Shepton wellness sessions mix menopause, birdboxes, and sound baths

By Laura Linham 29th Jun 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 1 hour ago

Shepton's summer wellness programme is bringing together practical skills, outdoor movement and time to unwind, with free sessions running across July and August. From birdbox building at the Men's Shed to menopause workshops, Pilates, Tai Chi and sound baths in the park.

Funded by Shepton Mallet Town Council, the programme is aimed at helping residents get moving, meet new people and take time for their wellbeing. Sessions will run at venues across the town, with some offering gentle exercise and relaxation, and others focused on conversation, confidence and community.

The bird house and feeder sessions will take place at Shepton Mallet Men's Shed, Unit 8, Charlton Estate, on Mondays from 6 pm to 7 pm. Dates are listed as 6, 13, 20 and 27 July, followed by 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 August.

The Men's Shed workshops are open to people aged 16 and over, with a maximum of six places available, so booking is needed in advance. Organisers say the sessions are about more than making something for the garden, with the focus also on getting out, sharing skills and building friendships.

They said: "These sessions are about so much more than making something with your hands — they're about getting out, connecting with others, and building friendships in a supportive, friendly space."

Menopause workshops will also run at the Art Bank on 21 and 28 July, and 4 August, at 10.30 am. The sessions are designed to be relaxed and supportive, giving people space to learn more about menopause, share experiences and talk about wellbeing without having to pretend everything is fine.

Organisers say the workshops are for anyone approaching menopause, currently experiencing it, or wanting to understand more. The aim is to help people feel informed, heard and supported, rather than left to navigate it alone.

Pilates in the Park with Kim will run on Tuesdays from 6 pm to 7 pm, with sessions on 7, 14, 21 and 28 July, and 4 and 11 August. The mat-based classes are described as gentle and low-impact, with a focus on core strength, flexibility, posture and everyday movement.

Tai Chi in the Park with Ruth will take place on Wednesdays from 6 pm to 7 pm at Collett Park. Sessions are listed for 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 July, and 5, 12, 19 and 26 August, with no booking or registration required.

Sound Bath in the Park with Kelly will take place on 2 and 23 July, and 6 August, from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm. The sessions will use Crystal and Tibetan singing bowls and a gong, beginning with a short guided meditation and gentle exercises.

Most of the sound bath session will take place on the floor and outside. Participants are asked to bring something comfortable to lie on, along with blankets, cushions and water, with slippers and pyjamas encouraged by organisers, which may be the strongest wellness instruction of the whole programme.

The wider programme runs from Wednesday, 1 July, to Monday, 31 August. People attending outdoor sessions are asked to bring a mat and water bottle where needed.