Resources
Lets get talking about substance use
The summer break marks the end of the academic year in the UK and gives children and young people a substantial respite before the new academic year. Unfortunately for some, the summer break also provides an opportunity to experiment with alcohol and drugs.
Somerset Council, Public Health have developed this information pack providing guidance and support for parents,
carers and families to start talking about substance use; helping children and young people understand the risks and support them to make safe and healthy choices.
Talking with children & young people about substance use.pdf
NEW Drugs and Alcohol Toolkit - COMING SOON to www.cypsomersethealth.org
Fancy trying some new moves with the children? 
Why not have a go at some of Joe Wicks' new 5-minute activity videos.
'Activate' combines animation with upbeat music, with a new video launched each week over the summer holidays.
The free videos can be accessed on The Body Coach YouTube channel
Lifehacks resources
Written by young people for young people and offer tips and ideas for looking after your own mental health and supporting a friend.
Mental health and wellbeing helpsheet for Parent's, Carers, families and Young People
This help sheet offers a quick guide to self help resources, apps and service support available during the summer holidays - 2025 Mental Health Young People.pdf
Anna Freud - Mentally Healthy Schools
Summer can be a welcome chance to rest and reset. For many, it’s an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with ourselves and the things we enjoy. But the holidays don’t feel relaxing for everyone.
Some education staff may find it hard to fully switch off, with September already on their minds. For young people, the change in routine, time away from friends and uncertainty about what’s next can be unsettling.
That’s why looking after our mental health over the summer matters. The break offers space to pause and recharge, but also to build habits that support wellbeing in the long term.
This toolkit contains activities, teaching materials and guidance to help support and boost mental wellbeing over the summer and beyond.
It is divided into resources to use with pupils and staff.
Support
Somerset School Nursing Service
School nurses can help to develop positive behaviours and understanding around a wide range of topics.
For more information on how school nursing can help you and how to access this service visit - Somerset children & young people : Health & Wellbeing : Phn School Nursing
Young Somerset
Wellbeing is about how we feel and how we cope with everyday difficulties. We do not have to feel happy all of the time to have positive wellbeing.
However, if you are finding it difficult to cope with everyday life, this is where it might be helpful to work with one of our wellbeing practitioners. Find out more here - What is Wellbeing Support? | Young Somerset
Connect Somerset - #Help4all
These partners are working together so Somerset families and residents get the help they need and get it early. We’ve listed some of the services and support that may be useful for you to know about.
If you’re a parent or caregiver you might be interested in the Parent and Carer Toolkit which includes service support for managing family relationship conflict helping to negotiate different view-points, family activities and wellbeing information and more!
Mental health help & advice for people in Somerset
Stay Well 2025 is a kit of resources to support your mental health throughout 2025.
It offers practical advice, resources, and tips from members of the OMH alliance.
Support for Parents and Carers - Stay Well in 2025 - Open Mental Health
Activities
Happy Healthy Holidays
Places are now available for children across Somerset aged 5 to 16-years-old who are eligible for benefit-related free school meals. This year’s summer programme is jam-packed with fun activities including sports, crafts, music, theatre, games and more.
To book a summer activity, parents need to have received a unique booking code from their child’s school or referrer. Parents will not be able to make a booking without this code. You will also need to set up a Playwaze account if you haven’t booked an activity before.
Please contact SASP’s helpline on 01823 653992 (open Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm) or email
for any support.
SEND Somerset’s Local Offer – Activities for Families and young people.
Things to do, try out new activities, have fun and access your local community - Activities for families and young people
