Wincanton Christmas Events
Wincanton Cares Craft Fair : Christmas Gifts and Craft Supplies! Tombola! Refreshments! From 10.00 – 3.00 in the Balsam Centre on Saturday 1st November
A Christmas Wreath Making Evening : Decorate your home with a beautiful Christmas wreath! Make it with Wincanton Cares on 19th November 2025 at 6.30 pm at the Balsam Centre. All materials supplied. Refreshments available. £35 fee. Call 07756 759741 for more information
Wincanton Town Hall Presents:
Wincanton Christmas Lights Switch On and Christmas Market Craft Fair : on Friday 28th November
Over 70s Christmas Lunch at King Arthur’s School: Saturday 6th December 1.00 – 3.00. Tickets available from Monday 3rd November from the Town Council Office (Monday-Thursday 9.00-1.00pm)
How to know if a Paid Care Worker or Micro-Provider is Safe to Work with You
Choosing the right care support is a deeply personal decision.Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or for a loved one, it’s important to feel confident that the person you hire is safe, professional and well-prepared. There are several ways to assess a care worker or Micro-provider’s suitability:
- Personal Recommendations from trusted individuals or local networks can be a helpful starting point.
- Membership of NACAS (National Association of Care and Support Workers) may indicate a commitment to professional standards.
- COMING SOON! Accreditation by Wincanton Cares will offer an additional layer of reassurance for those seeking local, trusted care.
What to Ask For: Before agreeing to work with a Microprovider or paid care worker you need to make sure that the following documents are complete and up-to-date.
- Enhanced DBS Check (dated within the last three years)
- Public Liability Insurance
- Business car insurance (if they drive as part of their role)
- Terms of Service—This should be an agreement composed
between the client and the potential carer outlining the scope of
work and making clear their expectations of each other. - Support Plan Template—a care plan tailored to the client’s needs
which will need to be worked out between the carer and the client - Proof of Right to Work in the UK
- Unique Tax Reference Number
- Safeguarding Policy
- Complaints Policy
- References or Testimonials
If you are unsure about anything please contact WINCANTON CARES at info@wincantoncares.org or phone or text 07756 759741
Free Health Checks
Wincanton Health Centre and doctor’s surgeries in Castle Cary, Bruton, Queen Camel and Milborne Port make up our Rural Practice Network (or RPN). If you are registered at one of these surgeries and you are aged 40-74 with no existing medical condition, you are now entitled to a free health check.
The check will take about half an hour and include taking your height and weight and blood tests to check blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels. Family medical history, smoking, drinking and exercise levels can be discussed. The checks can give you reassurance, and practitioners can recommend any early preventative measures against any possibly serious illness. Texts are being sent from the surgeries to eligible people but you can refer yourself by contacting your surgery directly. Wincanton Health Centre’s number is 01963 435701.
Those registered with Wincanton Health Centre (only) are also offered two different free Metabolic Health plans: The 28 Day Rapid Results Plan or The 28 Day Personal Health Plan. For more information please contact the Health Coaches at the Health Centre on 01963 435700 and on the phone select option 4. You can also drop in to the surgery and sign up at reception to join the peer support group held every first and third Monday of the month from 5.00-6.00 pm.
Your surgery can also refer you to experts in various fields such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSK for short – meaning bones, muscles, backs etc), eye problems or ear problems.
To make sure you access the most suitable place for your needs it is probably better to be referred by your doctor but if you have computer access and have MSK needs, you can download an ap called getUBetter. It’s an app for all common muscle, bone and joint injuries and conditions from NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB). There is also a form on the website (see below) to apply for an appointment with a physiotherapist.
For hearing problems you will need to be referred by your doctor to the Audiology (hearing) department in a hospital. Here they will assess, diagnose and treat hearing and balance problems in adults and provide information, support and counselling to people who use NHS hearing aids. They also fit and repair NHS digital hearing aids.
If your eyes are the problem, your doctor can refer you to a local ophthalmologist who will assess your problem and, if necessary, refer you to a hospital.
For more information on any of these FREE services please see www.somersetft.nhs.uk/a-z-of-services/ or talk to Wincanton Health Centre – 01963 435701.
Conversations with a Dementia Sufferer
10 things to think about when enjoying a chat, but remember you are both human so it may not always work.
- Agree, never Argue
- Divert, never reason
- Distract, never shame
- Reassure, never lecture
- Reminisce, never say ‘remember’
- Repeat, never say “I told you”
- Do what they can do, never say “you can’t”
- Ask,never demand
- Encourage, never condescend
- 10.Reinforce, never force
KEEP WARM THIS WINTER!
If you are having problems with heating your house whether this be a broken heating system, struggling with bills or any other difficulties, contact the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) for help. 0800 038 5730 www.cse.org.uk info@cse.org.uk
WINCANTON CARES CRAFTY TALKING TABLE SOCIAL GET TOGETHER and learn a new craft.
Calling anyone who is an Unpaid Carer, Bereaved, Socially Isolated or just plain Lonely … AND residents of ABRI housing. A very warm welcome will be guaranteed so please don’t hesitate
Our aim is to share some fun, joy, friendship and companionship
Unsure where to go? Want someone to go with? Please phone Annette on 07756 759741. Abri tenants please contact Carol. We are so looking forward to spending some time with you! A voluntary contribution of £2 to cover costs would be very welcome!
Regular Monthly Meetings and Events
Please note that some of the days shown on the schedule here will change in December because of the Christmas holidays. Please phone the relevant numbers shown to check. Thank you!
And finally. If you need help right now:
Or contact us on 07834 597893
And if you need more help:
Wincanton Cares
07756 759741
Email us at info@wincantoncares.org
Website at www.wincantoncares.org
And if you need more help: Wincanton Cares 07756 759741 Email us at info@wincantoncares.org or browse the website at www.wincantoncares.org
