Our Buggy Walks take place at Stourhead - every 2nd and 4th Thursday, 9.30am meet, for a 10am walk around the gardens.
Please register at the Balsam Centre first.
We have several activities for young people - Youth Cafe, The Hive Youth Club, Teen Cooking, and Life Skills - and a Young Carer's Group.
Take a look at our Young People section for more information on the groups
If you are interested in joining any of the activities, call The Balsam Centre 01963 31842 for more details.
Wincanton Sports Centre
Every Friday morning, 9.30am - 11am.
Get a discounted swim (£3.75) with under 4's - just ask for a Balsam Swim.
Whether you're growing a bump, are a first time mum or a veteran parent, we are here to support your breastfeeding journey. We are in a new room that has a play area for toddlers and an outdoor play area too.
This small and friendly group offers:
- Breastfeeding support from trained peer supporters.
- Antenatal sessions
The Breastfeeding Cafe is a drop-in - you don't need to book. It's also a great place to meet other new and expectant mums. Sadly, we can't offer teas and coffees at the moment - so bring your own flask!
Every Monday, 10.30am - 12 noon (except bank holidays)
For more information, call 01963 31842 or join our Facebook group
These groups offer a space for parents and children to come together to play, socialise and explore. We provide a relaxed environment with a focus on messy and creative activities for you and your child to experience together. You may discover your own fun loving inner child while learning how important play is to your child’s development.
Term time only, with a donation each week. No need to book. Any questions please call The Balsam Centre, 01963 31842, and ask to speak with Suzi.
We can access the space outdoors too - so don't forget the suncream!
Parents/guardians are required to stay with their children and help them to have fun with the activities on offer. Parents and guardians are responsible for their children at all times.
Run by the Health Visitors based at the Balsam Centre, here you can talk to someone about developmental stages and the health of your baby in a friendly, relaxed and informal session.
These sessions will take place in The Balsam Centre but you will need to call to book an appointment - 0300 323 0119. Appointments run from 10am - 11.30am on Wednesdays.
The Hive is a fun, safe space where young people from years 7 - 10 can meet up with their friends and make new friends. Our programme includes a range of cooking, sports and arts activities as well as the space to just sit and relax.
Costs £1 per session.
Activities include, badminton, games nights, karaoke, table tennis, along with cooking - cookies, pancakes, tortilla pizzas, and a wide range of crafts - card making, Hama bead crafts, and jewellery making.
If you are interested in joining, contact Claire on 07916 681602 or email claire@balsamcentre.org.uk. Booking is essential.
Enabling young people to learn more about how to cook basic but healthy meals that are quick and on budget.
For more information and to book a place, contact Claire on 07916 681602.
Cooking, Budgeting, CV writing, ironing - and a whole host of essential skills to help you gain confidence when you have to fend for yourself!
Places in this group are limited so please book. Call Claire 07916 681602 for more information.
A social support group for all young carers!
If you are interested in taking part, contact Claire on 07916 681602 for more information
The Balsam Centre is an independent charity set up by local people for local people.
Whilst the work of the Centre is long term, funding for its projects and services is all too frequently short term.
It is largely thanks to help from a fund created by a legacy left by one person, that the Balsam Centre has been able to continue its mental health work over the last few years. The help that this has given hundreds of people is a permanent and living memorial to that person’s generosity.
If you are thinking of donating, have you considered becoming a Friend of the Balsam Centre? This is a commitment to regular giving of any amount, at any interval, by standing order, and even better, if you are a UK tax payer and you ‘tick’ to say so, we can claim another 25% on top of your donation to support the work of the Centre. Become a Friend here!
We have signed up to be a part of Give As You Live where you can raise money for us - just by shopping online in your normal way! All you have to do is click on the link, choose your charity - The Balsam Centre - and then create an account.
The site will ask for your name, email address and a password. You can choose your favourite shops, or just use their search bar to find the product you are looking for. When you buy in this way, the retailer will donate an amount to us, and you can see exactly what you have donated. This is a great way for people who would like to support us to do so whilst doing their normal online shopping! All the big retailers are there, Amazon, Ebay, supermarkets, and department stores. Happy Shopping! And thank you for supporting us!!
We have a Wonderful.org charity page where you can donate directly to The Balsam Centre, and Wonderful will collect the tax for us! Just click on the logo and you will be taken to the page for donations to Wincanton Community Venture, the official name for The Balsam Centre charity.
It is largely thanks to help from a fund created by a legacy left by one person, that the Balsam Centre has been able to continue its mental health work over the last few years. The help that this has given hundreds of people is a permanent and living memorial to that person’s generosity. A legacy to the Balsam Centre is also one of the simplest ways that you can help the practical work of the Centre.
This website was designed in-house by Netty. Photos by Oscar Yoosefinejad, Netty, Tina, Catherine and Nick.
