The Balsam Centre is a ‘place based’ independent charity at the heart of the community. We act as a catalyst for change, reducing health and social inequalities, with an established reputation for delivering innovative community based health and wellbeing services, especially mental health support.
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In Somerset the prevalence of mental health conditions is increasing and rates for suicide and self-harm are consistently higher than nationally. Demand for mental health support is high and people are faced with long waiting lists and impossible pressure on services, leaving many feeling in despair or unable to cope, causing further deterioration in their conditions. In our rural area for some time we have effectively been the only provider of free, accessible mental health support services.
Our services and activities are often described as ‘life changing’, and are delivered by experienced, skilled staff and volunteers. We provide personalised support to improve people’s mental health and wellbeing. This includes adult and young people’s counselling, family, parenting and relationship support, young carers group, Men’s Shed, dementia Café, maternal mental health, cooking groups, outdoor activities, and Changes, a nationally recognised mental health peer support group for adults.
