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stem4 is an award-winning app funded by teenage mental health charity stem4, to help manage the urge to:

self-harm

manage anxiety

manage mood

mental health support

poor body image

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stem4 - supporting teenage mental health

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A charity that supports teenage mental health. Mental health information, apps and education. Founders of Youth Mental Health Day.

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Welcome to YCC, We meet as a church on Sunday mornings at 10am online and in person. Every week we also meet together in life groups and prayer meetings. Head down to the Gateway, grab a drink in the coffee shop, or come along to one of our events.

YCC also offers pastoral support, life groups and morning prayer.

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YCC is a community church passionate about worship, resourcing, community, families and justice. Check out our latest sermons, content and events here.

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The Roost project helping the homeless population of Yeovil and surrounding areas. Offering personal and practical support for individuals navigating their way through the systems and back to stability.

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The Roost is YCC’s outreach project to the homeless population of Yeovil and surrounding areas. We want to see transformation in our town and believe this starts with its people. We have a full-time outreach team, making our presence known within the street community and amongst the ‘hidden homeless’ population, offering personal and

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Friday Youth group

Who? School years 7-13

When? Term-time Fridays, 7.00-8.30pm

Where? St John’s Schoolrooms

What? Our Friday night youth group is a space where young people can have fun, meet with friends and relax. Each week we have activities, refreshments, and a short look at what the Bible has to say to young people in Yeovil today.

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Our key aims are to see the young people of Yeovil coming to know and love Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, fully grasping God’s amazing, gracious love for them; and then helping them to grow into mature disciples who are equipped to live out, and be active in sharing the good news of Jesus […]

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When someone dies, it can leave you feeling lost, unsure of what to think, feel, or do next. Whether it’s a parent, sibling, friend, baby, child or someone you admired from afar, their absence can feel overwhelming. All of our services are digital, meaning you can access them wherever you are in the UK.

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We help children, young people, parents, and families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies.

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If you have any safeguarding concerns please contact the Duty Safeguarding Officer between 9am-5pm via 07973898849. If you have any concerns which are out of hours please contact the relevant local authority:
Dorset: 01202 657279
Somerset: 0300 123 2327

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Mosaic is a Dorset wide charity offering a pathway of support for bereaved children, young people and their families.

Telephone

01258 837071

Email

info@mosaicfamilysupport.org

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There are opportunities for those with faith to meet together and encourage one another.

Our Chaplaincy has capacity to support those of all faiths,

Please contact Ben for more information: Ben.Graham@yeovil.ac.uk

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help and advice students to overcome personal challenges during their time with us. To access please fill in a referral form or head down to student support.

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A qualified counsellor and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), is on site at YC.

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Our campus support responders Lucy and Sam are out and about during college hours responding to incidences on site.

First aid - 07977453610

CSR - 07398152241

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SWEDA-Supporting people With Eating Disorders 

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SWEDA-Supporting people With Eating Disorders 

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Are you feeling really stressed about food, eating, or how you look? Are you feeling worried that you might have an eating disorder? Or are you worried about someone you love who might have an eating disorder?

We're here to listen to you and support you in a number of ways.

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SWEDA provides support and guidance for people affected by eating disorders in the South & West of England.

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Free text service, 24/7 support for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. Text them now on 85258

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Offering emotional support 24 hours a day.
Call 116 123 to speak with someone today.

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Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needs someone. Read more.

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Offering advice and support, where to get help, medication and alternative treatments and advocacy.

Tel: 0300 123 3393 (09:00 – 18:00 Mon – Fri, except for Bank Holidays)

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Mind in Somerset | For better mental health

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Mindline Somerset

01823 276 892

0800 138 1692
Our Mindline Emotional support and mental health helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Mindline is a confidential listening service which provides a safe place to talk if you, or someone you know, is in distress. We can also give basic information about mental health and local support services.

Our listeners treat all callers, regardless of background, in a non-judgmental way with dignity and respect. When our lines are busy, or closed, our switchboard can connect you to our sister service, the Samaritans.

As well as listening to your issues we can also give information about;

local services

how to get help

basic information on mental health issues.

If you are looking for a helpline to talk to someone that will listen to you, Mindline has volunteers that provide a listening ear for you or someone you know.

When you call we do not trace our calls and your number will not display on our phones. We will not ask for personal details to be shared unless you or someone you know would like us to find immediate help from other services for you or them and that you agree to giving it. We will not pass on any information unless you have said it is ok to do so.

Our Listeners

Mindline volunteers are just everyday people like you who decide they can offer their time and support to listen to others. Some may have a particular interest in mental health, while others may be survivors or have looked after someone close to them who has experienced distress. The volunteers are fully trained and receive ongoing training and support. All have an understanding of what mental distress means for others.

Why some people may call Mindline

Some people really need someone to talk to, to get things off their chest as they don't have someone to talk to about whatever is on your mind. Some people may feel desperate and don't know what to do about a situation or where they can go for help or support in Somerset. Some people may feel isolated or alone and really want to talk about their day or their problems with a person in confidence. Others may be worried about their family or friends and don't know where they can find help for a family member or friend. Some may have a low self-esteem or feel worthless. Mindline is also for people that may just want some emotional support and just want a chat with a friendly ear to talk about their day.

Volunteering for Mindline

If you are interested in Volunteering for Mindline please click here to visit our volunteering page.

Our volunteer, Keith, has written an article for Networker magazine about his experiences while working as a Mindline Volunteer. Click here to read the article.

Mindline Plus

This service provides weekly emotional support by telephone for up to 12 sessions on a Wednesday or Friday between 4pm - 7pm. You must be referred by NHS professional.

For more information about the other services we offer and how we can help please visit our services page

Mindline Trans +

0300 330 5468

Mindline Trans+ is a confidential emotional, mental health support helpline and signposting service for people who identify as Trans, A Gender, Gender Fluid, Non-binary. Find out more

Mindline

0800 138 1692
or 01823 276 892

Our Mindline Emotional support and mental health helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Find out more

Live Chat

Our Emotional support and mental health helpline is now available as a live webchat !
Available every day from 8-11pm.

Find out more

We are grateful for support from:

Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of

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01823 276 892 0800 138 1692 Our Mindline Emotional support and mental health helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Mindline is a confidential listening service which provides a safe place to talk if you, or someone you know, is in distress.

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The Stay Alive app is a suicide prevention resource for the UK, packed full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis.

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StayAlive | Essential suicide prevention for every day life

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The StayAlive app is a suicide prevention resource for the UK, packed full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis.

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2BU Somerset LGBTQIA+ support age 13-25.

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2BU Somerset LGBTQIA+ support age 13-25.

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2BU runs a youth group for 13 - 18 year olds which meets each week on a Wednesday in Taunton, an 18-25 year old group and other meetings across the county of Somerset.

T: 07799 136552

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Youth support services for LGBTQ+ young people in Somerset

Are you a young LGBTQ+ person living in Somerset

If you're a young LGBTQ+ person living in Somerset, you may find that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning your sexuality or gender identity can sometimes be difficult. This site is for you, have a look around

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Youth support services for LGBTQ+ young people in Somerset | 2BU Somerset

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At Swish we provide free, accessible and confidential sexual health services in Somerset including all types of contraception, and STI testing and treatment.

Our service is non-judgmental and for people of all ages, genders and orientations.

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Contraceptive and Sexual Health Service

We are part of the NHS offering free and confidential services

Our website uses cookies which are small files of letters and numbers that we put on your computer. These cookies allow us to distinguish you from other users of our website, which helps us to provide you with a good experience when you browse our website and also helps us to improve our website. Read more about the cookies we use by clicking here. By clicking CONTINUE you agree to cookies being used in accordance with our Cookie Policy. If you don't agree you can disable cookies - see the Cookie Policy for more details.

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Somerset Wide Integrated Sexual Health Services

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We are part of the NHS offering free and confidential services Our website uses cookies which are small files of letters and numbers that we put on your computer. These cookies allow us to distinguish you from other users of our website, which helps us to provide you with a good experience when you browse our website and also helps us to improve our website.

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Our vision is that we live in a world where everyone grieving is supported, respected and understood. Our mission is that we support people through one of the most painful times in life – with bereavement support, information and campaigning.

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Grief can be overwhelming - you don’t have to deal with it alone. Cruse Bereavement Support is here. Call our helpline or chat online.

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Child line covers a number of topics including teen pregnancy, bullying, relationships, bereavement, home life, school, college and work, well being and more, through focused based activites and support.

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On Thursday 30 November from 2:30am - 7:30am, you won't be able to contact Childline whilst we do some important maintenance to our systems. This means that 1-2-1 chats, calling and messages to Childline will be unavailable. You'll still be able to use the Childline website for advice and information.

If you're in danger or it's an emergency, you should always call 999

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Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.

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Whether you want to understand more about how you're feeling, get information about a mental health condition or find support, our guides can help.

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If you’re struggling with your feelings, we have tips and advice from other young people, and information on getting the support you need for your mental health.

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Young Somerset’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Service helps children and young people feel happier and more confident. We know that life can be difficult sometimes, so our team is here to help if you feel worried, sad, or anxious.

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Mental Health and Wellbeing Support - Young Somerset

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Young Somerset’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Service helps children and young people feel happier and more confident. We know that life can be difficult sometimes, so our team is here to help if you feel worried, sad, or anxious.

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Mind Dorset (mental health support in Dorset)

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Mind Dorset (mental health support in Dorset)

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Dorset Mind Young People Services aims to help 10-18 year olds
of Dorset; by providing them with the resources, tools,
information and advice and the services to support
learning to live well with good mental health and resilience.

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Steps and strategies to build resilience and help you bounce back

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Steps and strategies to build resilience and help you bounce back

Taking these steps to stay on top of your wellbeing even when things are OK helps you to learn how to bounce back.

This means having the skills you need to cope with life's challenges and feel better in tougher times - it's also called building resilience.

This might sound difficult, but the chances are you already manage challenges well in many areas of your life, no matter how big or small. And there are lots of different things you can do and think about to help you learn to build resilience and bounce back.

These 6 tips will help get you started.

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Bouncing back from life's challenges and building resilience - Every Mind Matters

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See our 6 tips to help you learn how to "bounce back" - building the skills you need to cope with life's challenges and feel better in tougher times.

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Talking therapies (psychological therapies) can be used to treat many different mental health problems. They involve talking to a trained professional about your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

Talking therapies - NHS

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Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS) is your local, free to access drug and alcohol service.

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Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service - Opening times

Monday: 09:00 - 17:00

Tuesday: 09:00 - 17:00

Wednesday: 09:00 - 17:00

Thursday: 09:00 - 17:00

Friday: 09:00 - 17:00

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

You are not alone on this journey. Our mentors have been on the same path as you

"I became a peer mentor with Turning Point because I want to help others on their journey. I know how hard it is, but I also know that it's possible to recover and live a sober and fulfilling life."

Michelle - Peer Mentor

Read Michelle's story

"I've learned so much - as well as supporting the people who use the service, my confidence has really grown, and I've even gone back to college too."

Kerrie - Peer Mentor

Read Kerrie's story

"My confidence began to grow and I was learning to become more sociable without having to use any substances. I had a great sense of control and freedom back."

Tammy - Peer Mentor

Read Tammy's story

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Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS) | Turning Point

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Somerset Drug & Alcohol Service is run by Turning Point. We create individual recovery plans from a range of services, no matter what your situation is. We offer services for adults, young people and their family and friends.

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This free service for under 18's living in the Dorset area, makes no judgements about you, we are just here to help, offering a confidential, drug & alcohol service.

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EDAS/REACH Young People offers a FREE confidential drug and alcohol service for under 18's who live in the county of Dorset

EDAS/REACH Young People understands that talking about drugs and alcohol can be a sensitive matter and appreciates how important it is to feel that you are in a safe environment, where your questions will be answered and you can receive the help you need. In REACH YP we make no judgements about you, we are just here to help, offering a confidential, drug & alcohol service for under 18's who live in the county of Dorset (not Poole or Bournemouth). The things you discuss with us will not be shared with anyone else unless we have your permission, the exception to this is where not doing so would cause you, or another person significant harm.

We will work with you, and consider your own personal situation through the completion of an assessment which will help us, and you, understand "where you are at" with your drug or alcohol use. We will listen to you and ask you what you would like to achieve from your time with us, and from that, together we will work towards achieving your goal, whether this is simply to increase your factual knowledge about the realities and consequences of substance use or to work towards a goal of controlled use or abstinence.

You can also come and talk to us if you are being affected by another person's drug or alcohol use.

Follow this link to YouTube and listen to what one young person has to say.

Contact us if you think you might need help:

Click here to access the Young People Online Referral form

You can also contact us via our live chat. Your enquiry will be treated in confidence.
All our Young People service delivery is outreach based in Dorset Council area only (not BCP Council area)
Other online support is available through:

If you want someone to understand, or advice to help a friend, access free, safe and anonymous online counselling and support via www.kooth.com

Interactive Workbooks

Click on the links below to access our Interactive Young People Workbooks in PDF format.

Support for Parents

Follow us on Social Media!
EDAS REACH YP Privacy Notice

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Our Young People Service offers provisions for young people under 25 living in the county of Dorset.

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We work with adults and children and have a specialist team working with people using  harmful behaviours in their intimate relationships and survivors of DA. For more information, contact SIDAS@somerset.gov.uk

somersetdomesticabuse.org.uk

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We have been commissioned by Somerset Council to deliver the Somerset Domestic Abuse Service. Julian House will be providing the refuge and safe accommodation and we will be joined by a counselling team in 2024.

Our team offer targeted support for victims, children, and people causing harm in their intimate relationships.

We are also been funded and commissioned by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and National Government.
Download a referral form for children and young people

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Somerset - Paragon Team - SIDAS - Domestic abuse services

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We have been commissioned by Somerset Council to deliver their Integrated Domestic Abuse Services known locally as SIDAS.

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Meeting details

When:Monday

Time: 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

How: In person

Type: Closed, Mixed, Open

How to join:

Please Contact us to get the meeting location by emailing Yeovil@saauk.info
or call 07348164920

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Yeovil ‘Shame to Grace’ - SAA - Sex Addicts Anonymous UK

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Smoke free Somerset - A 12 week support programme for stopping smoking, which focuses on supporting behaviour change.

Also

smokefreeapp.com

A visual app that helps with stopping smoking/vaping. Logs cravings, shows health improvements, displays saved money, offers insights in to smoking patterns.

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Smokefree Somerset is your free local stop-smoking service which is provided by Somerset’s Public Health team. Our treatment programmes focus on supporting behaviour change. Stop-smoking Practitioners will also advise on the use of licensed stop-smoking medications to ease nicotine withdrawal and may supply these products if appropriate.

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Somerset Phoenix Project - child sexual abuse

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Somerset Phoenix Project - child sexual abuse

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We work directly with children, young people and families to support recovery from Child Sexual Abuse (CSA).NPlease contact us if you want to discuss what we can offer prior to completing a request for support. You can make a request or find out more about requesting support from us by visiting our Request Support page.

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"Thank you so much for your invaluable and life-changing work that you have done with 'P'. As a result of your care, skill and commitment, 'P' can continue to inspire others as the truly exceptional young lady and learner that she always has been. She has grown in confidence, around adults in class and her peers, since working with you; she is appropriately assertive in a way that was less evident before your sessions. 'P' seems more confident, not only externally, but in themselves. Throughout Year 6, 'P' has developed their identity, esteem and ability to celebrate successes more deeply, truly giving 'P' skills that they will retain throughout their life as a learner and as a person."

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"Thank you so much for your invaluable and life-changing work that you have done with 'P'. As a result of your care, skill and commitment, 'P' can continue to inspire others as the truly exceptional young lady and learner that she always has been.

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Citizens Advice provides free, independent, and confidential support to help millions of people resolve problems with debt, benefits, housing, employment, and consumer rights.

How to get help:

Yeovil branch -Located in: Mind In Somerset

Address: Somerset, Peter St, Yeovil BA20 1PN

Phone: 0808 278 7842

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Volunteer with us

Over 16,000 highly trained volunteers support the delivery of our service. Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and find volunteering rewarding, challenging and fun. We have a range of roles in local Citizens Advice and Witness Service, want to find out more?

Our volunteer opportunities

Find your local Citizens Advice

For more information and advice

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Online free advice from Citizens Advice to help you find a way forward, whatever the problem. Our research enables us to campaign on issues affecting people's lives.

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Would you like to join a group of friendly people up the pub to make new connections, meet new friends and socialise more? Do you want to find out what's going on in Somerset and the region for LGBTQ+ people? If so you've come to the right place.

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Taunton Gay Group (TGG) - Connecting Taunton’s Gay Community and Sharing all things LGBT+ in the South West. Are you LGBT+ (or unsure) living in the Taunton area? Would you like to join a group of friendly gay guys up the pub to make new connections, mee

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We run an LGBT+ social night once a month in Yeovil,

The social is held at Westlands Entertainment Venue,every third Tuesday of the month, in the main bar area and we meet from 7pm. Look out for rainbows and various LGBT+ flags decorating our tables!

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Let’s Get Beverages Together – Yeovil Diversity Project

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We run an LGBT+ social night once a month in Yeovil, as part of our ongoing #QueerAllYear campaign. “Let’s Get Beverages Together” is our long-standing friendly, informal meet up every third Tuesday of the month- except for November, when we come together whichever day of the week TDoR falls on.

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At Josephine's Star, we offer support to children and their families in Somerset when someone special has died.

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At Josephine's Star, we offer s upport to children and their families in Somerset when someone special has died.

We are small charity; formed by a group of professionals who know how important it is for children to have the opportunity of help and support in their grief. We provide one-to-one support, based around six, one-hour support sessions. In each session we work with the child to explore their grief and help them to develop coping strategies. All of our work is done in conjunction with the families, carers and schools to ensure the most positive outcome for the children and young people.

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Josephine's Star | Supporting Grieving Children | Somerset

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Josephine's Star is a bereavement charity offering support to children and families in Somerset when someone special has died. We also offer Grief First Aid training to schools to enable them to support and mentor grieving children.

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All requests for Lord's Larder Food Parcels need to be requested through an agency. If you are not currently working with an agency at the moment, or you have not received a food parcel from us before, then contact:

Citizen's Advice Somerset (C.A.S.) Open Mon- Fri between 10am and 4pm to obtain a food parcel.

- on the following number,

Tel:  0808  278 7842 (- not including Bank Holidays)

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YCST is a registered charitable trust (Charity No. 1092843) set up in 2002. Its objects are the relief of hardship and poverty, the support of individuals and families in crisis, co-operation with and support of other organisations which engage in the relief of poverty and / or hardship and the support of individuals and families in crisis, and charitable purposes for the general benefit of the local community as from time to time the trustees may at their discretion consider appropriate in the area of South Somerset and North West Dorset. We offer small grants to agencies to apply for on behalf of their clients from a fund called The Lord's Larder Community Fund, The Lord's Larder Community Fund also provides grants to local charities who operate in accordance with YCST's objects . The Trust also administers The Lord's Larder Food Bank which has been operating since 1991, to which long life ambient food is given, agencies request food parcels on behalf of the single clients and families they are working with who need food, the agency then collect the food parcel and deliver to their clients.

We work closely with many local organisations who provide services for those in need. We are supported by many local churches, businesses, supermarkets, and members of the public from the local community, for which we are very grateful.

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YCST is a registered charitable trust (Charity No. 1092843) set up in 2002.

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This is the free contraception and sexual health service for all ages based in Weymouth.

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Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

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Sexual health :: Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

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This is the free contraception and sexual health service for all ages. We offer:

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The Somerset C-Card is a totally free contraceptive service.  It is available to all young people aged from 13 - 19, and in some cases up to 25, in Somerset.

Follow the link to register, once registered scan the QR code around campus and orders can be collected from Student support.

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Click and collect codes are located in Yeovil college toilets or outside student support. Orders are collected from student support.

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Somerset Council provides support, advice and respite breaks for children and young people under 18 who provide or intend to provide care for another person.

T- 0800 31 68 600

Dorset - Young carers support for those living in Dorset.Dorset Young Carers Service - Dorset Council

01305 228558

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The definition of a Young Carer is: a person under 18 who provides or intends to provide care for another person. This could be helping to care for a physically disabled parent or sibling, or a parent experiencing mental ill health, alcohol or drug misuse. YMCA Groups across Somerset run Young Carers Groups. Please … Continued

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We know money worries can be overwhelming. But you’re not alone. Turn2us offers straight-forward information and practical support to anyone struggling financially.

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Turn2us is a national charity offering information and practical support to people facing financial insecurity. We help people gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other support - online, by phone and face to face through our work in communities and the organisations we partner with.

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Radicalisation is the process through which a person comes to support or be involved in extremist ideologies. It is in itself a form of harm. If you or someone you now may be at risk, NSPCC offer free 24/7 anonymous support.

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Introduction

Children can be exposed to different views and receive information from various sources. Some of these views may be considered radical or extreme.

Radicalisation is the process through which a person comes to support or be involved in extremist ideologies. It can result in a person becoming drawn into terrorism and is in itself a form of harm.

Extremism is vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. It includes calls for the death of members of the British armed forces (HM Government, 2011).

Challenging and tackling extremism needs to be a shared effort (HM Government, 2013). For this reason, the Government has given some types of organisations in England, Scotland and Wales a duty to identify vulnerable children and young people and prevent them from being drawn into terrorism.
> Find out more about the Prevent duty
However, all organisations that work with children and young people have a responsibility to protect children from harm. This includes becoming radicalised and/or being exposed to extreme views.

On this page we're sharing best practice about recognising, responding to and preventing radicalisation and extremism.

Recognising and responding

Recognising and responding

How does radicalisation happen?

The process of radicalisation may involve:

being groomed online or in person

exploitation, including sexual exploitation

psychological manipulation

exposure to violent material and other inappropriate information

the risk of physical harm or death through extremist acts.

It happens gradually so children and young people who are affected may not realise what it is that they are being drawn into.
> Find out more about grooming
Vulnerability factors

Anyone can be radicalised but there are some factors which may make a young person more vulnerable. These include:

being easily influenced or impressionable

having low self-esteem or being isolated

feeling that rejection, discrimination or injustice is taking place in society

experiencing community tension amongst different groups

being disrespectful or angry towards family and peers

having a strong need for acceptance or belonging

experiencing grief such as loss of a loved one.

These factors will not always lead to radicalisation.

Indicators of radicalisation

If a child or young person is being radicalised their day-to-day behaviour may become increasingly centred around an extremist ideology, group or cause. For example, they may:

spend increasing amounts of time talking to people with extreme views (this includes online and offline communication)

change their style of dress or personal appearance

lose interest in friends and activities that are not associated with the extremist ideology, group or cause

have material or symbols associated with an extreme cause

try to recruit others to join the cause

(Home Office, 2020).

What to do if you think a child is being radicalised

If you think a child or the people around them are involved in radicalisation and there is an immediate risk of harm, call 999 straight away.

If it isn't an emergency, follow your organisation's procedures. This might include:

The Department for Education has a dedicated telephone helpline for schools in England who have non-emergency concerns about extremism: 020 7340 7264.

Protecting children from radicalisation

Protecting children from radicalisation

What can organisations do?

Your organisation should:

include radicalisation in your safeguarding policies and procedures

identify those at risk and make sure everyone in your organisation knows when to report a concern

work in partnership with other organisations across the community

promote positive messages of tolerance and community cohesion

help parents and children get support.

> Find out more about safeguarding in faith communities
Policies and procedures

Protecting children and young people from being drawn into radicalisation and extremism should be part of your safeguarding policies and procedures. This should include information about how to recognise and respond to radicalisation, both online and offline.

The Prevent duty guidance for England, Wales and Scotland specifies the need for schools to have appropriate web filtering systems in place to protect children from terrorist and extremist content online (Home Office, 2021a; 2021b). This is also good practice for other organisations.
> Learn more about writing a safeguarding policy and procedures > Find out more about writing an online safety policy statement
Risk assessment

The risk of children and young people becoming radicalised may vary from area to area. It is important that you understand the risks that are most relevant to the young people you work with so you can respond in an appropriate way.

The Home Office has provided a vulnerability framework as part of its Channel duty guidance (PDF), which can be used to identify those who may be at risk of becoming radicalised (Home Office, 2020).

Training

Staff and volunteers should be fully trained to understand how children can become radicalised, recognise the signs that a child may be at risk and know what action to take.
> Browse our introductory child protection training > Take a look at our online safety training
Working in partnership

It's important that agencies across the community work together to tackle the threat of radicalisation and extremism. One way to do this is to think about spaces where radicalisation may take place and work together to make them safer.
> Find out more about contextual safeguarding
Positive messages

You can build young people's resilience to radicalisation and extremism by:

helping improve their self-esteem and self-confidence

promoting inclusivity and community cohesion

providing a safe environment for debating a range of issues such as British values, recognising and managing risk, making safer choices and the impact of pressure from others

helping young people understand how they can influence and participate in decision making.

Supporting vulnerable children and families

Getting early help to those at risk is vital. Work with other groups and agencies in the local community to provide children and families with appropriate support, welfare and pastoral care.
> Get more information about early help

The Prevent duty

The Prevent duty

Some organisations in England, Scotland and Wales have a duty, as a specified authority under section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, to identify vulnerable children and young people and prevent them from being drawn into terrorism. This is known as the Prevent duty.

These organisations include:

schools

registered childcare providers

local authorities

the police

prisons and probation services

NHS trusts and foundations.

Other organisations may also have Prevent duties if they perform delegated local authority functions.

Even if your organisation doesn't have a legal Prevent duty, you should still work to prevent radicalisation and extremism as part of your overall safeguarding responsibilities.

What are my responsibilities under the Prevent duty?

There is Prevent duty guidance for specified authorities in England and Wales and separate guidance for Scotland (Home Office, 2021a; 2021b). This details the responsibilities of organisations in different sectors.

There is no specific Prevent guidance for Northern Ireland. This is explained in sections 11.59-11.6 of the Prevent strategy (PDF) (HM Government, 2011).

The Department for Education (DfE) has guidance on how to report any concerns about a child or young person in England who may be vulnerable to radicalisation (DfE, 2022b).

The DfE has produced advice on the Prevent duty for schools and childcare providers in England (DfE, 2015). This gives more detailed guidance about the actions schools and childcare providers should take to prevent and respond to concerns about radicalisation.

The DfE has also produced guidance for further education (FE) and skills providers in England on work based learning and the Prevent statutory duty (DfE, 2021a). This includes advice on how FE colleges and skills providers can work together to ensure safeguards are put in place to protect vulnerable young people from radicalisation and extremism.

The DfE has provided a self-assessment tool to help FE providers in England to review their Prevent responsibilities (DfE, 2021b).

There is also specific DfE guidance for designated safeguarding leads (DSLs) and those working in education settings who have safeguarding responsibilities (DfE, 2022a). It provides advice on understanding and identifying learners vulnerable to radicalisation and managing the risk of radicalisation.

References and resources

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Radicalisation and child protection | NSPCC Learning

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Introduction Children can be exposed to different views and receive information from various sources. Some of these views may be considered radical or extreme. Radicalisation is the process through which a person comes to support or be involved in extremist ideologies. It can result in a person becoming drawn into terrorism and is in itself a form of harm.

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The prevention of Child exploitation, the grooming and enslavement of children and young people for the purposes of making money through selling drugs, other illicit items and sexual exploitation.

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Escapeline – Preventing Child Exploitation

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Committed to the prevention of child exploitation

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Support for mental health for those who self injure or know someone who does. Counselling, support groups, and resources. Free young person’s helpline, 0808 808 4994, 3pm-12am every day

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