The Blackdown Support Group is a registered charity working from offices at The Blackdown GP Practice in Hemyock. The aims of the charity are to reduce social isolation, facilitate access to services and improve quality of life for people living in the Blackdown Hills. We connect local people in need with local volunteers who can offer them practical support. Our services cover the whole Blackdown Hills area and include:

Covid-19 support - assistance for those who are shielding or self-isolating and need support with shopping, prescription delivery or who would like a friendly phone call 

Community transport - to health appointments, shopping, or for social and well-being purposes generally enabling greater independence 

Befriending - visiting those who may be unable to leave their own home or have limited social contact with other people, relieving feelings of loneliness and isolation CURRENTLY WE CAN ONLY OFFER TELEPHONE BEFRIENDING DUE TO GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS

Social events - lunch clubs, coffee mornings, carers groups, providing opportunities to meet friends and enjoy a home cooked nutritious meal CURRENTLY SUSPENDED DUE TO GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS

Mentoring - trained volunteers provide a support programme for those who are struggling to engage with their community, perhaps after bereavement, mental health, an accident or long period of illness CURRENTLY WE CAN ONLY OFFER TELEPHONE SUPPORT DUE TO GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS

Advocacy - providing support with filling in forms and paperwork to ensure people have access to the services or financial support they need CURRENTLY WE CAN ONLY OFFER TELEPHONE SUPPORT DUE TO GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS

Sitting Service - volunteers provide a low cost sitting service to allow those who care for a family member to have respite to support their own health and well-being CURRENTLY WE CAN ONLY OFFER TELEPHONE SUPPORT DUE TO GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS

Dementia Support - specialist volunteer befrienders provide support or respite for people with dementia and their carers CURRENTLY WE CAN ONLY OFFER TELEPHONE SUPPORT DUE TO GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS

Bereavement Support - specialist volunteers offer group based or one to one support for anyone who has experienced loss of a loved on, recent or otherwise CURRENTLY WE CAN ONLY OFFER TELEPHONE SUPPORT DUE TO GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS

Footcare - volunteer home visits offering toenail cutting (not suitable for diabetics)

Short term wheelchair loan - 5 wheelchairs available for loans of up to 6 weeks

Disabled access vehicle hire - capable of carrying one wheelchair-bound passenger and one other plus driver 

Advice and Signposting - we can help you navigate other sources of help available

If you’d like to find out more please get in touch, whether you would like to help as a volunteer or you may need help or know someone who does.