Somerset Big Tent

Hello Big Tent Members

We have some exciting news! Things at Somerset Big Tent are changing...

Late last year we embarked upon discussions with our funders - the Integrated Care Board (ICB) - exploring the future shape of Somerset Big Tent (SBT), and how it can continue to support and meet the needs of young people across the county.

Since 2019 Somerset Big Tent has grown into a unique alliance of 45 VCSE member organisations, providing young people with access to a wide variety of mental health and wellbeing support; a diverse community of local, regional and national organisations working together, sharing best practice, and collectively striving to address the mental health and wellbeing needs of young people across the county. While building this alliance, we have consistently provided direct support to parents and guardians of young people experiencing wellbeing challenges, including supporting access to wider SBT member services.

As of April 2023, Somerset Big Tent will no longer be facilitated by Young Somerset. We will, however, continue to maintain the website, resources and email facility until a new host is confirmed. With the continued oversight of the ICB, SBT will be incorporated into a new system-wide digital mental health and emotional wellbeing portal in the near future. All current alliance members, including those currently being onboarded, will have the opportunity to migrate to this new portal. The portal will continue the work of SBT, while strengthening and increasing its reach and ability to support more young people and families across Somerset.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and participation in building our strong SBT alliance which has had a demonstrable impact on the wellbeing of children, young people and families – including over the lifespan of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result of your engagement, SBT is raising the profile within the system of the value and diversity of the VCSE offer for wellbeing and mental health for children and young people in Somerset.

More information about the future facilitation and home of SBT will be communicated as soon as it is available. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Patrick Worthington, Children and Young People Mental Health Commissioner, [email protected]

It's the Christmas Fete TOMORROW at Bold & Brave, Taunton!!

Lots to do for all the family! 🫶🏻🎄✨

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day 🎗

This is such an important opportunity for all of us to think about the role we can play in ***dePrevention and erasing the stigma associated with .

You're not alone in this and there are so many organisations to help you and/or someone you know.

🎗 Samaritans | Call 116 123 | 24/7
🎗 NHS 111 | Call 111 | 24/7
🎗 Shout | Text “Shout” to 85258 | 24/7
🎗 Papyrus | Call 0800 068 4141 | Text 07786 209697 | 9am - 10pm / Mon-Fri
🎗 Somerset Mindline | Call 0800 1381692 | 24/7

Today we'll be at the Walk for Life event in Taunton - if you need some advice or help there will be lots of organisations there to help you :)

Receiving Exam Results can be a very anxious time for many - no matter the outcome, there are lots of organisations out there who can support you. 🤍

Kooth have a fantastic guide to support young people through Exam Results Day:https://www.somersetbigtent.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Kooth_exam_results_day_support_brochure_2022-2.pdf

And finally - GOOD LUCK for tomorrow!

Young Somerset's Wellbeing Team are running a free Art Wellbeing Group for young people (school years 5-9) during the summer holidays - at Bold & Brave, Taunton.

Have fun and get creative at our free Wellbeing Art Group every Tuesday in August! The group is designed for young people to attend all the sessions, but if this is not possible, just let us know when you fill out the form.

Years 5 & 6: 10:30-11:30am
Years 7, 8 & 9: 1-3pm

Tue 2nd Aug
Tue 9th Aug
Tue 16th Aug
Tue 23rd Aug
Tue 30th Aug

The group is free but there are limited spaces available, so booking your place is essential. Book here: https://forms.office.com/r/c70DSgLg2T

Please complete one form per each young person attending.

For more information please contact Jo: [email protected]

Once booking is complete, parents/guardians will also need to complete our membership form on behalf of their child. Our membership form must be completed before your child can join the group. The membership form can be found here: www.youngsomerset.org.uk/become-a-member-of-young-somerset

Art Wellbeing Group Location: Bold & Brave, 14 Riverside Place, St. James Street, Taunton, TA1 1JH

Please note the venue is upstairs and there is no accessible access. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Bibic Drop-in Day! bibic

It will be a fun filled family day with lots of activities to book in advance and more!

23rd July 10am - 4pm

Activities include:
- Talk to a therapist (45 mins) £30
- Music Therapy (1 hour) £5 per child
- Messy Play (30 mins) £5 per child
- Sensory room (15 mins) £2.50 per child

We'll also have glitter face painting, games, refreshments and much more!

Anyone can book by emailing [email protected]

A FANTASTIC FREE COMMUNITY-BASED START UP COURSE IS BEGINNING THIS APRIL IN TAUNTON!

Know anyone who is:
❓ Aged 18-35(ish)
❓ At a crossroads
❓ Not sure what's next
❓ Ready to meet new people & learn new skills

Maybe they should join the next Edventure: Taunton course starting 25th April! 💚

There is limited spaces available - spread the word and get involved!!

This week some of our Community Wellbeing Team attended the Blue School in Wells for a Careers Fair - it was great to see so many young people at the event interested in what we do at Young Somerset and Somerset Big Tent!

Lots of exciting things to do in Half-Term with Children's World - take a look here: https://childrensworldcharity.org/events-activities/

Young Somerset are recruiting Board Members - if you're interested have a read below! :)

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY!

At Young Somerset, we are looking for regular human beings like you to support us as charity Trustees. People who want to make a difference to the young people in Somerset. We are a rapidly expanding financially healthy charity with over 100 staff, governed by a voluntary Board of Trustees and have vacancies on our Board.

If you’re interested in becoming a Trustee for Young Somerset, find out more here: https://www.youngsomerset.org.uk/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=de2f0684-c4e8-4e1e-a470-f397c5d40762

Please share with anyone you know that would be interested in this exciting opportunity to become a Board Member for Young Somerset!

Free Art therapy course and short-term counselling opportunity for young people aged 16+ in the Taunton and Wellington area with Somerset Counselling Centre - SCC

All Courses are for 6 weeks each of 1½ hrs per week at Apsley House in Taunton.

Course 1: Starts Thursday 27th January 2022 6-7.30pm

Course 2: Starts Friday 25th February 2022 3:30pm to 5pm

What is Art Therapy?

Art Therapy is form of therapy that uses art at its centre. Using art, a space is provided for you to explore your emotions in a safe and nurturing environment.

Book your place

If you would like to book a free place, have any questions about this group, or would like to know a little more about how Art Therapy works please get in touch with us via email: [email protected] or visit our website: www.scctaunton.co.uk or phone: 01823 337049