A UNIQUE project set up by a Bridgwater local is aiming to minimise isolation in the town and surrounding areas this winter.

Winter, and particularly the festive season, can be a lonely period for those living alone, or recently facing loss.

Meg Boucher launched the Solidarity & Compassion Van Project in April 2023, and already has plans in place to help bring people together during the colder months.

You may have seen Meg's van parked up in various communal areas across Bridgwater, including Victoria Park, Alfoxton Park, Bower Park, Hamp shops, and Blake Gardens.

The van welcomes in struggling locals - anyone who needs to talk about their mental health or ongoing issues is welcomed with open arms for a chat over a free hot drink.

The interior of the Solidarity & Compassion Van contains information to assist people find the relevant services and resources they need to get help.

Over the summer months, Meg and her van have appeared at several events, including music events at Blake Gardens, and the community picnic. 

However, as the temperatures drop for the winter, Meg recognises the prospect of meeting outside the van isn't as appealing.

Instead, the project will be providing 'Singing for Wellbeing sessions' in the Hub at Angel Place - completely free of charge for anyone in the local community.

The Solidarity & Compassion Van project has so far seen an "incredible" response from Bridgwater locals, with residents and small businesses chipping in to provide tea and biscuits, combined with help from Councillor Richard Morgan, who has reportedly spent many hours on fixing up the van for everyday use.

Meg Boucher, founder of the Solidarity & Compassion Van project, said: "Imagine a world where little acts of kindness demonstrate the interdependence between individuals in a society, allowing people to feel that they can enhance their own lives and the lives of others. 

"Imagine a world where we act with compassion by speaking with kindness, apologising when we've made a mistake, listening carefully and without judgment, encouraging other people, offering to help someone with a task and accepting people for who they are. 

"The Solidarity and Compassion Van aims to turn these wonderful imaginings into tiny realities with cups of tea, words of kindness and simple tasks."