Want to Move Around without a Car?
Of course, you can walk or ride a bicycle, but some of us find this more difficult than others!
The choices are myriad though. To move your body you could try Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) who run all kinds of activities for all kinds of people. Phone them for advice on 01823 653990 or go online or try the NHS free classes videos such as:
Alternatively (or in addition), the Balsam Centre do live classes in house such as ‘Flexercise’, billed as ‘gentle exercise for people with limited mobility’ on a Tuesday 11am–12.30pm. The cost is £2.50 a session. It is essential to book with the Balsam Centre (01963 31842)
There is also Tai Chi at the Balsam Centre: on Mondays 2pm-3pm and Fridays 1pm-2pm (£5) as well as Tai Chi for people with Parkinsons (£2.00) held on Mondays 12.30- 1.30. Again, it is essential to book so phone Lin on 07749 899094.
Moving with Helpful Aids
Somerset County Council can supply living aids equipment to borrow or buy using Independent Living Centres. There is one in Yeovil at the Yeovil Innovation Centre, Barracks Close, Copse Road, BA22 8RN. There is also one in Shepton Mallet at Shape Mendip, Stockhill Building, Cannards Grave Road, BS4 5BT. You need to book an appointment for either of these with the Council by phoning 0300 123 2224
Casterbridge Care and Mobility
These guys supply wheelchairs, scooters, living aids, property adaptations, furniture, footwear and more. They are based in Yeovil but they deliver within a 30 mile radius including Dorset, Dorchester, Street and Glastonbury. Visit their website.
Phone: 01935 414882
Email: info@casterbridgemobility.co.uk
Visit: Unit 7, Tesco Extra, Queensway Place, BA20 1DL
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 9.00-5.00
Saturday 9.00-2.00
Sunday by appointment only
Ring and Ride – The CAT Bus!
Community Accessible Transport For rural villages and those who cannot easily use public
transport.
This wonderful bus serves the main towns of Bruton, Castle Cary and Wincanton and surrounding villages. It is available to people of all ages who live on a normal bus route but are unable to use it because they have mobility problems or it does not meet their needs. People in villages with little or no transport can use the bus to access the main towns or to link them with other bus and train services. You need to apply to the Balsam Centre for a registration form and pay £15 to join the scheme. You then pay for each trip on a zone basis. Holders of bus passes travel for half fare, under 5s free and under 16s at half the adult fare.
For more details visit their website or call 01963 33864. Once joined you can book a door-to-door ride by phoning that number.
For Even Further Afield – Go By Bus
Free for those with a bus pass from Somerset County Council. For information apply to the Council or phone 0300 123 2224
Buses go from outside the Memorial Hall, just off the High Street in Wincanton to many places in Somerset and beyond.
- First Bus – 0345 6460 707
- Berrys Coaches – 01823 331 356
GO BY TRAIN Trains go from Templecombe station to London,Waterloo and from Castle Cary to London, Paddington Find out more by going to Trainline
We Would Love to Meet You
Once a month you will find us:
- First Thursday from 1-12 noon at the Wincanton Community Hospital
- Second Tuesday from 2-3.30 at the River Cale Café for the Carers Support Group
- Third Wednesday from 2.30-3.30 the Micro Providers meet at the River Cale Café
- Last Tuesday of the month from 10-12 noon Morrisons sponsor a Talking Table and provide free tea and cake
- Last Wednesday of the month 10-12 noon at Wincanton Library
We aim to connect people with what they need – for care, for support and for information If you are a Carer, whether a ‘micro-provider’ (a paid carer), someone who cares for someone for love, for compassion or neighbourliness or if you are someone who is cared for or you would just like to help, please call or contact us. We have a most helpful Project Officer, professional Carers and volunteers who all want to help if they can. Please reach out to us.
And we are always looking for volunteers who can offer their time or talents in a range of different ways but particularly befriending the lonely or the unpaid carers who desperately need a little bit of time to themselves. Phone Wincanton Cares Project Officer, Annette, on 07756 759741 Or email us: info@wincantoncares.org Or go to the contact page on our website where you can find a form to fill in and submit.
Meet Up with Fellow Carers
Meet In the River Cale Café. If you provide paid care in the Wincanton (BA9) area and you
would like to share help, information and support with others you would be very welcome to come to the River Cale Café on the third Wednesday of the Month at 2.30-3.30 pm.
Alternatively, you may be someone who looks after a family member or friend who has a metal or physical illness, a disability, an addiction or requires additional support as they age. In all these cases you can be described as a Carer. Caring responsibilities can have a huge impact on the Carer’s life, both day-to-day and long term, affecting relationships, health, finances, school and work. In some cases the individuals involved might be unaware they’ve become a Carer as the transition from short-term help to long-term care can sometimes be subtle.
WINCANTON CARES can help in a way that will suit you and the person you care for. Take time to give us a call on 07756 759741. Wincanton Carers Group meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 2.00 pm. It is an information and discussion group for all carers and often includes experts who can chat with carers over tea and cake.
And finally. If you need help right now:
Or contact us on 07834 597893 and visit the website
