A DROP-IN venue in Nailsea is offering mental health support with different activities from its town centre base.

No.65 High Street, Nailsea, is an informal drop-in venue provided and run by the town council, for anyone wanting advice, support, and friendship.

It is an important base for a wide variety of local groups and services.

‘We are Aware’ is one of the fantastic organisations that uses No 65 to offer mental health help to the community.

‘We are Aware’ is a Not-for-Profit CIC (Community Interest Company) based in North Somerset, raising awareness for mental health, wellbeing, and suicide prevention through events, innovations, and building partnerships.

The small team of passionate individuals has a range of skills and lived experience in the area of mental health.

Alan of 'We are Aware'Alan of 'We are Aware' (Image: Nailsea Town Council)

Alan McCready, director of ‘We are Aware’ said: “I am an Independent advocate and part-time hypnotherapist, I've also worked in health and social care for 16 years, with 11 years in mental health.

“We are passionate about ‘We are Aware’ and what we do and I would like to encourage anyone who feels they need mental help and support to reach out to us.

“We have many activities and support groups across North Somerset, so there will be something for you.

Please use the contact form on our website https://www.weareaware.info/contact or contact admin@weareaware.info if you would like to join the group at No 65.”

The group holds a mental health peer support and discussion group at No 65 once a month on a Wednesday evening from 6.30-8.00pm.

The next meeting is on 10 July 2024. The support group is called THINKING OUT LOUD and is ‘We are Aware’ professionally facilitated peer discussion and support group.

Peer support provides shared support; a sense of purpose; structure and direction; personal insight and development.

It is a great opportunity to access mental health support.

Contact admin@weareaware.info if you would like to join the group. New members are very welcome.

Trudy HollowTrudy Hollow (Image: Nailsea Town Council)

Trudy Hollow, manager at No 65, said: “We are very proud at No 65 to offer an informal drop-in venue run by Nailsea Town Council for anyone wanting advice and support.

“Our fantastic facilities are widely used by a variety of local groups and services with a focus on community wellbeing.

"We are really lucky to have ‘We are Aware’ sessions at No 65.

“I would actively encourage anyone who feels they need additional mental health support to come along to the group.”

‘We Are Aware’ is funded by the Quartet Community Foundation, Allen Lane Foundation, and the Co-op Community Fund.

The list of current services is shown on the website https://www.nailseatown.com/65-high-street/