Introduction

For some people ‘getting out and about’ is being able to get to the shops easily, going to the doctor’s, visiting the library, or meeting up with friends. It could also be going to community support groups, memory cafés, or lunch clubs.

Many of these support groups and activities, and how to get to them, are listed in our Community Directory.

You may be a disabled driver or passenger who needs to be able to park close to shops or other facilities. You could be eligible for a blue badge. You can find out more in this section.

Volunteer drivers can help to get some people to the places they need to visit.

Information and advice in this section

Public transport
Blue badge
Mobility scheme
Day centres and luncheon clubs
Volunteering
Leisure activities
Friends groups in libraries

You can find more information on the Somerset Council site and the websites below.

Somerset Road Safety Partnership
Public transport
Adult Social Care transport
Volunteering
Community Council for Somerset
Compass Disability
Changing Places accessible toilets
Changing Places UK toilet map

Day centres and luncheon clubs

Day time care and support can be a made up of a variety of activities, designed to help people who live in their own home but who need help to get out and about, and it can allow carers to have a break.

Activities are often run in the community, from a local residential or nursing care home, to an activity group in a local hall or housing scheme.

Care and support is available in a way that encourages and enables people to stay as independent as possible by helping them to keep and improve their wellbeing.

There are luncheon clubs in Somerset which provide a nutritious meal at good value, as well as providing companionship and the chance to meet up with other people.

Search our Community Directory to find out what events and activities are taking place in your area.

Friendship groups and libraries

Friends groups are important in supporting libraries in Somerset communities.

Their support helps the Library Service

• provide access to resources and information
• encourages reading
• improves literacy, and
• contributes to learning, health and wellbeing, and creative opportunities

They support activities, like fundraising, activities in the library and recruiting volunteers.

The Library Service can support and give advice about setting up and establishing a friends group.

There is more information about friends groups in the Libraries section of the Somerset Council’s website.

For more information about setting up a friends group, please speak to staff at your local library, phone 0300 123 2224 or email generalenquiries@somerset.gov.uk

Volunteering

Volunteering can be a satisfying, fulfilling and enjoyable experience.

There are opportunities available for volunteers of all ages throughout Somerset.

From supporting people with learning disabilities to helping young families or driving people to health appointments – there’s loads of opportunities for you to get involved in your local community.

Volunteering is great for your community and is helpful for people of all ages. Volunteering can

• open up career opportunities as you gain new skills
• provide you with valuable experience which enhances your CV
• help adjustment from work to retirement
• bring a great sense of personal achievement and self-worth by contributing to the community.

For more volunteering opportunities throughout Somerset visit the Volunteering Somerset website

Your local volunteer centre can also give you information about volunteering opportunities in your local area:

Engage – covers Taunton and West Somerset
Spark – covers the former districts of South Somerset, Mendip and Sedgemoor

Walking and mobility aids

If you find it hard to get around your home, you may find a walking stick or frame useful. Please search for providers of these items in our Community Directory.

People who have a permanent condition preventing their mobility can get manual or powered wheelchairs. See our wheelchairs section below for more information.

Occupational therapists can carry out an assessment and give you advice and information. For example, if you are not able to walk in or out of your home easily, the assessment may suggest that a ramp is the best thing to help you. But if you buy a scooter or wheelchair yourself, you will be expected to buy your own ramp if you need one.

You can find more information to help you on these webpages.

Blue badge
Disabled Facilities Grant

If you want to hire a wheelchair for temporary use, please contact the British Red Cross.

If you need a wheelchair for longer, or have a permanent condition preventing your mobility, please talk with your doctor.