Taking the first step towards improving your well-being is a big achievement. Whether you're looking to boost your mental health, connect with others or simply try something new, there is a range of support options in Frome and the surrounding areas. This guide will help you find what’s available and choose support that feels right for you.
Getting started: Understanding your needs
Reflect on your goals
Before diving into specific resources, take a moment to think about what matters to you. Understanding what brings you joy or peace can guide you towards support that works for you.
Consider these questions:
How is your overall well-being today and what would you like to improve?
What specific changes would you like to see in your life?
Which activities currently bring you joy or peace?
What motivated you to seek support now?
How would you like to feel in the future?
We all have different reasons for seeking support. You might want to feel more connected with others, find ways to look after your mental health, or simply try something new. Whatever your reason, it’s valid and important.
Be inspired by the Five Ways to Well-being
Research shows there are five main ways we can improve how we feel. These are not rules but helpful suggestions you can explore in your own way:
Connect - Building and maintaining relationships.
Be Active - Finding physical activities you enjoy.
Take Notice - Being mindful and present in your daily life.
Keep Learning - Trying new things and setting challenges.
Give - Contributing to your community.
Click here for the full 5 ways to well-being guide.
Do what’s right for you
When it comes to getting support, what works for one person might not feel right for another - and that's completely normal. Some people enjoy the energy of group activities, while others prefer one-to-one support or starting their journey online. In this guide, we will explore local resources and help you think about what feels right.
You might prefer:
The energy and connection of group activities.
Quiet, personal conversations with just one person.
Starting slowly with online support.
A mix of different types of support.
There's no right or wrong choice, it's about finding what feels comfortable for you. You can always try different things and change your mind as you go along. If you can't find something that feels right you can get in touch with local health connectors who can work with you to find the best services for you by using the Frome Medical Practice contact form or giving them a call at 01373 468368.
Speak with someone you trust
Before exploring formal support, it can really help to talk things through with someone you trust. This could be a family member, friend, colleague, or anyone else you feel comfortable with. These people know you well and might have helpful suggestions about what could work for you. Sometimes just talking about how we're feeling can help us see things more clearly.
Taking the first step: Managing first-time nerves
It's completely normal to feel nervous about trying something new. Many people feel this way when they first reach out for support. Remember that you can take things at your own pace - there's no rush.
If you're feeling unsure, you could:
Start with something smaller that feels manageable.
Bring along someone you trust to help you feel more comfortable.
Call ahead to find out more about what to expect.
Visit places before joining in, just to get familiar with the surroundings.
Finding support in and around Frome
Health Connections Directory: your one-stop resource
The Health Connections Directory is a great tool for Frome residents. Health Connections runs a directory of local services and activities near you that will support you in your journey to better all-around health and well-being.
Here's how to use the Health Connections Directory effectively:
Visit the Health Connections website.
Scroll down and click on "Directory."
Search by category:
On the left-hand side in light blue, you’ll find an extensive list of categories. Click on a category that matches the support or information you’re seeking.
Choose between:
Services (blue tab) for local groups and programs.
Resources (orange tab) for educational materials.
Search by area:
Use the area filter to select your preferred area to view services.
You can filter by area: 'Frome', 'Glastonbury', 'Shepton Mallet', 'Street' and 'Wells'.
Use the search bar:
At the top of the page, there’s a search bar
Enter specific keywords related to the support or service you’re looking for, such as ‘mental health’, ‘exercise’ or ‘diet’.
Health Connections programmes
Habits for Health
Habits for Health
Phone number: 01373 468 368
Email: mendip.healthconnections@nhs.net
Format: Weekly in-person meetings, every Tuesday, 10:30am to midday
This weekly group is an in-person interactive healthy lifestyle programme that helps you learn about ways to feel healthier and happier. You'll meet others who are also looking to make positive changes, and you can share ideas and support each other along the way.
Each session focuses on different topics that can help improve your well-being, from getting better sleep to finding ways to be more active that work for you.
Habits for Health covers the following topics:
Sleep improvement.
Physical activity.
Emotional well-being.
Healthy eating.
Social connections.
Goal setting.
Talking Cafe
Talking Cafe
Phone number: 01373 468368
Email: mendip.healthconnections@nhs.net
Format: Weekly in-person meeting
When and where:
Mondays, 10am – 11.30am Cheese and Grain, Justice Lane, Frome BA11 1BE
Thursdays, 1pm – 2.30pm, Coffee#1, 15-16 Westway Centre, Frome BA11 1BS
The Talking Cafés are warm and welcoming spaces where anyone can pop in for a chat and a cuppa. Whether you are looking to meet new people or would like to find out more about local support, you’ll find a friendly face waiting. Local Health Connectors are also there to chat about anything that matters - from local activities to finding more specialised support for specific needs.
There is no booking needed! You can come along when it suits you and stay for as long or as short as you like. Some people come for a quick chat, others stay for the whole session.
Digital Cafe
Digital Cafe
Phone number: 01373 468368
Email: mendip.healthconnections@nhs.net
Format: Weekly in-person meeting
When and where:
Thursday mornings, 10:00 – 11:30 am at the Cheese and Grain: Market Yd, Justice Ln, Frome BA11 1BE
Tuesday from 10 am – 12 pm and Thursday from 4 pm – 8 pm held in the Well Being glass room in the foyer of the medical practice.
Have you ever felt frustrated trying to use your phone, tablet, or computer? The Digital Café is here to help! Every Thursday morning, you can bring along your phone, laptop, iPad or computer and ask the team any questions you might have. Whether it's learning how to video call family, use online shopping, fill in an online form, or just feel more confident with technology, the friendly team can help.
It's a relaxed space where you can learn at your own pace and share experiences with others. No question is too small - everyone was a beginner once!
There is always someone from the Frome Medical Practice digital team to help you access and/or use your NHS App. Support is available with accessing and making GP appointments via the new online appointment booking system.
Postcard Project-Frome
Postcard Project-Frome
Phone number: 01373 468368
Email: mendip.healthconnectioons@nhs.net
Format: From home
The Postcard Project is a lovely way to connect with others, especially if you find it hard to get out and about. Through this project, you can receive regular, handwritten postcards from friendly local volunteers. Each postcard is personally written, bringing a little bit of connection straight to the doorstep.
If you enjoy writing you can also become a postcard writer yourself! Writers receive training and support, and it's a wonderful way to make a difference in someone else's day.
Live Well With Pain: Ten Footsteps Programme
Live Well With Pain: Ten Footsteps Programme
Phone number: 01373 468368
Email: frome.healthconnections@nhs.net
Format: In-person meeting or self-guided online guide
Living with ongoing pain can be really challenging. This programme helps you find ways to manage pain and enjoy life more. Through six online workshops, you can learn practical techniques and connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
The programme helps build confidence in managing pain, learn new coping strategies and find ways to do more of the things that matter to you. You can work through the materials at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home.
Long-Term Condition Support Group
Long-Term Condition Support Group
Phone number: 01373 468368
Email: healthconnections.frome@nhs.net
Format: Monthly in-person meeting
When: First Thursday of each month, 10:30-12:30
Where: The Boardroom (upstairs) at Frome Medical Practice, Enos Way, Frome BA11 2FH
Living with a long-term health condition can sometimes feel lonely or overwhelming. This monthly group brings together people who are going through experiences similar to yours. It's a safe, understanding space where you can share experiences, pick up useful tips and meet others who understand you.
The group is led by Health Connections Frome, offering a warm welcome to everyone, whether you want to share your own experiences or simply listen to others.
Talking Bench
Talking Bench
Website: Talking Benches - Health Connections
Phone number: 01373 468368
Format: Weekly in-person
When: Every Friday, 11:30-12:00
Where: Outside Frome Library
The Talking Bench offers a simple way to start a conversation in the fresh air. Every Friday morning, Health Connectors sit at a special bench outside Frome Library.
Whether you want to talk about local activities, find some support, or simply share a friendly hello, this is the perfect opportunity! Just keep an eye out for the special flag that shows where to find the Talking Bench. No need to book anything—just drop by if you’re in the area and feel like chatting.
One-to-One Support
One-to-One Support
Phone number: 01373 468368 (Option 1)
We all have things on our minds that we might feel more comfortable discussing in a private setting. That’s where Health Connectors come in. They’re here to listen to you and help you find the right support tailored to your needs. In these friendly conversations, you can talk about anything that’s important to you. Together, they explore what might help you feel better and more understood. You're not alone in this—let’s chat about what matters to you.
Community Connector Training
Community Connector Training
Website: Training - Health Connections
Phone number: 01373 468368
Email: mendip.healthconnections@nhs.net
Format: In-person meetings
If you enjoy helping others, becoming a Community Connector might be interesting. This free training helps you become an educator on local support services so that you can share this knowledge with friends, family and neighbours.
There are different types of Community Connectors - some focus on helping people connect with nature (Green Connector), others share local history (Heritage Connector) or help with technology (Digital Connector). The training happens online, with support provided throughout.
Training for these voluntary roles is free and there are regular training sessions or we can provide training at a time and place that suits you, either on Zoom or in person.
lumin&us® Family Mental Health Support
lumin&us® Family Mental Health Support
Website: https://luminusfamilywellbeing.com/
Format: Digital therapeutic platform
Access: Available 24/7 via App Store and Google Play
Cost: Free to download
lumin&us® is an evidence-based digital therapeutic platform that bridges clinical expertise with accessible family support. Developed through collaboration between mental health professionals, therapists, and educators, it translates proven therapeutic techniques into engaging digital experiences.
The platform specialises in supporting families with children aged 3 to 12, particularly those:
• Navigating behavioural concerns or anxiety.
• Seeking support for neurodivergent experiences.
• Managing family transitions or loss.
• Building stronger parent-child relationships.
Core features:
• Clinically validated therapeutic games and activities.
• Evidence-based tools for emotional understanding.
• Interactive experiences that strengthen family bonds.
• ORCHA certified for NHS use.
This resource empowers parents with professional therapeutic tools while fostering meaningful family connections through play-based engagement. All activities are grounded in neuroscience and designed to enhance mental well-being across the whole family unit.
Final note:
Remember, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you choose to start with a quiet conversation with someone you trust, join a group activity, or seek one-to-one support, taking that first step is what matters most.
If you’re concerned for your mental well-being and prefer to speak directly to a doctor, click here for our full guide to get started on your mental health journey.