In response to the concern around the Omicron variant we are continuing to offer services but must emphasise the need to wear masks, maintain distance and sanitise. You can find the latest government guidance here.

We are asking:

Everyone coming into the centre to take a lateral flow test before coming in.

Anyone displaying symptoms or with a questionable or positive lateral flow test should not attend face-to-face appointments and follow government guidelines.

Anyone who is unvaccinated and has been in contact with someone with Covid-19 must self-isolate as per government guidelines and take lateral flow tests on a daily basis for 7 days.

Otherwise, we are still here and as busy as always supporting young people who need our help.

We are delivering face-to-face learning and mental health support sessions in the centre and in school – just a bit more spread out. Our young parents’ groups are back to normal and we continue to be available by phone, email, Zoom and other online systems for those we can’t meet in person.

Sherborne Centre & Offices – Staff are continuing to work flexibly from home with Thursday being the prime ‘staff day’ in the centre for meetings etc. The main telephone system is operational again (01935 814496) – mobiles will still be used.

Mental health and wellbeing – This is taking place in school, in the Rendezvous centre in Sherborne and also by telephone or online where that is preferred.  The Discovery Project targeting young people with anxiety is running on Thursday afternoons by appointment. 

Learning – Learning sessions are taking place in the centre in Sherborne and in Yeovil.  We are mindful of the poor ventilation in our Sherborne building and so learning sessions will be spread throughout the day by appointment (Monday, Wednesday, Friday).  Sessions in Yeovil will continue to take place on Tuesday, in the Samaritans building, Morley House, please note the venue change.  

Young Parents – Groups are back to normal! The groups are running in Sherborne (Cheap Street Church Hall – Wednesdays 12.45 – 2.30) and Gillingham (Gillingham Youth Centre – Thursdays 10.00 – 12.00).  Home visits are now possible for those with health visitor referrals.  Telephone and online support is available where preferred. 

Advice and information – This can be provided on a one-to-one basis in person (by appointment) or by phone.

Outreach – Gillingham and Shaftesbury programmes continue to run on Thursdays with weekly sessions dropping over the winter. Sherborne outreach sessions will draw to a close in mid-September.

Bekah’s Kitchen – The Friday afternoon cooking session is run by Bekah and Josh as a targeted six-week project for those under 18 (or still in sixth form college). Participation is by invitation-only.

We will continue to monitor and review the situation and are looking forward to seeing everyone in person as soon as it is safe to do so.

Remember, you can contact the team by phone or email using the numbers and forms on the relevant service pages – go to our main young people page to see all of them.  

If your enquiry is about funding or management then please go to our main contact page.

Please note that the team are only available within normal working hours and may not be able to get back to you immediately.

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Emergencies and urgent support

We do not offer an out of hours service and in case of an emergency you should always call 999.  You can also contact these organisations for emotional support if you are feeling depressed:
Childline –  phone: 0800 1111
The Samaritans – phone: 116 123 for emotional support, 24 hours a day

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We wish you and your friends and family well in these extraordinary times and hope to see you all soon.