Somewhere House Somerset is a compassionate, community-focused charity based in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset. Since its founding in 2011, the organisation has committed to delivering low-cost, one-to-one therapeutic counselling, educational workshops, and welcoming community events—without financial barriers. Qualified counsellors provide all services and are accessible through donations of any kind. Meaning anyone can receive support regardless of their ability to pay Somewhere House serves individuals, families, couples, children, and young people across Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge, Cheddar, Bridgwater and surrounding areas. Their workshops—covering mental health, addiction awareness, self-harm, relationships, and more—are delivered in local schools, colleges, and community venues. The charity also hosts regular Coffee & Chat gatherings, offering informal peer connection and outreach beyond clinical environments. Drumming circle bringing the community together, and our suicide prevention campaign issuing 46000 cards with help info. Over the years, Somewhere House Somerset has supported thousands of local people—by 2022, they had provided over 83,000 hours of support, and in the last year alone delivered nearly 10,000 face-to-face counselling sessions and workshops. The charity is overseen by volunteers and trustees, devoting 100% of donations to supporting those in need. In recognition of its impact, Somewhere House was awarded the 2023 Prince of Wales Award, reflecting its vital role as a volunteer-run lifeline in the community, and the founder had the honour of receiving a BEM from the King for work in the community.
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The Story of Somewhere House Somerset
In 2011, a small group of dedicated people in Burnham-on-Sea came together with a simple but powerful belief: no one should be denied counselling and support because they cannot afford it. Out of that belief, Somewhere House Somerset was born.
From the very beginning, the charity has focused on making professional counselling accessible to everyone, regardless of background, circumstance, or ability to pay. Using a donation-based model, the team of qualified counsellors began offering one-to-one therapy sessions to local people. Word spread quickly, and it became clear just how many in the community needed a safe, confidential place to talk and heal.
As the service grew, Somewhere House Somerset didn’t stop at counselling. The team reached into schools, colleges, and community spaces, running educational workshops on addiction, mental health, self-harm, relationships, and resilience. Alongside this, they created Coffee & Chat sessions—informal gatherings where people could connect, reduce isolation, and feel part of something bigger than themselves. Drumming circle once a month for those wishing to express themselves differently.
Over the years, the charity has positively impacted the lives of thousands. By 2022, it had delivered more than 100 hours per week of direct support, and today it continues to provide over 10,000 connections each year. For some, it has been a lifeline during a crisis. For others, it has been the first step toward building a healthier, more hopeful future.
The heart of Somewhere House, Somerset, lies in its people. The organisation is entirely volunteer-driven, with counsellors offering their time at a reduced rate, trustees and supporters donating their time, skills, and care to ensure that 100% of donations go directly to the work. This dedication has not gone unnoticed: in 2023, the charity was honoured with the Prince of Wales Award, recognising its outstanding contribution to community life. The founder has also received a BEM from the King in the 2025 New Year's honours list for work done in mental health in the community.
Today, Somewhere House Somerset stands as a testament to what compassion, community, and commitment can achieve. It is more than a counselling service—it is a place of understanding, acceptance, and hope, proving every day that when barriers are removed, people can rebuild their lives.
