Somerset Perinatal and Maternal Mental Health Service

24/03/2026

Need to find women’s health support services and groups across Somerset? Head to our women’s health page for where to find help for common health issues: https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/womens-health/

23/03/2026

Attention all South Somerset and Yeovil families....

All welcome to attend this upcoming coffee morning held by St. Mary's University.

Whether it’s for coffee and cake, meet other parents, or to choose from the many items they have available for your little ones! Lots going on and a great service to have available locally!

21/03/2026

Sometimes we might feel that our emotions are becoming a bit too much to handle, and that can make it hard to get through the day.

If you’re looking for a bit of extra help, this new 10-week Managing Emotions Course might be just what you need. It’s an online space where you can learn practical skills to help you feel more in control. Because it’s run like a class rather than a therapy group, it’s a very relaxed way to learn.

The idea is for everyone to feel comfortable, so you can choose to keep your camera off and you don't have to speak if you don't want to.

The course is open to any adult living in Somerset. If you'd like to join or just want a bit more information, email: managingemotions@somersetFT.nhs.uk or check out: https://bit.ly/managing-emotions-course

The course is structured like a friendly, informal class rather than a therapy group. Our colleagues from the NHS lead the sessions and keep the atmosphere relaxed and approachable.

20/03/2026

☪Eid Mubarak to all our Islam families and colleagues

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is one of the most important Islamic celebrations. It begins with a communal prayer and is followed by visits to relatives, giving gifts, and sharing meals.

19/03/2026

19/03/2026

We remind patients of the importance of keeping routine vaccinations up to date, including the MenACWY vaccine which is given in year 9 or 10 at school, but patients are eligible up to the age of 25 years.

Some of cases in the recent specific outbreak have been identified as Meningitis B.

Meningitis B vaccine is offered to babies at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year of age since 2015. Current routine UK immunisations guidance does not advise giving Meningitis B vaccine after 2 years of age.

There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection. The MenACWY vaccination gives good protection against MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY and is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10. However, this vaccine does not protect against all forms of meningococcal infection.

Other strains such as MenB can circulate in young adults, which is why it’s important to know how to spot the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia as early detection and treatment can save lives.

Read about the different vaccines that can help prevent meningitis and when they're usually given.

19/03/2026

We understand that recent news reports about the meningitis outbreak in Kent may be concerning for parents and staff working with children and young people.

Advice from UK Health Security Agency is that there is no baseline increased risk outside of the specific outbreak in Kent at this time and currently there is no need for any additional actions beyond routine vaccinations.

Meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) is an uncommon but serious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. Very occasionally, the meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illness, (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can rapidly lead to sepsis.

The onset of illness is often sudden and early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital.

Early symptoms, which may not always be present, include:
· a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass
· sudden onset of high fever
· severe and worsening headache
· stiff neck
· vomiting and diarrhoea
· joint and muscle pain · dislike of bright lights
· very cold hands and feet
· seizures
· confusion/delirium
· extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking

Further information on meningococcal disease ·
www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/
Meningitis Now 0808 80 10 388
Meningitis Research Foundation -080 8800 3344

Read about meningitis, an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Find out about the symptoms, vaccines and treatments.

18/03/2026

A moment to be honest 💌 How are you feeling?

18/03/2026

Attention for all military families and colleagues....

Did you know.... NHS Somerset hold a number of Armed Forces Outreach Sessions around Somerset.

For many of you, these are not convenient due to work or other commitments. So in response to this feedback, they have arranged a number of 'pop-up' evening sessions starting in April.

If you're interested in what they do and would like to find out more, then please drop by and say hello. Please see venues/timings below.

17/03/2026

For any Clients living in the Mendip area.....

Many things affect our health and wellbeing such as:
• Feeling lonely or isolated
• Worries about money, housing or work
• Living with long-term health conditions • Coping with life’s challenges • Wanting to feel fitter, healthier and more resilient

Social prescribing can help with things that can’t be fixed by doctors or medicine alone. Health Connections is your GP practice social prescribing team for people living in the Mendip area of Somerset.

They’ll take time to listen and help you make a plan based on what matters to you.

• To find out more call 01373 468368
• Visit

Health Connections is your GP practice social prescribing and health coaching team. We can support you with your health and wellbeing. You can see a...

16/03/2026

Getting through a dark time can be lonely and difficult, and we often find it hard to speak to anyone about how we feel.

The website 'Reasons to Stay' is a space where real people share letters to encourage and support others. It’s moderated to make sure the site remains a safe, supportive place for everyone. You can read the letters or write one yourself for someone else at: www.reasonstostay.co.uk (we've attached the link below)

And please remember, if you’re going through a hard time, you don't need to carry the burden alone, Mindline Somerset is available 24/7 on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.

Reasons to Stay is a su***de prevention project reaching people at difficult moments through anonymous letters written by volunteers. Each letter on this site was written by a real person and delivered to you at random when you visited this page.

15/03/2026

Mother figures of any kind- today is all about celebrating you!

There are so many forms of being a mum and however that role plays out for you- keep up the good work, and even on the tough days celebrate the small wins! You're doing just fine!