The Blackdown Support Group is a registered charity working from offices at The Blackdown Practice in Hemyock We aim to relieve sickness, loneliness and isolation by connecting local people in need with local volunteers who can offer them practical support. Our services cover the 200sq miles of the Blackdown Hills AONB and include:

Community transport - to health appointments, shopping, to social and well-being events, 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

Social events - lunch clubs, coffee mornings, carers groups, providing opportunities to meet friends and enjoy a home cooked nutritious meal

Mentoring - trained volunteers provide a structured support programme for those who are struggling to re-integrate back into the community, perhaps after bereavement, an accident or long period of ill health

Advocacy - providing support with filling in forms and paperwork to ensure people have access to the services or financial support they need

Dementia Support - specialist volunteer befrienders provide support or respite for people with dementia and their carers

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

Family Support - trained volunteers can provide support for parents suffering from post-natal depression, bereavement or offer general support for families/new parents

Footcare - volunteer led clinics at the Blackdown Healthy Living Centre and at patients' homes (not suitable for diabetics)

Short term wheelchair loan - 4 wheelchairs available

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 know someone who needs help, who is alone, feeling isolated or struggling to care for a loved one. Either way we’d love to hear from you.