Training, Employment and Volunteering

• www.lantra.co.uk - Land based training for women in Somerset
• www.learndirect.co.uk
• www.lifelonglearning.co.uk
• www.studentfinancedirect.co.uk
• A4e (Action for Employment) 01823 339494
• Learning and Work Advisor for Lone Parents - 0800 389 4213
• Learning to Feel Better - 0789 996 1554
• SIGN (Somerset Information and Guidance Network) & Careerfinder Adult Information line - 01823 320320
• SkillsQuest Community Interest Company - Skills Quest provides a supported bridge into learning for members of the Somerset population aged 20+ and can help with impartial career advice, CV writing, self employment advice and IT courses - Ring 0845 45 22458 and ask for Paula or Eddie www.skillsquest.org.uk
• Somerset Adult Learning and Leisure www.somerset.gov.uk/somerset/learning/adult/
• Somerset Youth Volunteering Network - 01458 836130
• Taunton Deane Council for Voluntary Service - 01823 284470
• The Learning & Skills Council - www.lsc.gov.uk
• ViSTA - specialises in providing education and training (for staff and volunteers of voluntary and community sector organisations and community learners) www.vistaproject.org.uk
• ENGAGE CVS - 01643 707484 - the Council for Voluntary Service for West Somerset
• Yeovil and District Council for Voluntary Service - 01935 475914

Enterprise Links

• PROWESS - the UK association of organisations and individuals who support the growth of women's business ownership
• Women Returners
• Accelerating Women's Enterprise Development Partnership brings together a number of leading agencies operating at the cutting edge of women's enterprise development, spanning the English regions.AWE
• Business Link is here to support Small and Medium Enterprises in Somerset and has a range of services available free of charge to assist local businesses. For more information about what business link can do to support your business please see the website www.businesslinksw.co.uk or call 0845 600 9006
• Everywoman - This online resource offers information, advice and support to women who are starting-up or growing their own business Everywoman
• Hidden Somerset, a not for profit website, focused on promoting the smaller, rural hidden attractions, tourism businesses and communities in Somerset. Contact the Rural Development Worker, at hiddensomerset@somersetrcc.org.uk or . www.hiddensomerset.com
• i-Village - National women's website with information on a variety of topics. www.ivillage.co.uk
• Mendip Business Women’s Forum www.mendipbusinesswomen.co.uk
• The Rural Enterprise Gateway (REG) is a project funded through the SW regional development agency and is designed to support those in the rural and land based sector. There is an information officer and a small amount of funding to help groups of businesses who wish to work together. 01823 287638 www.regsw.org.uk
• The website for the British Association of Women Entrepreneurs BAWE
• WiRE (Women in Rural Enterprise), based at Harper Adams College in Shropshire. www.wireuk.org
• WISE - Women: Investing in Skills for Entrepreneurship Wise4womenk
• Women Into the Network (WIN) is a networking initiative based at Durham Business School, which facilitates the development of women's businesses. www.networkingwomen.co.uk

Farming And Environment

• Defra Animal Health - or call 01823 337922
• EliteFarmer.com - Canadian website that aims to disseminate information of use to people with small farms or rural property. Topics include aquaculture, beekeeping, livestock, orchard and forage crops, and pest control. Most documents are in pdf format.
• www.farmcrisisnetwork.org.uk
• Farm Crisis Network - Helping farming people through difficult times. Call between 7am and 11pm every day - Tel: 0845 367 9990 or contact Suzie Wilkinson, County Co-ordinator on 01934 712128
• Farm to farm sales and farm produce - www.gofarmer.com
• First Pasture Bookstore specializing in farming, smallholding and equestrian titles. First Pasture Bookstore
• Marketplace to aid those from agriculture field in buying and selling vegetables, flowers, fruits, gardens, landscape, seeds, crops and a wide range of services. All services are free. www.agriseek.com
• Somerset Market Towns Forum - Shares good regeneration practice with case studies and shared resources, news & events from our member towns, updates on major projects, funding news – and a ‘conversation’ where you can ask the members a question. www.somersetmarkettowns.co.uk or email info@somersetmarkettowns.co.uk
• Women’s Environmental Network www.wen.org.uk

Country Life and Green Issues Forums

• Alternative Country Lifestyles
• Downsizer
• Energy Efficiency Advice 0800 512 012
• Its not easy being green
• Over the gate
• River Cottage

Rural Communities

• About my Area website - by the community, for the community www.aboutmyarea.co.uk
• Community Council for Somerset - Help and support for rural communities, funding advice, village hall directory. www.somersetrcc.org.uk
• Information about Women's groups in the Wiveliscombe area www.wiveliscombe.com
• Quantock online - a website for residents, businesses and visitors www.quantockonline.co.uk
• Rural Stress Information Network Tel: 024 7641 2916
• Ruralnet uk is a rural regeneration charity which promotes a living and working countryside and finds new ways to help rural communities improve and strengthen their local economies. www.ruralnet.org.uk
• Somerset Workspace - A grants programme that helps bring redundant buildings back into productive use. Telephone Christine Langford on 01458 257419 [L] or email clangford@somerset.gov.uk

Rural Support

• ARC Addington Fund - 02476 690587
• Community Council for Somerset - 01823 331222
• Farm Crisis Network - Somerset Co-ordinator - 01934 712128 - National Helpline (7am to 10pm daily) - 0845 367 9990
• National Farmers' Union - 01392 440700
• Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution - 01647 252900
• Rural Affairs Advisor, Diocese of Bath and Wells - 01749 841688
• Rural Stress Information Network (national helpline) - 024 7641 2916
• RuSource Briefings - This is a free rural information service for anyone working in the countryside or with rural people, and those supporting rural life. To subscribe to the RuSource service, email alan.spedding@btopenworld.com
• Somerset Agricultural Advisory Service - 01984 635345
• Somerset Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs - 01278 691711
• Somerset Rural Youth Project - 01643 709653
• Women in Rural Enterprise - 01672 871800 (national number - 01952 815338)
• Women's Food and Farming Union - 02476 693171
• Women's Institute in Somerset - 01823 284261

Help and Support

• A4e deliver, on behalf of Somerset County Council, a free, independent and impartial advisory and support service across Somerset including help with Direct Payments, Social Care & Independent Living Fund, Disability Advocacy Service and Short Break Service (Respite Care) - 01823 339 494 or email tauntonenquiries@a4e.co.uk
• Age Concern - www.ageconcernsomerset.org.uk General number 0800 009966, Taunton 01823 423497, Shepton Mallet 01749 344012, Yeovil 01935 411077, Weston-Super-Mare 01934 24360
• Bristol Crisis Service for Women - Support and information for women in emotional distress, especially those who self-injure. 0117 025 1119
• British Pregnancy Advice Service - 0845730 40 30
• Carefirst - 0800 174319 Free counselling service for Carers, 24 hours 7 days /week service, please mention Somerset County Council when calling to activate free service.
• Carers UK 020 7490 8818 Carersline Freephone 0808 808 7777 (free advice line 10am -12noon & 2pm -4pm Wednesday & Thursday)
• Citizens Advice Bureau - Taunton branch 01823 282235 www.adviceguide.org.uk
• Community Legal Service Direct - A free government funded confidential advice service - 0845 345 4345
• Compass Disability Services - www.compassdisability.org.uk 0844 9842828
• Domestic Abuse FreeFone Service - 0800 69 49 999
• Equality South West - dedicated to promoting equality and diversity throughout the region. Working with partners to tackle discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, faith, gender, race and sexual orientation. www.equalitysouthwest.org.uk
• Independent Age (A charity supporting older people at home) - 020 7605 4200 Depending on savings, you may be entitled to a small income for life, help towards equipment & many other benefits.
• Maternity Alliance - Helpline for pregnant women and new parents - 020 7588 5882
• Mindline Somerset - Telephone Helpline for anyone in crisis - Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 8pm until midnight - 01823 276892
• Parent Partnership - Somerset service for all parents of children with special / educational needs - 01823 335285
• Pensioners' Forums: Taunton & Wellington 01823 276866, Bridgwater 01278 415659, West Somerset 01984 640571
• Positively Women (peer support for women with HIV and their children) - 020 77131020
• Remap - A National Charity providing one-off technical equipment solutions for disabled people. www.remap.org.uk Local contacts: George Earl 01823 331467, David Brown 01823 275661
• Rethink - National Charity helping people affected by severe mental illness www.rethink.org 0845 456 0455
• Samaritans (24 hours a day) 08457 909090
• Shelter - Somerset housing aid centre - 0800 169 0317
• Signposts - for information about health and social care services in your area - 0800 317220
• Somerset Access and Inclusion Network - SAIN is an organisation of disabled people working through consultation, representation, research and service provision to improve access to all services and facilities in Somerset www.sain.org.uk
• Somerset Association for the Blind www.somersetblind.org.uk 01823 333818
• Somerset Carers' Project - 01749 812841 www.somersetcarers.org.uk Website with help and information for carers of people with mental health problems in Somerset.
• Somerset County Council Equal Opportunities www.somerset.gov.uk/somerset/resources/equalopportunities/
• Somerset Direct (was CareDirect) 01458 253241 or after office hours the emergency numbers are: Adults/Older people - 0845 3459133, Children/Young people - 0845 3459122 - Offers a one-stop-shop to Carers in Somerset, from blue disabled badges to home safety checks by the Crime Prevention Team. Somerset direct can refer you to the Fire Service for free fire safety checks & to the Bobby Van for home security issues. Also ‘help in crisis’ is activated by Somerset direct.
• Somerset Impact - Support to parents of children with disabilities/special needs - www.somersetimpact.org.uk 01823 251540
• SSAFFA - Soldiers, Sailors & Air Force Families Association - A National Charity helping serving & ex-serving members & their dependants - 01935 841331
• Stroke Clubs - Find your local club - 01392 447364, Find family support 01984 639272
• Taunton Women's Refuge is a safe haven for women with or without children who have suffered domestic violence by someone with whom they have had an intimate relationship, 01823 279991, office@tauntonwomensrefuge.org.uk www.tauntonwomensrefuge.org.uk
• The Warm Front team - access the Warm Front Grant of up to £2700.00 Eligibility conditions apply. For further details and an information pack, email Karen Farnworth, SW Projects Manager on or telephone 07960 042818
• Women's Aid - working towards ending domestic violence against women & children (24 hour helpline) - 08457 023568
• YMCA Bridgwater website www.bridgwaterymca.org.uk
• YWCA Web Site: www.ywca-gb.org.uk

Health

• NHS Guidance on Womens Mental Health
• Action for ME 0845-1232380 www.afme.org.uk
• An safe, environmentally friendly, money saving product replacing towels and tampons www.menses.co.uk
• Asthma UK 0845-7010203 www.asthma.org.uk
• Breakthrough Breast Cancer 0808-0100200 www.breakthrough.org.uk
• Breast Cancer Care www.breastcancercare.org.uk
• British Dental Association 08703331188
• MIND - The leading mental health charity in England and Wales - Taunton and W Somerset: www.mindtws.org.uk 01823 334906
• MIND - The leading mental health charity in England and Wales - South Somerset www.southsomersetmind.co.uk 01935 474875
• MIND - The leading mental health charity in England and Wales - Sedgemoor 01278 446935
• Musgrove Hospital www.tsft.nhs.uk
• NHS Direct www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk 0845 4647 24 hours/day 7 days/week service to answer questions on health issues If you are not sure whether you need an ambulance, a Doctor or just some advice NHS Direct will help you decide.
• NHS services for mental health, older people, learning disabilities services www.somerset.nhs.uk/sompar/index.html
• Patient liaison service for concerns/problems about health services(PALS) www.somerset.nhs.uk/pals pals@somerset.nhs.uk East Somerset 01935 478491, Mendip PCT 01749 836704, Somerset Coast PCT 01278 432013, Somerset Partnership NHS & Social Care Trust 01278 720222, South Somerset 0800 0851067, Taunton Deane 01823 344416, Taunton & Somerset NHS Trust (Musgrove) 01823 343536
• Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association www.swedauk.org
• Somerset Gay Health - 01823 327076
• Somerset NHS www.somersetpct.nhs.uk
• Somerset Partnership NHS and Social Care Trust - 01278 720200
• South West NHS www.southwest.nhs.uk
• The Penny Brohn Cancer Care National Helpline - This helpline operates between 9.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday, offering a listening ear to those with cancer, their supporters, friends and relations - 0845 123 23 10 email: helpline@pennybrohn.org
• Yeovil Hospital www.yeovilhospital.nhs.uk

Women's Rights

• Fawcett Society - info on pay, pensions, poverty, justice for women www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/
• Soroptimist International is a worldwide organisation for women in management and the professions, working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women. www.soroptimist-gbi.org
• Womankind - international women’s rights organisation website includes links to other websites on women’s rights www.womankind.org.uk

Social and Leisure

• Volunteering while on benefits www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/volunteering
• Women’s Institute www.womens-institute.co.uk

Newspapers in Somerset

• Bath Chronicle (covers Frome area)- news@bathchron.co.uk
• Bridgwater Mercury newsdesk@bridgwatermercury.co.uk
• Bridgwater Times and Burnham & Highbridge Times editor@clevedon.co.uk
• Mid Somerset Series including Central Somerset, Shepton Mallet Journal, Wells Journal, Cheddar Valley Gazette - All to: cheddarvalley@midsomnews.co.uk
• Somerset County Gazette series newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk
• Somerset Standard t.rowe@bepp.co.uk
• Wellington Weekly wwnedit@internet-today.co.uk
• West Somerset Free Press freepress@internet-today.co.uk
• Western Daily Press wdnews@bepp.co.uk

Lost or Stolen Credit or Debit Cards

• Abbey 0845-9724724 www.abbey.com
• American Express 0870-6001030 www.americanexpress.com
• Barclays 01604-230230 www.barclaycard.co.uk
• Diners Club international 0800 460800 www.dinersclub.co.uk
• HSBC 0845 6007010 www.hsbc.co.uk
• Lloyds TSB 0800-0969779 www.lloydstsb.com
• NatWest 0870-6000459 www.natwest.com
• Royal Bank of Scotland 01268-298929 www.rbs.co.uk

Transport

Slinky bus - A door to door pre-booked demand responsive service available for those who cannot access public transport. Phone lines open from 8am - 6 pm 0845 345 9155

Rail Network
• www.eurostar.com Rail Network 0870-5186186
• www.nationalrail.co.uk 0870-5186186

Car Ferry Information
• Brittany Ferries 0870366 -53333 www.brittanyferries.co.uk
• DFDS Seaways 0870-5333000 www.dfds.co.uk
• Hoverspeed (ceased Dover-Calais) 0870-2408070
• P&O Ferries 0870-5202020 www.poferries.com
• Stena Line 0870 5707070 www.stenaline.co.uk

Coach Services
• National Express Reservations 0870-5808080
• Scottish Citylink Reservations 0870-5505050 www.citylink.co.uk

Motoring Services
• AA 24-hour breakdown service (members) 0800-887766 www.theaa.com
• Direct Line 24-hour recovery service (members) 0800-590590 www.directline.com
• GreenFlag (members) 0800-0510636
• RAC 24-hour rescue service (members) 0800-828282 www.rac.co.uk

Car Hire
• Avis 0870-0100287 www.avis.co.uk
• Budget 0870-1565656 www.budget.co.uk
• Hertz 0870-5996699 www.hertz.co.uk
• National Car 08704004581 www.nationalcar.co.uk
• World Car Rental 08709000533 www.world-car-rental.net

Airlines
• Aer Lingus 0870-8765000 www.aerlingus.com
• Air Canada 0871-2201111 www.aircanada.com
• Air France 0870-1424343 www.airfrance.co.uk
• Alitalia 08750-5448259 www.alitalia.co.uk
• AmericanAirlines 0845 7789789 www.aa.com
• BMI 0870-6070555 www.flybmi.com
• British Airways 08708509850 www.britishairways.com
• Continental Airlines 0845-6076760 www.continental.com
• Cathay Pacific Airways (020) 8834 8888 www.cathaypacific.com
• Easyjet 0905-8210905 www.easyjet.com
• El Al Israel Airlines (020) 7957 4100 www.elal.co.uk
• Iberia 0870-6090500 www.iberiaairlines.co.uk
• KLM 08705074074 www.klm.com
• Lufthansa 0870-8377747 www.lufthansa.com
• Qantas (020) 8600 4307 www.qantas.com.au
• Ryanair 0871-2460000 www.ryanair.com
• Scandanavian Airlines 0870-6072772 www.scandavian.net
• Singapore Airlines 0844-8002380 www.singaporeair.com
• South African Airways 0870-7471111www.flysaa.com
• Virgin Atlantic Airways 0870-5747747 www.virgin-atlantic.com

Tourism

• For female friendly places to stay check out the new website launched by Claire Quinton - www.female-friendly.com
• "Just be you" – Weekend breaks for single women
www.justbeyou.org.uk
• Northern Ireland Tourist Board 028-90231221 www.discovernorthernireland.com
• Visit Britain(020)8846 9000 www.visitbritain.com
• Visit Scotland0845-2255121 www.visitscotland.com
• Visit Wales Centre 0870-83003061 www.visitwales.com
• Web directory of hotels that welcome women travellers www.safetravel4women.com
• The Hidden Somerset Web Site Seeks to promote the small tourism unit in Somerset.www.hiddensomerset.com or email hiddensomerset@somersetrcc.org.uk

Hotel Reservations
• Expotel hotel reservations 0870-2424241 www.expotel.com
• Infotel 0870-7522235 www.infotel.com
• Last Minute 0871-2225969 www.lastminute.com

Other Useful Contacts

• Community Computers is an organisation which recycles computers and makes them available, for a donation, to anyone on benefits of any kind www.cvscommunitycomputers.co.uk
• Community Handyman Services - Taunton Deane & South Somerset 01823 356326, 01823 356443, Sedgemoor Home Improvements 01278 442405, Mendip Care & Repair 01749 345379
• Devon Fire & Rescue Service offer a FREE Home Fire Safety Visit. Freephone: 0800 73 11 822 or Text Info Line: 078 00 00 2476 www.devfire.gov.uk
• Enquiry Centre - Answers To Anything - Including access to funding queries enquiry@somerset.gov.uk or phone 01823 336370
• Forum for Equality and Diversity in Somerset www.feds.org.uk
• Somerset County Council www.somerset.gov.uk
• Somerset Gateway - A Community Information Partnership www.somerset.gov.uk/somersetgateway
• Somerset Statistics presents a selection of the information held by the Research and Consultation Team in Somerset County Council. www.somerset.gov.uk/statistics
• The Hidden Somerset Web Site Seeks to promote the small tourism unit in Somerset.www.hiddensomerset.com or email hiddensomerset@somersetrcc.org.uk
• The internet & me - A publication produced by Connecting Rural Somerset which offers advice to those who might have some apprehensions about going on-line. mdballard@somerset.gov.uk
• The Taunton Freecycle™ group is open to all who want to "recycle" that special something rather than throw it away www.freecycle.org