One in four – this is how many of us will experience a mental health problem at some point in our lives. Support services are improving and the stigma surrounding mental illness is gradually reducing, but there is still much work to be done. Mind in Taunton and West Somerset is an independent, local organisation, affiliated to Mind, the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. Our Objectives are to promote good mental health and emotional well-being; encourage greater understanding of mental health issues; provide high quality mental health services and support and enable genuine service user/survivor involvement and consultation in the development of services.We campaign for the right of people who experience mental ill-health to be treated with respect, to be given equal access to services and opportunities in the community and to have control over the care and treatment they receive. We work towards reducing the stigma associated with mental ill-health and reducing the resulting social exclusion of those with mental health difficulties.

We help over 2000 people every year by:Enabling people with severe and enduring mental health problems to build confidence and stay well by taking part in structured activities including arts and crafts, sports and conservation groups. Providing confidential out of hours telephone support for people in crisis and for their carers. Helping people in isolated communities to access the services they need. Providing opportunities for volunteering for service users and survivors wanting to learn new skills and take on new challenges. But we cannot do this without your help. Please support Mind in Taunton and West Somerset.