All volunteers deserve appreciation. They give their time and effort by getting involved in our work. To all our volunteers, we just can't say it enough, thank you for everything you do - you are amazing. 💜🤗 #VolunteersWeek

Our condition specific support groups are here for you. We have groups for COPD, Bronchiectasis and Long Covid. When asked if our support group attendees have learned something new about their condition, in the COPD and bronchiectasis group 100% said yes, and in our long covid group 95% agreed!

Volunteering changes lives, for communities and volunteers alike. It's #PowerOfYouthDay, a celebration of the #IWill movement and power of #YoungPeople changing their communities. Thank you young people supporting our research through micro-volunteering and making your voices count. #VolunteersWeek

Today is the start of #VolunteersWeek Week. We want to say thank you to all our brilliant volunteers ❤ who've supported us engaging the public, promoting our research, and raising awareness of important causes. We simply couldn't do our work without you.🤗

As May ends it's the start of meteorological summer and our next newsletter. Here are a few of the great articles inside: • April 2026 in numbers • Our priorities for 2026/27 • How the Without Borders Café brings people together Get your PDF copy through this link: bit.ly/4xcShTh

The @ukhsa.bsky.social UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced an amber heat health alert for the South West. Information and advice about how to #BeatTheHeat go to: bit.ly/4nOFPVb Alternative formats including different languages, #EasyRead, and #BSL videos go to: www.gov.uk/government/p...

Macmillan Cancer Support and the Royal College of Pharmacy are inviting patients and healthcare professionals to complete a short survey about experiences of managing medicines during cancer care. Surveys close: 5pm on 27th May 2026 Survey links in comments below.

The May Half Term will soon be here and The Community Inclusion and Activity Team's calendar is out now! There are loads of inclusive activities but most require booking so don't miss out book now. For further information and to download the calendar go to: www.somerset.gov.uk/children-fam...

Come and talk to us this week at the following drop in events: Bridgwater Library: Tuesday 12 May, 11.00am - 1.00pm. Mental Health Awareness Cafe: Wednesday 13 May, 10:00am to 13:00pm. St Andrew's Church, Burnham-on-Sea Frome Library: Friday 15 May, 11.00am - 1.00pm.

As #DeafAwarenessWeek draws to a close we are highlighting a great new online space for deaf #YoungPeople. The Deaf Wave website is part of the offer for #ChildrenAndYoungPeople from @signhealth.bsky.social and we praise their commitment to their young community - what a fantastic resource. 💜

Ever waited way too long for test results or felt like NHS staff weren’t hearing you? Read our new blog on what people want most from NHS communication: https://bit.ly/48LgVQf

To celebrate #DeafAwarenessWeek we are remembering our British Sign Language training for Frontline Workers that we completed a few years ago. Thank you Deafinate Matters CIC for delivering our training. Please note that SignLive are now known as Convo UK.

Important information about a shortage of Ramipril 1.25mg capsules, a medicine used to treat high blood pressure and other heart and kidney conditions. For more details including an #EasyRead version read our website page. www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/post/shortag...

On International Day of the Midwife we say thank you to all #Midwives for their amzing work and dedication. Happy #IDM2026 🤗

We can’t believe it’s the end of April, our latest newsletter is out now. Here are a few of the great articles inside: Farewell Karen: Fewer meetings, more walkies! 2026–28 Young Carers Strategy Free phone calls to help prevent loneliness in later life Download your free copy: bit.ly/3PXH6ws

We are dedicated to listening to, and supporting, as many people as possible. Almost every week members of the team are out and about in #Somerset. This is where we are in the week beginning Monday 27 April.

It's Black maternal health awareness week! Black women are still 2.3 times likely to die in pregnancy, childbirth and 6 weeks after in the UK (MBRRACE, 2025). Find out more from Five X More: buff.ly/62E66lG #BMHAW26

We can help you navigate health and care services in #Somerset and explain the jargon😁 Call us free on 0800 999 1286 or go to our website: healthwatchsomerset.co.uk

When patients experience poor communication, or are on the receiving end of administration errors, their care becomes increasingly unco-ordinated. Latest report from @thekingsfund.bsky.social paints a grim picture but offers 10 actions for government and healthcare leaders:

Did you know that on average women born in Somerset are likely to live four years longer than men born in Somerset? See how #Somerset compare tonational figures on the @healthfoundation.bsky.social local authority dashboard.

This free event is a chance for everyone to find out more about NHS Digital Hospitals. Make sure you keep yourself informed about changes to the wat ou #NHS devliver your care.

April is #TesticularCancerAwarenessMonth. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer of men aged 15-45 in the UK. For more information about support available check out the It's In the Bag website: itsinthebag.org.uk #TCAM #TYACAM #CheckYourBalls #ItsInTheBag #MensHealthMatters

Our March newsletter is out now! Here are just a few of the great articles inside: 🔵 Learn more about our Volunteer Development Day 🔵 How to join the new #Somerset Wheelchair Users forum 🔵 The purpose of local Cancer Awareness and Support Cafes. Downloand your copy at: bit.ly/3PXH6ws

Your Health. Your Voice. Your Somerset. We want to hear from you. What matters most to you when it comes to your health and wellbeing? Your views will help shape future services in Somerset. 📝 Take the survey here: tinyurl.com/29keymn5 Please share with friends, family and your community 💚

Have you experienced a Carer's Allowance overpayment? We're gathering insights from carers and advisers to build strong evidence for why the system needs to change and better meet carers' needs. Share your experience https://carersuk.pulse.ly/i65lmmkddl

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has developed a new leaflet that can help patients decide what to do if they think a midwife, nurse or nursing associate may have done something wrong. buff.ly/TJOeQ7S

Tomorrow NHS dental charges in England will rise once again. Remember, this won't put an extra penny into a service on the brink. Patients will pay more to cover for stealth cuts. 👇 https://www.bda.org/news-and-opinion/news/england-charge-hike-a-kick-in-the-teeth-for-millions-on-modest-incomes/

A new report from Arthritis UK highlights growing concerns about access to joint replacement surgery in England, with some patients facing delays or being refused treatment based on their weight.

Mania and hypomania are symptoms of living with bipolar disorder. They can involve high energy, impulsivity, reduced sleep, racing thoughts, irritability, and sometimes psychosis. For #WorldBipolarDay, share this to spread practical ways to help someone going through a manic episode.

Your voice matters! Sharing your feedback about NHS and social care can make a huge difference in #somerset. Take 3 minutes to give feedback through our website: www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/have-your-say, freephone 0800 9991286, or email [email protected]. #ShareforBetterCare

💬 We need carers to be part of the conversation, for better health and care across the nation. https://cqc.pulse.ly/cak1chgto8 #ShareForBetterCare

Do you care about the future of Burnham Hospital? We're visiting Burnham Library on 25 March 10am-12pm to listen to your ideas views on how patient rooms & facilities should be used. Contact us: www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/have-your-say, email: [email protected], tel: 0800 9991286.

Somerset Council’s Public Health - Health & Wellbeing Survey is now live. Fill in & share what matters most to you when it comes to your health & wellbeing - from accessing support & reliable information, to opportunities to live healthier, more active lives. Fill in the survey here: bit.ly/4swAmUJ

In just 3 minutes you could: -Boil a kettle -Scroll on your phone -Leave feedback about your care Take 3 minutes to make a difference and feedback about health and social care in your community. #ShareForBetterCare https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say

We are supporting world TB day in raising awareness for Tuberculosis (TB). TB is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs. It’s caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB is spread by breathing in bacteria that are coughed out by people with TB in their lungs.

It’s Share for Better Care Week! This week, take three minutes of your time to help us improve health and social care for everyone. Share your feedback about your NHS or adult social care services. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say

Unsure what to expect from your healthcare? Healthwatch is here for you. Chat to your friendly local team today for straightforward information and advice. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/your-local-healthwatch/list

Today we’re bringing together our amazing Volunteers for our annual Volunteer Conference — a chance to connect, share ideas, enjoy some coffee and cake. Our volunteers make such a difference. Would you like to volunteer? Contact us: bit.ly/476JiYe, [email protected], tel 0800 999 1286

Have you read out ‘Looking after someone’ guide? The guide outlines your rights as a carer and gives an overview of the practical and financial support available. Download here: https://carersuk.pulse.ly/bwl6ebc7ok

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is experienced by 1 in 50 people in the UK. Despite this, it continues to be highly stigmatised and misunderstood. Share this post so people get the facts on OCD symptoms.

🚭 Thinking about quitting smoking? The Smoke Free app offers free 1-to-1 support, motivation tools and progress tracking for Somerset residents (18+). Search “Smokefree App” in your app store or visit: smokefreesomerset.org.uk #SmokefreeSomerset #WhatsYourWhy

Many people struggle to get timely care from the NHS. So more people are turning to private care. We are calling for change to prevent a slide towards a two-tier system where those who can afford to pay for care and those who can't are left waiting. https://bit.ly/4luiVS7

It’s #NationalNoSmokingDay today. Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your lung health. We’re here to help raise awareness about the effects of smoking, and to support and encourage people who want to quit.

Last call for People’s Vote - you’ve got an extra week to help shape our independent work in #somerset by voting on the health and social care issues that affect you most. It's quick and easy to vote on our website: www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/post/help-de..., or tel us free: 0800 999 1286.

Our new research finds more people are going private due to NHS dental access issues. But it’s the poorest households that are hit hardest - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/news/2026-03-09/people-struggling-financially-are-hardest-hit-shortage-nhs-dental-appointments

Our Carers Active Hub has lots of ways for unpaid carers to look after their own wellbeing and build physical activity into their routines. 💪 Find out more and get involved: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/your-health-and-wellbeing/carers-active-hub/

Caring for an older loved one can be tough, and though lots of people don't like to ask for help, extra support could make a world of difference 💜 Find out about the practical and emotional support available to you here: https://bit.ly/3DvorSC

With so many women not feeling listened to during a healthcare appointment, we are urging the Government to listen to women's voices when they refresh the women's health strategy. Find out what women want from health services - https://bit.ly/4lhi1rR

We welcome the news that Allied Pharmacy will open a pharmacy in Wellington in the former JHOOTS premises on 9 March, as local access to pharmacies is vital. We're preparing our upcoming report on pharmacy services and are committed to ensuring pharmacy services meet Somerset's needs: bit.ly/4udnfsW

Last week the government announced how it expects GP practices to deliver care from April 2026. Our article explains the changes you can expect to see as a result of the new contract, why they are happening and how your feedback helped shape the changes - https://bit.ly/47bOCta