Supporting mental health
We work in partnership with organisations delivering mental health services in Somerset to help them understand the needs of local communities and support them to develop solutions.
Somerset Mental Health Network
One such partnership, facilitated by Spark Somerset, is the Somerset Mental Health Network (SMHN), a collaboration of voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises involved in delivering mental health services to people with poor mental wellbeing, and those who care for and support them.
Formerly known as the Somerset Mental Health Hub, the Somerset Mental Health Network aims to support a strong and effective network of mental health organisations across Somerset, by providing:
- Peer support, training and professional development
- A space for organisations to discuss their needs and gain support in meeting them
- A hub for commissioners of provision and services
- A leading voice for VCFSE mental health service providers in Somerset
- Engagement opportunities within the wider sector
The Network has been a positive, countywide partnership for many years and we are now in the process of refining our vision and mission, and considering how we sit alongside other initiatives in Somerset.
Steering group
The steering group behind the Somerset Mental Health Network is made up of organisations active in the field of mental health in Somerset. See our current members below. We are funded by Somerset Public Health.
Join the Network
If you would like to receive regular updates from the Somerset Mental Health Network, you can sign up for the newsletter below.
Sign up here
Open Mental Health
We are a proud member of the Somerset Mental Health Alliance and Open Mental Health network, working in partnership to ensure residents in Somerset get the support they need, when they need it.
Find out more
Many of us have experienced the struggle to get the right mental health support for ourselves, or someone we love. Others don’t approach services at all. This could be for a range of reasons including fear of being judged, not knowing what help is available or not perceiving their needs as great enough.
The Open Mental Health Alliance was born out of the desire to ensure that there is ‘no wrong door’ to mental health services.
Open Mental Health Community Engagement Project
Our team of Engagement Workers aspire to take the Open Mental Health approach one step further.
Embedded within their communities, they listen to groups and support them to address gaps in provision. They do this by identifying funding to create new or adapt existing projects, working to reduce stigma and upskilling staff and volunteers to welcome people wherever they are on their mental health journey.
This includes training them to deliver Five Ways to Wellbeing training – an evidence-based approach which helps people take simple steps to maintain or improve their mental health. You can find out upcoming dates at the bottom of this page.
Wellbeing Champions
In addition, we are now recruiting Volunteer Wellbeing Champions to represent their community at events and meetings and share their knowledge about Open Mental Health.
Find out more
