to extend our outreach support by meeting our Clients in the community. In addition, we have been able to go for a walk with some of our Memories Clients which has created a much-needed respite period for their Carers.

One of our Carers, Marilyn said “lockdown has made life so much harder for us both. It was such a relief when my husband got a place here. When Heads Up take him on one of their walks I have some time to do paperwork and other essential jobs. I am so grateful to Heads Up. They are so warm, so supportive when they phone for a chat. They always listen and ask how you are.”

Thankyou Fosso Lounge!

Thankyou so much Fosso Lounge for generously donating 50p from the sale of every burger and main course during your takeaway trial. In just 3 weeks their initiative has raised £737.

We are so grateful for your support of our charity. Thankyou Fosso Lounge!

Carers Week 8-14th June 2020

It has been our absolute pleasure to deliver boxes of goodies to our wonderful Carers today.

In acknowledgment of Carers Week (8-14th June) we have worked with others to put together beautiful boxes of fruit, cakes, green leaves and bunches of sweet peas which have been delivered to 30 Carers throughout the day. It has been lovely to catch up with so many familiar faces and we very much hope to see you all very soon!

We would like to give special thanks to Alright its Cake and Daniel’s Cafe and Sandwich Bar who kindly donated 30 delightful Muffins; they looked absolutely delicious!

A big Thankyou to Russ Crocker who donated enough fruit for our team to prepare 30 fruit boxes. The fruit created such a beautiful range of colour!

Also, a big Thankyou to Lee-Anne, our gardening co-ordinator who worked hard yesterday with one of our volunteers preparing bags of green leaves and bunches of sweet peas both grown in our Heads Up Healing Garden.

Looking After Our Wellbeing - Part 3 and 4 Food for the Mind

This morning our team took part in the final two sessions of our online zoom course ‘looking after your well-being.’ Funded by Somerset Skills and Learning and delivered by our Trustee Vanessa Gordon part three of the course focused on ‘Food for the Mind.’

The course considered different food types that are good for the mind taking into account the main meals throughout the day; initially looking at breakfast foods that are beneficial to stimulating the mind such as blueberries and strawberries. Incorporating foods such as fish, leafy green salads, avocados, tomatoes and the addition of fresh herbs into our lunch can be great for keeping the mind focused throughout the afternoon. Finally, adding nuts, herbs and seeds into our main evening meals are super for giving that extra boost.

What about snack I hear you say?! Again, nuts and seeds can be a great quick snack especially if you’re on the go. Substituting milk chocolate for dark is also a good alternative. If you have time, maybe try to make your own snack bars!

We followed on from the above to part four of the course with a ‘guided relaxation’ session and breathing exercises delivered by Melanie Kelly (MK Wellbeing). Melanie is a fully qualified and experienced wellbeing instructor and practitioner in various practices of Yoga, Reflexology and Massage.

Thankyou Somerset Community Foundation

Heads Up are extremely grateful to have received a grant for £2200 from Somerset Community Foundation. The grant was made from the Somerset Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund, which is made possible due to local donations to the Somerset Coronavirus Appeal alongside money from the National Emergencies Trust.

Business Manager, Sally Dempsey expressed our gratitude to Somerset Community Foundation “sudden loss of income has been extremely difficult to manage, as I’m sure is the case for many other Charities. Thanks to Somerset Community Foundation we have been able to continue supporting our clients and other vulnerable people in Mendip including carers by providing telephone support, food parcels and more recently one-to-one meetings in the community.”

Carers Week 8-14th June 2020

It’s Carers Week 2020 this week (8-14th June) and we wanted to share our recognition of the many, many Carers in our community and further afield that provide support and care to loved ones. It is vital to recognise that Carers too, need support, respite and help.

Our Carers Groups and Carers Pamper Days are currently suspended however we should emphasise that we are still on the end of the phone to provide advice and support that Carers may need.

To find out more and to get involved in the National Campaign to support Carers Week visit https://www.carersweek.org

Thankyou Mask Force - Wells

Mask Force – Wells have kindly donated 10 washable masks to the Heads Up staff team.

Mask Force – Wells are a group of volunteers, sewing face masks for carers, shielded people, key workers and others. Their aim is to protect people while reducing demand on official PPE lines.

Mask Force – Wells do not charge but suggest a donation to ‘Love Musgrove Covid-19 Response’ which is raising money for NHS staff counselling equipment and for patients in isolation.

Thankyou Mask Force – Wells for your kind donation to Heads Up and to the wider community.

National Volunteers Week (1-7th June)

To celebrate Volunteers Week @alright_its_cake_ kindly donated boxes of beautifully crafted cakes for our team to deliver to some of our volunteers (unfortunately we just couldn’t get to everyone, those we couldn’t get to will hopefully receive our Thankyou cards.

Usually we would be busy this week with events to mark Volunteers Week which we haven’t been able to do. It was therefore lovely to be able to share such a kind donation with some of our volunteers

Thankyou @alright_its_cake_  and @danielscafewells for your ongoing support of @headsupsomerset and THANKYOU to ALL of our wonderful Volunteers who support us all year round in our service, our workshops, with our fundraising and at our events.

Looking After Our Wellbeing - Part 2 Relaxation and Good Sleep Hygiene

Our team took part in session two of our ‘looking after your wellbeing’ zoom course this morning. Funded by Somerset Skills and Learning and delivered by our Trustee Vanessa Gordon, the focus this week was on ‘relaxation and good sleep hygiene.’

How many of us relax physically as well as mentally? I’m sure you’ll agree that quite often we’ll put our feet up with a cuppa and continue using our brains actively.

So, how can we relax our brains? Here are just a few of the top tips that Vanessa explored;

• a change of scenery; step into another room, taking your focus away to something else can aid relaxation;
• focus on breathing; take three deep breaths first thing in the morning when you wake;
• go outside; no matter the weather exposing ourselves to natural light and fresh air can be hugely beneficial.

While our lives are more restricted due to Covid-19 its important that we aim to maintain a routine, particularly a healthy sleep pattern. A couple of tips to promote good sleep hygiene are to;

• aim to go to bed at the same time each night;
• aim for 7-8 hours sleep;
• try to avoid food and drink that contain sugar and caffeine in them from 7pm onwards;
• try not to take electronic devices to bed.

Hopefully you’ll be able to benefit from some of these tips! Next week we will be focusing on ‘feeding the mind.’

For this week try to spend at least half an hour per day, consciously doing something that relaxes you not only physically but mentally as well.

If you are interested there are some excellent resources on the Mental Health Foundation website; you’ll see the links below.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/How%20to…mindfulness.pdf

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/How%20to…sleep%20better.pdf

National Volunteers Week (1-7th June)

Its National Volunteers Week and we want to say a massive THANKYOU to all of our fantastic Volunteers that continue to support Heads Up across a number of roles!

Without the dedicated support of our team of volunteers we would not be able to provide such a high quality, dynamic service and provide the support that we do to our clients and carers.

We are also very appreciative to the community groups and individuals who volunteer their time to run classes or to perform to our Memories groups which enables us to to keep the activities variable and diverse.

Competition Time! Calling all young people :)

Calling all young people; its competition time and a great opportunity to support your local community!

Heads Up are looking for decorated shoe box contributions to fulfil a community commitment in the very near future!

Calling all young people! Here’s how you can help and get involved;

• find an old shoe box, or a box of similar size at home;
• spend some time decorating it; use anything creative for example collage, drawings, sticking etc;
• put your name and the contact number of a responsible adult on the bottom;
• ask an adult to drop your creation up to Heads Up on Monday 8th June between 10am-12pm. These can be left safely at the door without the need for contact.

Our Trustee Vanessa Gordon and Service Director Bridget Harvey will chose a winner during week beginning June 8th and will award a small prize!!

(Please be aware that boxes should be submitted empty and that we will be unable to return any creations!)

Somerset Mental Health Support

Heads Up and a number of other local organisations have come together with Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) to participate in a short wellbeing film.

Commissioned by Somerset Community Foundation, the short film highlights services available to the community from local charities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is a difficult time for many at the moment; there is help and support available, don’t suffer in silence. Contact Mindline Somerset – Coronavirus Emotional Support Helpline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 01823 276892.

https://vimeo.com/somersetcf

Looking After Our Wellbeing - Part 1 Being Creative

This morning (26/05) our team took part in the first of a four part zoom course funded by Somerset Skills and Learning about ‘Looking after our wellbeing.’ The course will enable staff to support our clients to consider their own wellbeing and will establish ways our team can help with this.

The course, hosted by our Trustee Vanessa Gordon, a retired Mental Health Nurse and Mental Health First Aid trainer focused this week on ‘being creative.’

Vanessa explained the importance of having a project or a plan for the next day which gives a vital focus during these unprecedented times. I’m sure we have all found it difficult to get hold of certain items since the outbreak of Covid-19 however Vanessa was able to encourage us to think about things we can use at home that can be re-used/recycled. Some ideas Vanessa shared included making jams and chutneys using left over vegetables that we may have, which of course involves recycling our used glass jars. Another idea; using old glass jars to create gifts and treats such as dog biscuit jars, chocolate/sweet jars or even pin cushions!!

The course next week will focus on tips to relax and sleep well, again both of paramount importance to our overall wellbeing.

We’ll be certain to let you know how next week goes but for now have a think about how you can be creative at home!?

Thankyou Burns the Bread

In the true spirit of ‘kindness’ for Mental Health Awareness week Burns the Bread kindly donated 65 muffins and Danish pastries to Heads Up this morning.

Our Trustees and Staff have been on the road throughout the day delivering cakes to our Clients and Carers in the community.

It was lovely to see so many faces; we hope that you enjoyed the delicious cakes as much as we enjoyed saying ‘hello’.

Thankyou Burns the Bread for your ongoing support especially at this difficult time.

Thankyou Daniel's Cafe and Sandwich Bar

Daniel’s Cafe and Sandwich Bar have been busy this morning donating and delivering breakfasts to some of our clients in the community in support of Mental Health Awareness Week 2020.

We would like to say a ‘BIG’ thankyou to the Daniel’s Cafe team who have been tremendously supportive, generous and kind throughout these challenging times and have shown enormous support, not only to Heads Up but to our wider community.

Mental Health Awareness Week - 18-24th May 2020

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week (18-24th May). The Mental Health Foundation have chosen ‘kindness’ as the theme this year.

Usually we would have a whole host of activities planned throughout our workshops however this year we have had to think differently. We will keep you posted about our community effort and activities throughout the week to show our acknowledgment and support of Mental Health Awareness Week, which will give a particular nod to ‘kindness.’

For now, and to kick the week off we thought it would be fitting to say a big ‘thankyou’ to our huge range of Supporters. Whether you are carers, volunteers, clients, staff, trustees, patrons, a small or a large business, a statutory or voluntary sector service, someone who has donated or anyone else (there are just too many to mention!) who supports us we would like to say a big THANKYOU for your ongoing SUPPORT and KINDNESS.

Fosso Lounge, Wells

We are privileged and proud to announce that the Fosso Lounge will be supporting us by donating 50p from every burger sold from their takeaway menu to Heads Up.

They have a takeaway menu available to view on their website https://thelounges.co.uk/fosso/

Thankyou Fosso Lounge 🙂

VE Day Celebrations

Our Service may currently be closed due to circumstances beyond our control however we didn’t want to let the 75th anniversary of VE Day pass without showing our mark of respect and acknowledgment.

In true Heads Up style our Trustee Carolle Skeates baked, and baked some more!! Dozens of beautiful cakes were delivered by Carolle and the team to some of our Clients and Carers in the local community.

Active at Home Packs

This week the team have been busy getting SASP’s (Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership) Active at Home Packs to our Clients and Carers. The packs, which aim to maintain activity at home during these times have been extremely well received and have proven to be very popular!

This particular project has received funding from Sport England. SASP have been doing their own ‘We are Undefeatable’ campaign for Somerset to try and reach older people and those with a long term condition.

Project Pen-Pal

This week has seen the launch of our new Heads Up ‘pen-pal project’. A link between children in our local community and our Dementia Clients and Carers.

The initiative aims to reduce isolation, encourage community engagement and to simply raise a smile and bring some joy!

Sally Dempsey, our business manager is rolling out the project by matching each child with one of our Dementia Clients and Carers. Some of the first to send cards, letters or pictures are Lilly, Phoebe and Jacob who were very excited about the initiative and keen to get started on being creative. The scheme also promotes home learning and can include writing, drawing, reading and exercise etc.

An Update on Our Community Work

       

SASP's Active at Home Packs

The Easter Bunny has come early to some!!

Our super team at Heads Up have worked tirelessly distributing and delivering 70 Easter eggs to our wonderful Clients and Carers throughout Mendip.

The Easter eggs were kindly donated by Kevin Newton and Zoe Newton of The Swan Hotel. Such a generous gesture, highlighting not only their support during these unprecedented times but showing their continued support of Heads Up.

We are so very grateful to The Swan Hotel as are our clients and Carers.

A Big Thankyou to Daniel's Cafe & Sandwich Bar

A massive Thankyou to the team at Daniel’s Cafe & Sandwich Bar, Wells who kindly prepared a delightful tray of Bacon Sandwiches for our Heads Up Team. The Sandwiches were a rare treat, under the circumstances and provided much needed fuel for our team delivering Easter eggs! Thankyou Georgie Robbins for delivering 🙂

An Update on the Work that Heads Up are Continuing

International Women’s Day, Sunday 8th March 2020 at Wells Town Hall

Women of Wells celebrated International Women’s Day this year by holding an afternoon event in Wells Town Hall. This year’s theme was ‘Mental Health and Well-being and the Benefits of Positive Activities.’ A wide range of local organisations, artists, and businesses were invited to share their experiences, expertise & skills. This included exhibitions and activity workshops such as Cooking, Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi & Mindfulness, art and crafts. Heads Up was invited to give a talk, with a focus on promoting mental well-being through activity based learning.

Thankyou to Pauline Williams

A massive thank you to Pauline Williams (centre in photo), who has made & donated beautifully made teddies for Heads Up to sell.

Thankyou TePe Dental Hygiene

Staff from TePe Dental Hygiene presented Heads Up with a cheque for £543.14. This money was raised from their electronic Christmas cards and their staff ‘Hats for Christmas’ fundraising event.

Fit for my Future

Our team of Staff, Trustees and fellow colleagues braved the cold weather on February 6th 2020 to attend the Fit for my Future public consultation about changes to Mental Health Services in the area. It is important that Heads Up remain up to date with proposed changes and how these will not only affect our local community but also our clients that attend Heads Up. (Photo credit Philip Welch).

Well Wessex in association with Somerset Mental Health Hub present “Putting the WELL into WELLBEING in Somerset.”

A photo of some of our team, Bridget Harvey (Service Director) and Sally Dempsey (Business Manager) attending the Well Wessex event at the Rural Enterprise Centre, Bath and West Showground on Tuesday January 21st 2020.

The day was a huge success with local organisations showcasing their attributes plus guest speakers.

Photo Credit Philip Welch.

Claire Widdall Tai Chi

On 19th December the group raised £100 in aid of Heads Up. The aim of the class is to relax, recharge and cultivate positive emotions, which fits perfectly with the vital work Heads Up provide.  Heads Up is a fantastic charity and we’re very happy to support it.

Claire Widdall Tai Chi is a friendly, relaxed class that meets every Thursday at 7.30pm at Mendip Court, South Horrington.  The group practices Tai Chi Shibashi, and Qigong meditation.  Tai Chi Shibashi consists of slow gentle movements, which rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.  Regular Tai Chi practise helps to maintain physical and emotional balance, as well as providing many other health benefits.   For class information please contact cmwiddall@gmail.com.

Christmas Day Celebrations!

Wells Rotary Club and Heads Up Christmas Day Dinner was a huge success and enjoyed by all who attended. Local shops and hotels donated food, drinks and decorations while members of Well Rotary Club and Heads Up staff members and their families made sure that the day progressed seamlessly for all to enjoy. Paul Jeffery our wonderful Chef and his son Max prepared the feast which was beautifully cooked and well received. A visit from Santa with a sack of gifts and some carol singing brought the day to a close. A huge thankyou to all who supported our Christmas Day Dinner.

Heads Up 2019 Christmas Party!

Heads Up held it’s annual Christmas Party on December 12th 2019 which was a huge success! A superb turn out with many of our Clients, Carers, Staff, Trustees, Patrons and our local community enjoying the festivities. Our guests were treated to a lovely buffet spread put on by Carolle Skeates one of our Trustees and were able to take part in our raffle and have a sing song to the most traditional of Christmas Carols hosted by our wonderful entertainers. It was wonderful to hear such chatter and laughter amongst a buzz of generous activity. Thankyou to all who attended and to those who helped us to host our Christmas Party. (Photo credit Philip Welch.)

Generous Donation from The Stragglers of Wells Golf Club

Many thanks to the Stragglers of Wells Golf Club who presented Heads Up with a cheque for £450 in December.

Pop Up Dance!!

On Wednesday 4th December 2019 our Memories Workshop were joined by aKa Dance Theatre Company, a small scale company that creates works that are adaptable for a variety of performance surroundings. The Pop Up Dance Project is a partnership initiative with the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, Take Art and Spark Somerset. They have taken their family friendly work ‘A Real Fiction’ initially created with a collage of the performers memories and given it a new twist and more va va voom!! We very much look forward to seeing the finished result in the new year. We’ll be sure to keep you updated once we know when this will be.

For now here’s a quote from the aka Dance Theatre Team expressing their thoughts and gratitude to our incredible Memories Clients – “Great to work with a group that are so open and eager to try new things. The environment set up at Heads Up allows the participants to come to a space which is positive, active and stimulating. A room filled with joy, excitement and energy. We felt so welcome; seeing the participants allow themselves to get involved, showing their personalities and generosity, giving us an insight in to their pasts.” Jenny, Joe and Luke.

Heads Up Charity Dinner with Guest Speaker Dr Phil Hammond - Saturday November 9th 2019

Britain’s funniest doctor had a packed house in stitches at a charity dinner in Wells.

Dr Phil Hammond was the star speaker at the event which raised almost £5,000 for Heads Up, the mental health charity based at South Horrington.

He is a part-time Somerset GP as well as Private Eye magazine’s hard-hitting medical columnist and an acclaimed stand-up comedian.

Dr Phil told the 130 guests at the Swan Hotel in Wells with a smile that he “should be the government’s next Health Secretary as I can’t be worse than the last three.”

But he halted the rapid-fire jokes to praise the charity: “What’s wonderful about Heads Up is that it spreads compassion and builds relationships.”

Master of ceremonies was Arnold Wills, chair of the Wells Dementia Action Alliance, and more than £1,500 was raised through an auction presided with gusto by Rupert Cox, chief executive of the Royal Bath and West Society.

On the day before speaking at the dinner on the Saturday, Dr Phil visited the Heads Up day centre. Staying for over an hour, he took the time to meet and chat with staff and clients to learn more about the charity’s work. He was impressed by the services on offer, and described his visit as “truly inspiring.”

Dr Phil can talk seriously or humorously, and usually both, about any health and lifestyle topic. He has been an NHS doctor for 31 years, a comedian for 29 years, a BBC broadcaster for 28 years and Private Eye’s medical correspondent for 26 years.

Article and photo credit, Philip Welch

Enham Trust - Direct Payments

On Thursday the 14th November we welcomed Lorraine Kirkland and Sharon Peck from Enham Trust – Direct Payments. We intend to strengthen our working relationship with Enham as we expand our Outreach Service in the New Year. Enham Trust can support you if you are eligible for a Direct Payment or Personal Health Budget, visit their website for more information www.enhamtrust.org.uk

Christmas Day Lunch Preparations

Preparations for our Christmas Day lunch are well underway! On Monday the 11th November we received a visit from Paul Jeffery, a remarkable Chef, who is offering his time and expertise on Christmas Day.

Paul, pictured with Chris Morrison, President of Wells Rotary have been working together with Heads Up to make preparations for what will be a superb Christmas Day lunch for those who may be isolated this Christmas.

Picture credit, Philip Welch.

World Mental Health Day 2019

Heads Up have celebrated World Mental Health Day this year by hosting multiple Mental Health First Aid Courses throughout the day, attending the Mendip District Council event and attending the Wells Blue School event yesterday.

Our Trustee, Vanessa Gordon ran three Mental Health First Aid courses throughout the day. The courses were extremely well attended by members of the public, local organisations and businesses, our Trustees, staff and volunteers.

Jane Langan, our Memories Workshop Co-Ordinator represented Heads Up at the Mendip District Council Event. The day provided an opportunity for our organisation to add to the wider conversation that will be occurring on social media, television and elsewhere. It also highlighted the fantastic work we are already doing to address mental health stigma in the workplace and wider community.

World Mental Health Day - Wells Blue School

Our Deputy Manager Mandy Loxton and Volunteer Andrew Lewin attended the Blue School World Mental Health Day event along with a number of other Mental Health related organisations. Our stand was visited by a number of students and our interactive Mental Health quiz, put together by Mandy was extremely popular with approximately 200+ students taking part in groups throughout the day. The multiple choice quiz, inclusive of questions such as What age range is mostly likely to suffer from mental health problems? and Which of these famous people have/had a mental illness? encouraged open discussion and valuable information for students.

Generous Donation from Wells Benevolent Lodge and Somerset Masonic Charity

Service Director Bridget Harvey and Fundraising Officer Claire Hak were invited to receive a cheque donation from Wells Benevolent Lodge who donated £1,000.00, and Somerset Masonic Charity who donated £500.00 on the 3rd October 2019. Heads Up are extremely grateful for these very generous donations which will be used towards developing our Mental Health Training Room. Some of this £1,500.00 has already been used to purchase a new projector and some audio equipment.

Step In Time

We had the privilege of meeting some of the members of Step in Time, Coxley Line Dancers on October 3rd 2019. They visited Heads Up to donate a cheque for £1290.00 and have a look around our wonderful service. They organised a number of Line Dancing events and Heads Up was their charity of choice for the money raised. Thankyou Step In Time.

Daniel's Cafe Book Exchange

Thankyou Daniel’s Café for supporting our charity. Daniel’s Café have introduced a book exchange where you can either swap your books or if you wish to take one make a donation. Donations received for books are very kindly being donated to Heads Up!

Thankyou Wells City News

Graham at Wells City News is a long term supporter and Friend of Heads Up. You can find one of our collection boxes in his City News shop on Wells High Street.

Wells Dementia Action Walk - Sunday September 22nd 2019

Can you spot Bridget Harvey, Heads Up Service Director amidst the group of walkers ready to set off for the 2019 Wells Dementia Action Walk? (photograph kindly provided by Philip Welch). Wells Dementia Action Alliance, organisers of the event offered the option of a 3 mile or a 5 mile route setting off from the Bishops Palace.

A very special Birthday Celebration

Heads Up staff Bridget and Claire were privileged to receive an invitation for Peter Williams 80th Birthday Party on the 21st September. He celebrated in style with his friends and family at Coleford Royal British Legion. Peter very kindly requested that friends and family make a donation to Heads Up rather than buy him a gift. Peters Birthday Party raised a huge total of £420.18 which is amazing. Heads Up are very grateful for this donation, Peter and his family have supported us in a number of ways over the last year including a sponsored sky dive!

A Thankyou from Heads Up

Heads Up would like to say a huge thankyou to Tom and Jerry, who own Strangers With Coffee in Wells, Stuart and his team at The Sherston Inn in Wells, the Manager at The Rodney Stoke Inn, Nicky and Hillier Garden Centre for supporting us and having one of our collection boxes in their facilities. It really is very much appreciated.

Wells Moat Race - August 26th 2019

What a glorious sunny day. Heads Up had a stall selling a variety of items made by volunteers and clients at Wells Moat Race this year. Organised by the Lions Club, the day was fun filled for all the family to enjoy. Thank you to everyone who visited our stall and supported us.

National Allotment Week

The Bishops Palace Allotment Society celebrated National Allotment Week by opening their Palace Allotment on Wednesday 14th August and Saturday 17th August, from 12 till 4pm.

On both days there was a rare opportunity to have a 30-minute tour to view the Palace Allotments.  All proceeds were very kindly donated to Heads Up

Wells Art Contemporary Exhibition - Saturday July 20th - Sunday August 11th 2019

Our pillar, entitled “Every Face tells a Story” made by the creative people who come to Heads Up has recently been displayed in the Wells Art Contemporary Exhibition’ in Wells Cathedral. The Exhibition ran from July 20th to August 11th 2019.

Inner Wheel Club of Wells

The Inner Wheel Club of Wells attended Heads Up on July 25th 2019 and presented us a cheque for £108.00. Heads Up are especially grateful for this donation which was raised from monthly raffle donations.

Quiz Night, organised by The Venue Club - Wednesday July 24th 2019

A massive thankyou to Georgie Robbins, Paige Thurgoid and Wells Venue Club for organising a quiz night, and to everyone who supported the event. The fundraiser raised an impressive £350.00 for our Heads Up Mental Health and Wellbeing Charity. Picture below is of the ‘winning team’ with their prize!

Sponsored Head Shave, by Trisha Phillips - Saturday July 6th 2019

Heads Up would like to say a massive thankyou to Trisha Phillips who took part in a sponsored heads shave as part of her birthday celebrations. The event benefited three of Trisha’s chosen charities; Heads Up, SURE (Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment) and The Little Princess Trust. Donations are still coming in for this event, so we will update the page once we have the final figure.

The Somerset Russet's

Jocelyn  Blacker and Alison Bergqvist, from local band The Somerset Russets, visited Heads Up to present a cheque for £392.64. This generous donation was raised during a concert they performed at St Andrews in Chew Stoke on 12th May 2019 and will help to fund one of our client projects this year. Heads Up would like to say an enormous thankyou to all of the band members for supporting our charity.

Sponsored Pilates Marathon - Saturday June 8th 2019

Heads Up would like to say a massive thankyou to Pilates Body Aligned, who kindly organised a 4-hour Pilates/Yoga Marathon for us on Saturday June 8th 2019. Zoisa Holder and Corali Sacerdote, who own the business, ran the event in their studio at Mendip Court, South Horrington. Their energy and enthusiasm ensured that the event was hugely enjoyable and successful, and raised an incredible £2439.71. This substantial donation will enable us to fund a range of courses in addition to our regular workshops, such as physical fitness courses and cooking skills courses. Heads Up would also like to thank everyone who volunteered their time, food and raffle prizes, and who took part on the day and made donations.