Welcome to the South and West Somerset Branch

The branch is run entirely by volunteers and aims to provide the best possible support to local people with MND, their families, and carers.

group of people walking

About us

Welcome to the South and West Somerset Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND).

Run by experienced volunteers we are here for people suspected of or living with MND and for anybody affected by MND in South and West Somerset.

We do the following:

  • We raise funds and provide funding, primarily through our grants programme
  • We provide information and updates, face to face, emails, and our contact lists.
  • We provide information about care and support options in the local area, this includes linking to our network of Support Volunteers and to professionals
  • We provide support for people living with or affected by MND, primarily through our monthly support meetings and through our local Association Visitors

News

Poster for film called Finding your Feet. The poster shows the three key characters played by Timothy Spall Imelda Staunton and Celia Imrie

On Monday 19th January 2026 we will be running our annual charity film screening at the Ritz Cinema in Burnham on Sea (postcode TA8 1AN). This years film is a 2017 British romantic comedy film 'Finding Your Feet' directed by Richard Loncraine. It features an all star cast including Imdelda Staunton, Timothy Spall and Celia Imrie.

Doors open at 1.30pm for a 2pm screening with tickets costing £5. To purchase tickets you can do so at the Ritz Cinema or by calling Jenny on 01278 325 759 (cash only).

Refreshments available to purchase on the day at the Ritz (card only) 

 

Branch treasurer Patrick dressed in blue accepting a cheque from the Harris boys

 

Tuesday 18th February was a very proud afternoon for the Harris Boys following last year's Cricket Ground fundraising challenge (see below). The boys presented a cheque to Patrick Bagg, Treasurer of the South and West Somerset Branch for £3,755.38. A wonderful effort, we are so grateful. 

Daphne and Val smiling after receiving flowers and a certificate of appreciation

 

At our May meeting two volunteers, Daphne Hallett and Val Lowman (pictured), were presented with a certificate of appreciation and flowers in recognition of the support they have provided for over 18 years. They both help in may ways including supporting the Committee at events and providing a crucial role at support meetings by providing wonderful refreshments and enabling the committee to welcome members and spend time with them.

Events

Open meetings

Branch Open Meetings take place on the fourth Thursday of the month from 2.00-4.00pm at West Monkton Village Hall (Monkton Heathfield, TA2 8NE). Anyone living with or affected by MND are welcome to drop in. Dates for 2026 are as follows: 

January 22nd
February 26th
March 26th
April 23th
May 21st
June 25th
July 23rd
August 27th
September 24th
October 22nd
November 26th
December - No meeting

Volunteering opportunities

Have you ever considered volunteering with us? We would love to hear from anyone who is interested in volunteering with us, we can be flexible and explore roles to suit your skills and experience. Some examples of how you can volunteering with us include: 

  • Supporting people living with or affected by MND
  • Fundraising
  • Getting involved in local or national campaigns

For an informal chat re. volunteering with us please contact Andy Graham (Community Support Co-ordinator) on 01604 800 631 or andy.graham@mndassociation.org 

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