Thinking Together event We’re bringing the community together to talk about making health and care information accessible for everyone. Join us Wed 22 Oct 2025 | 09:30–14:30 | Wincanton Memorial Hall 👉 Everyone welcome! Booking essential: www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/event-detail...

64% of people who did our Pharmacy survey were not aware you can ask a pharmacist to cancel a prescription, highlighting a gap in awareness. Tell us your experiences of using your pharmacy in our survey: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/7S5SQX/, freephone 0800 9991286 or [email protected]

Important from @healthwatchengland.bsky.social. I was invited for mine 7 years after I became eligible, finally went 2-and-a-half years later, had blood pressure of 170/120 and dread to think what might have happened. (Exercise and meds have sorted the BP now.) www.healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2025-09...

Today is World Patient Safety Day - dedicated to ensuring safe care for every newborn and child. This year emphasises the need to act early and consistently to prevent harm throughout childhood. Be your child's safety champion. Stay informed, stay involved and speak up.

This Sepsis Awareness Month, Patient Info are sharing key tips to help you spot the life-threatening signs of sepsis: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkk-... #sepsisawarenesss #SepsisAwarenessMonthh #stopsepsis #fightsepsis #SepsisSupport #patientinfo

NHS England has launched a review to tackle LGBT+ health inequalities.  The review is a first for NHS England and is being led by Dr Michael Brady, National Adviser for LGBT Health at NHS England. Read More: buff.ly/MaTj4AL

The Government wants to bring local Healthwatch services 'in-house' — risking our independence. Help us stay YOUR voice in health and social care in Somerset: ✏️Sign the petition 🖊️Write to your MP Find out more here: bit.ly/4nzRMgk #savehealthwatch #protectourvoice #Somerset

Community pharmacy is a critical part of primary care in England, but its role and relationship to the wider NHS is often poorly understood. Find out more about the role community pharmacy plays in delivering health services in our explainer. https://bit.ly/4mh7Gev

Last Saturday, Somerset came together for the Walk for a Life in Taunton, honouring people lost to suicide & raising awareness. A reminder, this #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, you’re not alone. If you need to, please ring Mindline Somerset: 01823 276892/0800 1381692 ©Daffodil PR & Communications

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Every chat, no matter how small, builds a more supportive & understanding society. Together, we can make a difference & prioritise suicide prevention, so everyone gets the help they need. You can call the Samaritans on 116 123 free from any phone. #WSPD2025

Amy faced losing her sight when she couldn’t get the support she needed for cataract surgery. Find out how one of our helpline advisors provided support and guidance in our latest blog: buff.ly/Byetz2j #RememberACharityWeek

Men Walking and Talking run mental health walks, with the aim of bringing men together in a safe space to end the stigma around men's mental health by supporting each other. You can find out more and join the Wells Group here: www.menwalkingandtalking.co.uk/walks/wells/ #mensmentalhealt #somerset

Between night feeds and nappy changes, meals can feel tricky. NHS Healthy Start could make it easier by helping with the cost of healthy food, so you can give your little one what they need. Check your eligibility and apply in as little as five minutes: 👉https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk

Today we're launching #StillMe, a campaign that shines a light on how the visible impacts of cancer can affect young people, inside and out. It’s natural to worry about our body image sometimes – especially when we’re young. But now add in a cancer diagnosis and treatment. (1/6)

Somerset Parent Carer Forum are excited to welcome parents, carers and families to the next Let’s Talk SEND event – a day dedicated to supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We will be there on Monday 15th September in Minehead from 10am to 2pm.

Are you feeling confused about your care? Your local Healthwatch can help you to get the support you need. Have a chat and see how they can help you. t.co/WC6IRilYMq t.co/FM1fyFyPlX

This #GynaeCancerAwarenessMonth, we are joining gynaecological cancer charity, The Eve Appeal @eveappe.bsky.social, to raise awareness of gynaecological cancers and their risk factors. You can find out more about inherited cancer risks and gynaecological cancers on their blog: bit.ly/4g62QiH

The Learning Disability Mortality Review (LeDeR) report is out and it shows that people with a learning disability are still facing shocking health inequalities and dying 19.5 years younger than the general population. You can find out more and read the report here: www.kcl.ac.uk/research/leder

People are facing long waits to get an ADHD diagnosis. However, our blog published today uncovers that they are also facing a second wait - to get the medication they need to help them manage their condition. www.healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2025-08...

We’re running our 2025 survey to hear from older people about their health and care experiences. 👥 You can also take part if you’re sharing a loved one’s story. 📝 Have your say: https://bit.ly/47PRddu #AgeUK #OlderVoices #HealthAndCare

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 💛 Cancer is different in children and young people, so it needs a different and dedicated approach. We partner with other charities, funders and people affected by these cancers across the UK and around the world – learn more: cruk.ink/3JEskaM

Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services. www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-i...

73% of people who have filled out our pharmacy survey have asked a pharmacist about a medical condition, suggesting a high level of trust in pharmacists as healthcare professionals. Fill out our survey: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/7S5SQX/ freephone 0800 999 1286, or [email protected].

Do you have a question about how health or social care services work? Check out our website for advice. www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-i...

Kooth.com is a free and anonymous support and counselling service for ages 11 to 18 years old, where you can access support from other young people and professionals, all at your own pace. #Somerset #youngpeople #counselling

Despite the surge in public awareness around ADHD, a troubling silence persists in the workplace. Our recent research showed a staggering number of people still choosing not to tell their employer about the condition. It’s time to break the silence. t.co/0qefsPvbrg t.co/vLAu1mpPFS

Until the government makes more information available, we will continue to support local people to have their voices heard. However, a national petition calls on the government to keep an independent voice for the public: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/73...

📞 Our free helpline is open and ready to take your calls! We provide specialist health and social care information and guidance across all four UK nations. 👉 Call 0800 345 7115 or email [email protected] to speak to one of our friendly team buff.ly/FYPPRCl

You can read our latest Newsletter, which gives information on what we‘ve been doing this month & information about health and social care in Somerset. Click on the link to read it: www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/post/healthw..., you can also subscribe here: healthwatchsomerset.co.uk#subscribe

Help us to retain an independent voice for health and care service uses. Please sign the petition⬇️ petition.parliament.uk/petitions/73...

Want to know what NHS Somerset has been up to? Well, here is your chance! Along with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust they are holding their AGM & joint marketplace on Tuesday 30 September at Somerset County Cricket Club, Taunton. We will also be there. Find out more here: bit.ly/47DdxH8

Our recently launched Pharmacy survey is asking for your views on your community pharmacies. We’ve had 89 responses, 62% hadn't heard of Pharmacy First. Find out more: bit.ly/4fP5Uj4. Complete our survey: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/7S5SQX/ call: 0800 999 1286, or email: [email protected].

It’s been 3 months since Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (SFT) temp closed the Special Care Baby Unit & inpatient maternity services at Yeovil Hospital. NHS Somerset held a 3 month review with SFT to hear about their progress to safely reopen the services. Read more about this here: bit.ly/476iTL4

Our #benefits calculator can tell you if you're potentially entitled to claim extra money, based on the info you provide. Find out if you're missing out: 🖥️ Use our online calculator 👉 bit.ly/4fI8veu 📞 Call the Age UK Advice Line on 0800 678 1602 to book time to talk to our benefits advisers

Our new report highlights carers' experiences in accessing information & resources & shines a spotlight on the lived experiences of unpaid carers in Somerset, revealing widespread difficulties in accessing timely, clear & consistent support & information. Read more and download report bit.ly/4mqYJAa

Join us for our Walk for a Life to remember those we have lost, raise awareness, encourage and empower people in Somerset to take action to prevent suicide. Starts 10.30am at Quaker Meeting House, 13 Bath Place, Taunton, TA1 4EP. Dogs on leads are welcome. Find out more here: walkforalife.org.uk

Finding a suitable care home for you or a loved one can be difficult. Knowing what to look for and what questions to ask can make the decision easier. Read our advice article to help you make the right choice. www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-i...

For anyone who may need some support right now: Young Minds Parent Helpline 0808 802 5544 Combat stress (veterans) 0800 138 1619 Rethink Mental illness 0808 801 0525 Suicide prevention UK 0800 587 0800 Hopeline UK 0800 068 41 41 SANE Line 0300 304 7000 CALM 0800 58 58 58 Samaritans 116 123

It’s not just you. 1 in 6 men experience sexual abuse or assault — but most never talk about it. This new Somerset peer support group for men and trans men will provide a safe, confidential space to share, listen, and know you’re not alone. #somerset #mensexualabuse

Do you care about your views on health & social care being listened to? The gov has announced plans to scrap Healthwatch, replacing us with services run by the NHS or local councils. We need your help to protect the independent public voice. Sign a petition or write to your MP: bit.ly/3JcV0r8

Have you heard of the Pharmacy First Service - trained Pharmacists can treat a range of common conditions such as: sinusitis, sore throat, earache, insect bite, impetigo, shingles, UTIs. Have you had treatment at a pharmacy if so we're asking you to fill in a survey: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/7S5SQX/

Along with NHS Somerset, we will be at the Dunster Show this Friday to listen to your experiences of local health and care services. Can’t pop by - complete NHS Somerset's survey here: bit.ly/BigConvoSurvey or contact us to give us your views: www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/have-your-say

Our recent research showed 68% of people mistakenly believe they can sign up permanently with an NHS dentist. Make sure you know your rights in our simple advice article www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-i...

Signs and symptoms are numerous and vary from person to person, depending on the severity. For information on the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism visit thyroiduk.org/signs-and-sy....

Our teams are here for you 💙 #MentalHealth

It’s #WellnessMonth! World affairs can be very affecting right now, and if you're feeling overwhelmed, our Boosting Fact Sheet has advice to help. Looking after your general health is more important than ever. More info here: bit.ly/2tiBs9K @helendon-rn.bsky.social @jasonwarriner.bsky.social

From getting a second opinion to finding trustworthy information online, our patient guides and resources can help increase your understanding and confidence: www.patients-association.org.uk/Pages/Catego...

Are you concerned about the impact of the Government's plan to bring local Healthwatch services 'in-house'? Visit our website page to find out more about this decision and how you can speak up to make sure you have a trusted independent voice: bit.ly/3H2Gth9

Find out more about the Accessible Information Standrad and how it may apply to you....

Pharmacy First lets Pharmacists treat a range of common conditions. Did you get treatment for any of these sinusitis, sore throat, earache, insect bite, impetigo, shingles, or urinary tract infection? We want your views about your pharmacy by completing our survey: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/7S5SQX/