Warmth in Winter!
February is often one of the coldest months of the year, so we all need to find some warmth to comfort us. Staying in our own homes to keep warm is a tempting way to achieve this, but this may not be good for our overall health. It’s hard to believe, but according to information in Patient.info, research has shown that ‘Reduced social contact, being alone, isolation and feelings of loneliness are associated with reduced quality of life’. This risk is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and having an alcohol use disorder. https://patient.info/doctor/mental-health/social-isolation-how-to-help-patients-be-less-lonely
An easy way to increase our social contacts is to come along to Warm in Wedmore on Wednesday and Thursdays in January and February. The warmth in the Masonic Hall, the hot drinks and delicious soup are additional incentives, alongside the convivial company and sociable chat! I have met people I wouldn’t otherwise have met and have had some very interesting conversations! As well as reaping the benefits of social interaction, you will also be supporting seven of our local groups:- Cheddar Vale Lions, Wedmore Gardening Club, Green Wedmore, Wedmore & Axbridge Community Health Fund, Wedmore Festival, Women of Wedmore WI and Wedmore Community Bus. Not only will they welcome your support, but you can find out more about them and perhaps join them? And if you need transport, Good Neighbours may be able to help – contact them on 01934 806299. Warm in Wedmore is for everyone!
For those of you who work or are otherwise occupied during daytime hours, perhaps search your Isle of Wedmore Directory for an organisation to join and increase your social contacts during the evenings? If you can’t find your Directory, you can search it online here!
February is also the month to think about our ‘hearts’ and to cherish and celebrate our close relationships, be they partners, friends or family. For Heart UK, the heart health charity, this is their Heart Month. Heart Month February 2026 | HEART UK This year the charity is focusing on cholesterol, learning about it and how to adjust our lifestyle to reduce it, if necessary. The charity states that ‘almost 1 in 2 adults in the UK have high cholesterol’. The risk of high cholesterol is that it ‘can clog up the arteries that carry blood around the body, making them narrower and causing blood clots’. There is some really useful information about what the test results mean, how to eat to reduce cholesterol and you can also work out your own risk of developing heart disease over the next 10 years with the NHS Heart Age Tool (for adults aged 25-84). In summary for February, we need to stay warm, stay sociable and stay heart-healthy!
Support for people with dementia and their carers in Wedmore
Carer’s Group
Do you care for or support a person living with dementia? Then this friendly informative group is for you! Come along on the first Friday of the month to The Swan Hotel, Wedmore between 10am and 12md, next meeting on 6th February 2026. If you want to find out more about the Memories Workshops and Carers’ Group, phone HeadsUp on 01749 670667 or email wedmorecarers@yahoo.com If you need help with funding for attending HeadsUp, just ask, help may be available.
Coffee and a Chat
For general support with mental wellbeing Somewhere House, a charity based in Burnham, visits The Bluebird Café in Wedmore on the first Wednesday of the month, from 10-12md. They offer an opportunity to meet and chat. For more information contact them on 01278 780769
Somerset Care Services Directory 2026
Do you need up to date information about care & support in Somerset? Then this updated publication has everything you need. The Somerset Social Care and Support for Adults Guide explores the entire social care journey.
It includes information on:
- Paying for care
- Finding the right care home
- Specialist care
- Help for carers
- A comprehensive list of care providers in Somerset.
You can also download a copy by clicking here.
You can get your FREE paper copy by contacting Lindsey Baker, Clerk to Wedmore Parish Council by phoning 01934 713087 or emailing clerk@wedmore-pc.gov.uk.
Cathy Butterworth
Wedmore Health & Wellbeing Project
01934 806266