If you are receiving palliative care, you may feel fatigue, extreme tiredness, weakness or lack of energy which does not go away when you rest or sleep. It's effects can be upsetting, we have a guide on how to manage at sueryder.org/end-of-life-care/living-with-a-terminal-illness/managing-fatigue

"We see a lot of children here that can't see a regular dentist that are turning up with abscesses & infections," says Shiv Pabary Urgent care is vital. But a govt that says the NHS must shift from sickness to prevention must not forget routine care. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9qp2xx3e37o

Hourglass is the only UK-wide charity focused solely on the abuse & neglect of older people. One in six older people are victims of abuse. That’s over 16% of our mothers, fathers, uncles, aunties, grannies, grandads & friends. Call the free 24/7 helpline 0808 8088141 or visit www.wearehourglass.org

Share your views on your recent NHS or social care experience with us to help make services in your local area better. We have a survey with all the information and questions translated into British Sign Language videos - https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/have-your-say-BSL/

Approach your GP carefully if worrying about #Lyme disease. They know there is a lot of poor info on the internet, so stick to facts and have a look here first www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/resources/se...

Have your say! 📢 Disabled young people aged 11 – 25 deserve to be heard. Share your experiences in the @DCPcampaign Young People Survey and help make change happen. Survey 👉 bit.ly/YPSurvey26 Easy Read version here👉 bit.ly/YPSurvey26ER

NHS to increase accuracy of bowel cancer test in England

Most GP appointments are just 10 minutes long. That doesn't give you much time to explain your symptoms, get a diagnosis, discuss treatment and get your questions answered. Check out our tips for getting the most out of your appointment - https://bit.ly/3NqsR25

The People's Vote in #somerset is now open for 2026. It's your chance to help focus our independent work based on your feedback. 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.

The #NHS healthy choices quiz will give you advice and links to NHS apps to help you see how to make changes where they matter most. The quiz only takes 5 minutes, but can help you make a lasting change this January. Check out your score today - https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/healthy-choices-quiz/

Somerset Maternity are preparing to reopen the Special Care Baby Unit and inpatient maternity services at Yeovil District Hospital at midday on Tuesday 21 April 2026. Find out more on their website: www.somersetft.nhs.uk?news=reopeni... #Somerset #maternity #specialcarebabyunit

Today is #BlueMonday and if you're feeling low - you're not alone. Check out our advice articles for small, meaningful ways you can support your own mental wellbeing. https://bit.ly/3hcjmUi #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfCareMatters #YouAreNotAlone #Wellbeing2026

Many people provide unpaid care to family or friends and are unaware of their rights. If you're an unpaid carer, find out what help and advice is out there to support you - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-10-02/what-support-can-i-get-carer

Your pharmacist can provide treatment or some #prescription medicine, if needed, for seven common conditions - without you seeing a GP. Think #pharmacy first and get seen by your local community pharmacy team. Please note age restrictions below.

Have you heard of Cold Weather Payments? If you’re eligible, you’ll get £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2025 and 31 March 2026.  Head to our website to find out more: www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/...

It's back! The People's Vote in #Somerset is now open for 2026. It's your chance to help focus our independent work based on your feedback. It's quick and easy to vote. All the details are on our website (link below), or call us free on 0800 999 1286. www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/post/help-de...

Did you know, Pharmacists can offer advice and treatments for a range of conditions - just like having a prescription from your GP? Here's a few things they can help with: - UTI's - Shinges - Impetigo - Sore throats - Sinusitis - Infected insect bites - Earache #HereToHelp

Got a question about your Council Tax? Our helpful guidance can help you figure out if you’re entitled to any discounts and see what help is available. https://go.carersuk.org/44YBVkx?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign&utm_content=ap_70rlqrhekp

Navigating the world of health and social care services can be daunting. We want to help you get the care you need, with helpful, straightforward advice. Check out our articles - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information

As we enter 2026, if you're not sure what to expect from healthcare services - your local Healthwatch team is here to help. Chat to your friendly local team today for straightforward advice and information. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/your-local-healthwatch/list

The new year can be a difficult time 💙 Talking to someone you trust or practicing simple relaxation exercises can make a big difference. Check these helpful tips from Samaritans ⤵️ https://bit.ly/2WL8deS

Everyone severely affected by mental illness deserves a good quality of life, no matter their circumstance 💜

Want to make an impact in 2026? Sharing feedback after your experience with an NHS or social care service can lead to change - better services and better care for everyone in your community. www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say

#Somerset #YoungPeople have a voice. Their ideas, thoughts, and opinions are valuable. @somersetcouncil.bsky.social invite young people to find out how they can be more involved in their services. Details in the poster below or contact [email protected] for more information.

Our December newsletter is now available - filled with valuable insights on health and care, helpful resources for Christmas support, and charitable initiatives. Click on the link to read it: www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/post/healthw..., or you can subscribe to our newsletter here: bit.ly/44Fva70

Whatever you do over the festive period, we hope you find some time for the things that make you happy 💜 Our social media team are taking a break until 2 January now, and we won't be moderating our channels in that time. Here's how you can access support over the holidays if you need it.

With Christmas just around the corner we’d love to hear your views on health & social care as it helps everyone in #Somerset improve services. We will be closed from 24 Dec & are back on on 5 Jan. During this time, you can contact us via our website: www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/have-your-say

Lorry drivers who pull up for the night just off the M5 J24 at the Truckstop@J24 in North Petherton, are now getting important health and well-being checks from a team of nurses. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has joined with the farmers' market to introduce hubs for lorry drivers: bit.ly/4auiaoG.

We’ve been helping people find a way forward since 1939. From managing debt, applying for benefits, understanding your energy bills and so much more - find out how we can help today ⤵️ https://bit.ly/4p1iFKx

We're here to support older people and their loved ones every day. Our Advice Line is open 365 days a year 8am-7pm including #Christmas Day, and The Silver Line is open 24 hours a day, every day. Find out how we're there when older people need us most: https://bit.ly/4pHfxob

If you need medical help but are not sure where to go - use NHS 111 to get assessed and directed to the right place for help. Call, go online or use the NHS app. www.111.nhs.uk

There will be a temporary six hour disruption to the Somerset Health Data Survey site this Christmas. We still want to hear your views about the Somerset Linked Data platform using shared NHS data. Follow the link now to have your say: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/SomersetHealthDataSurvey/

We're working with Somerset’s Integrated Care System's Digital Data & Technology community to listen to your thoughts, & concerns about the sharing of your data for population health & care improvements. Click link or scan the QR code to go directly to a survey: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/SomersetHe...

👏 to The Guardian’s editorial. “The new fee structure announced by the health minister, Stephen Kinnock, is a big tweak to the existing system.” “But it is still a tweak, and not the overhaul that most experts agree is needed.” www.theguardian.com/commentisfre....

Our latest research on emergency dental care from the NHS highlights that people in pain are struggling to get an appointment and in some cases are being forced to travel more than 100 miles, spend on private care, or travel abroad to get care. https://bit.ly/49bdx1r

Did you know that if you have significant and ongoing health needs, the NHS might be able to cover the cost of your care? Our new resource explains what NHS continuing healthcare is, who it is designed for and how the assessment works. buff.ly/4LqKx2R

Did you know as a carer you are entitled to free flu jabs? Contact your GP or local pharmacy and get your jab booked in! For more information: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/your-health-and-wellbeing/flu-jabs/

In this joint blog, Sarah, one of our callers and Debs, the helpline advisor who took her call, explore what safe discharge from hospital looks like, and what might help should anyone find themselves in an unsafe situation. buff.ly/iYg6Tw2

🎄Day 6 is all about the voices behind the stories. Every day, people share experiences that make us pause, reflect, and sometimes feel deeply moved. Our moderation team reads them all and some linger long after. Read the full post 👇 www.careopinion.org.uk/info/advent-...

Did you know that #Somerset services in the @openmentalhealth.bsky.social Festive Wellbeing Kit are available to everyone throughout the year?🤗 The kit details services offering help and information and resources to help you. Check out the Wellbeing Kit by clicking the link: bit.ly/festive-well...

There will be 3 new #NHS dental practices in #Somerset, with up to 20,000 more people able to access NHS dental care, opening in the county. The first is in Wellington, run by Dentistry For You, followed by One Smile Dental, in Chard with a third practice due to open in Crewkerne in Spring of 2026.

"Early diagnosis significantly improves the survival rate," says Eddie Crouch. "Late diagnosis means that the chance of survival are sadly very, very poor." Why political choices made in dentistry can be a matter of life or death for patients. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gel94lvdlo

The festive period is approaching - make sure you check what medication you might need to last over the winter period and get your request in early. For help on how to order a repeat prescription, check out the NHS advice - https://bit.ly/4ozDZq6

Join our supportive online community for unpaid carers. Carers Connect is an online forum for Carers UK members where you can talk about anything related to caring. Join today: https://go.carersuk.org/4jKG8Oc

By the end of this year, all 3G networks will be switched off 📲 Once 3G is switched off, apps like Facebook won’t work when you’re out and about, and you won’t be able to receive emails when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi. Find out about what your older loved one needs to do: https://bit.ly/3KFuGXI

New figures from @newsnmc.bsky.social show international nurse & midwife recruitment is falling fast. Tightened immigration rules risks deepening workforce shortages, putting patient safety at risk. We need an honest debate on immigration’s vital role in health & care. Read: https://bit.ly/44KFfQ0

Benedict Knox, our Head of Communications, explains that our latest research shows that 98% patient satisfaction with a GP referral is possible when four steps are followed. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/news/2025-12-04/one-seven-patients-stuck-gp-referrals-black-hole

@mencap.org.uk has launched ‘I’m In’, a campaign to tackle health inequalities faced by people with a learning disability. The campaign aims to increase the numbers of people on the GP Learning Disability Register. Find our more at www.mencap.org.uk/get-involved...

Waiting times for mental health treatment continue to grow, but our Advice Team are there to help people navigate the system. Help us reach more people with our trusted guidance 👉 bit.ly/4rGNlmK

🎄Our Advent Calendar, featuring 12 Days of Christmas with @careopinion.org.uk, begins today! As the festive season approaches, we’ll be opening a new door sharing reflections, stories, memories and moments from our 20-year journey. Follow along every day👇 🔗 www.careopinion.org.uk/info/advent-...