Somerset Diverse Communities

19/10/2026

Be heard. Create change.

Mental health support should work for everyone, but we know that's not always the case.

We're looking for people across Somerset to share their experiences of accessing mental health support. Your feedback will help us understand what's working, identify barriers, and improve support for local communities.

You may identify with more than one group. If so, complete the survey that feels most relevant to you, or fill in more than one.

Take part:
Ethnically Diverse Communities: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OMH-RIB

Men aged 25-55: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OMHmen

LGBTQIA+ Communities: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OMH-2

Every experience counts.

Your experience matters.

We're running three lived experience surveys to understand the barriers and challenges people might face when accessing mental health support across Somerset. By sharing your experiences, you'll help us understand what's working, identify barriers, and shape support that is more inclusive, accessible and responsive.

You may identify with more than one of these communities. If so, please complete the survey that feels most relevant to your experiences, or complete more than one survey if you wish.

📢 Ethnically Diverse Communities: Share your experiences of accessing mental health support.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OMH-RIB

📢 Men Aged 25-55: Tell us about your experiences and what could improve support.
🔗 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OMHmen

📢 LGBTQIA+ Communities: Help us understand what makes mental health support more inclusive and accessible.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OMH-2

Please share with your networks and help us hear from the people whose voices matter most. This survey is funded by Open Mental Health, part of the Somerset Mental Health Alliance.

19/10/2026

Coming soon in celebration of Black History Month a day of cultural celebration for the whole family.

There's still time to get involved in Black History Month.

Join community events such as the Cultural Family Day in Bridgwater, where people can come together through workshops, performances, conversations and shared experiences.

Let's continue celebrating, learning and building stronger, more inclusive communities.

🔗 Find out more: https://thrivesomerset.org.uk/its-black-history-month/

13/10/2026

Could you help us spread the word?

We're looking to hear from people across Somerset about their experiences of accessing mental health support.

We've launched three lived experience surveys for:
💚 Ethnically Diverse Communities
💚 Men aged 25-55
💚 LGBTQIA+ Communities

Your experiences can help shape more inclusive, accessible and responsive mental health support across Somerset.

If you work with, support or are part of any of these communities, please take part and share with your networks. Every voice matters.

👇 Find the surveys in the post below.

Your experience matters.

We're running three lived experience surveys to understand the barriers and challenges people might face when accessing mental health support across Somerset. By sharing your experiences, you'll help us understand what's working, identify barriers, and shape support that is more inclusive, accessible and responsive.

You may identify with more than one of these communities. If so, please complete the survey that feels most relevant to your experiences, or complete more than one survey if you wish.

📢 Ethnically Diverse Communities: Share your experiences of accessing mental health support.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OMH-RIB

📢 Men Aged 25-55: Tell us about your experiences and what could improve support.
🔗 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OMHmen

📢 LGBTQIA+ Communities: Help us understand what makes mental health support more inclusive and accessible.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OMH-2

Please share with your networks and help us hear from the people whose voices matter most. This survey is funded by Open Mental Health, part of the Somerset Mental Health Alliance.

08/10/2026

Your experience matters.

We're running three lived experience surveys to understand the barriers and challenges people might face when accessing mental health support across Somerset. By sharing your experiences, you'll help us understand what's working, identify barriers, and shape support that is more inclusive, accessible and responsive.

You may identify with more than one of these communities. If so, please complete the survey that feels most relevant to your experiences, or complete more than one survey if you wish.

📢 Ethnically Diverse Communities: Share your experiences of accessing mental health support.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OMH-RIB

📢 Men Aged 25-55: Tell us about your experiences and what could improve support.
🔗 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OMHmen

📢 LGBTQIA+ Communities: Help us understand what makes mental health support more inclusive and accessible.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OMH-2

Please share with your networks and help us hear from the people whose voices matter most. This survey is funded by Open Mental Health, part of the Somerset Mental Health Alliance.

07/10/2026

Black History Month is here.

This October, we're celebrating Black History Month and this year's theme, Honouring Our Communities.

Across Somerset, there are opportunities to learn, connect, celebrate and reflect on the contributions, achievements and experiences of Black people past and present.

Black History Month is here.

This October, we're celebrating Black History Month and this year's theme, Honouring Our Communities.

Across Somerset, there are opportunities to learn, connect, celebrate and reflect on the contributions, achievements and experiences of Black people past and present.

Take a look at the events taking place throughout the month and find something that inspires you to get involved.

🔗 View the full list of events: https://thrivesomerset.org.uk/its-black-history-month/

07/10/2026

It's Black History Month!

We have a calendar of events and activities taking place across the county.

🔗 Find your nearest event here: https://thrivesomerset.org.uk/its-black-history-month/

Discover stories that connect Somerset to global Black history.

This Black History Month, why not explore the Roots, Routes and Resilience exhibition running from 5 October-15 November (10am-4pm) at Shoemakers Museum in Street, or learn about Black Caribbean writer Eric Walrond's fascinating links to the West of England?

These events offer an opportunity to learn more about heritage, identity and the people who have helped shape our communities.

🔗 Find event details: https://thrivesomerset.org.uk/its-black-history-month/

22/09/2026

💙 As a proud partner of the Somerset Crisis and Resilience Alliance, our Crisis and Resilience Village Agents are here to help people facing financial challenges to access the right support at the right time.

Whether you're struggling with rising costs, need help navigating services, or want support to build your financial resilience, we're here to listen, help you find a way forward and build resilience.

Complete our Request a Call Back form to speak to a member of the team.
https://webforms.dizions.co.uk/community_council_for_somerset/village-agent-referral

For more information about the Crisis Resilience Fund and support available visit: https://citizensadvicesomerset.org.uk/crisis-resilience-fund/

22/09/2026

🍏🍎TAUNTON TOGETHER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

📅 Saturday 26 September
⏰ 10am–4pm
📍 Across Taunton town centre
🎟️ FREE ENTRY

🔗 Plan your day and explore the full programme:
https://ow.ly/unbB50ZKGgm

Whether you’re coming for the music, bringing the family, looking for something creative to try, or simply want to soak up the atmosphere, there’s plenty to discover.

💬 Tell us in the comments: what are you most excited to see or do? And don’t forget to share this with whoever you’re planning to bring along!



TYCA Creative Innovation Centre CIC Taunton Brewhouse Thrive Somerset GoCreate Taunton Visit Taunton Bath Place, Taunton Taunton Independent Market Taunton Independent Quarter The Museum of Somerset

28/08/2026

We’re pleased to recognise festivals like Raksha Bandhan, celebrating the many traditions that bring our communities together. Sharing these moments helps us build understanding, appreciation, and a stronger sense of connection across cultures.

Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between siblings and the wider values of care and protection. A ceremonial thread is tied as a symbol of love, responsibility, and mutual support. The festival emphasises relationships, trust, and the importance of looking after one another.

Wishing a joyful Raksha Bandhan to all celebrating the bonds of family and care.

06/08/2026

We’re sharing moments like the Feast of the Transfiguration as part of our commitment to recognising and celebrating the diversity of faiths and traditions within our communities. By highlighting important religious observances, we hope to build understanding, encourage respectful dialogue, and create inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging.

Wishing a peaceful Feast of the Transfiguration to all celebrating, a time of reflection, light, and spiritual renewal.

The Feast of the Transfiguration commemorates the moment in the Christian tradition when Jesus is said to have been revealed in divine glory on a mountain, witnessed by three of his disciples. It is a key feast in many Christian denominations, especially in Orthodox traditions. The day emphasises themes of transformation, divine light, and spiritual revelation. It invites believers to consider transformation not only as a miraculous event, but also as an inner journey of growth and faith. The symbolism of light is central, representing clarity, hope, and divine presence.