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

This research from The Health Foundation is further evidence that people are providing more and more hours of unpaid care. As caring responsibilities rise, it’s vital that unpaid carers receive the support they need and that they have genuine choice about the amount of care they provide.

Come along to Taunton Library tomorrow between 10.30am and 12.30pm, and speak with Sheila about your health and social care experiences in Taunton. You can also contact us by email: [email protected], call free on 0800 9991286, or by website: www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/have-your-say

Yesterday was #ZeroDiscriminationDay. 1 in 4 people living with HIV face discrimination when seeking healthcare. Zero Discrimination Day highlights how we can all become informed and promote inclusion, compassion, peace and, above all, a movement for change. #PeopleFirst

You’ve only got just over a week to help shape our independent work in #somerset by voting on the health & care issues that affect you in our People’s Vote. It is quick & easy to vote. All the details are on our website: www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/post/help-de... or call free 0800 999 1286.

A second opinion is when you request the expertise of another healthcare professional after you've been given a diagnosis or treatment plan. If you are considering this, find out how to request a one and the important things to consider before you do - https://bit.ly/475gLl1

Anyone can develop an eating disorder. But too often, stigma stops people from reaching out for help. For #EDAW2026, share this post to help us change that. Find out more about eating disorders, including what support and treatment is available, on our website 👉 www.rethink.org/eatingdisorders

We are pleased to introduce Kim Sadler, who has joined us as Lead Officer. Her role focuses on ensuring that people across Somerset have meaningful opportunities to share their experiences of health & care & that these voices help shape better services. Find out more: www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk

It's Eating Disorders Awareness week - please remember you are not alone. 💜 If you have an eating disorder or are supporting someone with an eating disorder, Beat have lots of resources for you. @beatedsupport.bsky.social https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

Our insight into A&E experiences during the busy winter period found long waits and care in unsuitable spaces left people suffering an emotional and physical toll. Find out more in our latest blog - https://bit.ly/3MseVnM

⚠️ Experiencing psychosis can be overwhelming. To support someone, don't argue with what they're going through. Stay calm, listen, and show compassion. Share this to spread practical ways to help.

Did you know 1 in 5 children face mental health challenges? This week is #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek and if you need help knowing what signs to look out for or when to reach out for support, check out our advice article - https://bit.ly/4c6ywV6

The People's Vote is your chance to help shape our independent work in #somerset by voting on the health and social care issues that affect you most. It is quick and easy to vote. All the details are on our website: bit.ly/4auKzcw or call us free on 0800 999 1286. Vote Now!

We represent your voice for health and social care in Somerset. We are not part of the NHS or Somerset Council – we are independent. Give us your feedback on health and social care and we will give you a voice. Contact us [email protected], 0800 9991286, www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk

If you care for someone over 75, the RSV vaccine can help reduce their risk of serious problems, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Find out more here: www.nhs.uk/vaccinations...

Did you know that the charity Royal National Institute for the Deaf is funded by NHS Audiology to offer free hearing checks if you have undiagnosed hearing loss and offer info and basic hearing aid maintenance of NHS hearing aids for people in Somerset? You can find out more here: bit.ly/4qnRkm4

Pain Cafes are free to join across #Somerset to help you to have a better quality of life despite long-term pain. Find your nearest group: bit.ly/PainCafeSome... Mandy, our Engagement Officer, will be at Community Pain Hub on 10 Feb 1pm-3pm, Priorswood Community Centre, Taunton. #LiveWellWithPain

"It's a stupid system," says @eddiecrouch.bsky.social An inflexible contract means that if a practice has capacity - while others in the area are actually reducing NHS work - that funding can't be kept on the frontline. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd7z7x0w95go

The People's Vote is your chance to help shape our independent work in #somerset by voting on the health and social care issues that affect you most. It is quick and easy to vote. All the details are on our website: www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/post/help-de... or call us free on 0800 999 1286.

Today is World Cancer Day - a moment for us all to come together, raise awareness, and show support for everyone affected by cancer. Give us your feedback about your experiences of cancer care in the NHS and social care: www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/have-your-say #WorldCancerDay #UnitedByUnique

If you have an urgent but not life-threatening health problem, you can contact NHS 111 for support. Knowing what they can help with and how to contact them is essential - check out our article with all the information you need to know about the service. https://bit.ly/4by5o9b

NICE is looking for people who have had a hip and/or knee replacement to let them know their views via a survey: online1.snapsurveys.com/Interview/92... by Sunday 8th February 2026.

Somerset Council are renewing their Adult Social Care strategy. Residents, unpaid carers & local organisations are being asked to help, as the Council renew their Adult Social Care strategy. You can have your say: somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com/adult-social...