Don't forget today is no smoking day. Quit today and breathe better tomorrow.
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.
Voting box with paper being inserted into the slot. The People's Vote Healthwatch Somerset
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.
“I can’t get an NHS dentist since mine left the practice. Now it costs me nearly £70 for a 5 minute check up. I’ve used my inheritance money to pay.”
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
Elderly woman smiling in a wheelchair, being pushed by a man outdoors on a path surrounded by greenery. Text overlay reads, "Try a new activity with the person you care for." Carers Active Hub logo in the corner.
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/
Three illustrated photo frames are arranged in front of a blue circle background. The first frame depicts two people smiling. The second shows two individuals walking on a beach. The third frame shows a dog. The top left corner has the Age UK logo, and below the frames is the text "Advice for carers."
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
Photo of a pharmacist in a pharmacy
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
6 changes you can expect from the new GP contract: You should not be told to call back tomorrow Urgent requests get a same-day response Online systems should not cap requests Practices must show how and when you can contact them Advice and guidance will be used more often Registration will go online
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.
Healthwatch Somerset logo. Sheila will be at Taunton Library on Tuesday 3rd March from 10.30am to 12.30pm. If you would like to tell us about your health and social care experiences in Somerset, or would like signposting information to help you then talk to Sheila at Taunton Library. You can also contact us on email: info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk, or telephone us on freephone 0800 999128.
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: info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk, call free on 0800 9991286, or by website: www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/have-your-say
1 in 4 people living with HIV have faced discrimination when seeking non-HIV healthcare. #ZeroDiscrimination
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
This shows a photo of someone putting a voting slip into a box with The People's Vote Healthwatch Somerset
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.
If you want a second opinion about your care, remember: You may need to travel further to attend appointments at a different hospital. Consider whether a delay to get a second opinion will affect your wellbeing. Requesting a second opinion should not negatively impact your care.
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
A pink background with dark font over the top which reads: "Too often, eating disorders are misunderstood and stigmatised."
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
Photo of Kim Sadler smiling
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
Right now, at least 1.25 million people in the UK are living with an eating disorder. Eating disorder awareness week 2026
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
"Infographic titled 'What to do when someone experiences a psychotic episode.' It includes six icons with advice: Avoid saying 'that's not real'; Stay calm and speak slowly; Remind them you're there to help; Remove them from noise, crowds or overstimulation; Ask simple, open questions to offer practical support; Encourage professional support.
⚠️ 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.
What can affect children's mental health? Puberty Traumatic events Changes to routine, family or social life
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
Photo of four people's hands holding different coloured cards with the words Vote on them.
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!
Blue, yellow, orange, grey and pink strips in the background with the text in white FEEDBACK
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 info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk, 0800 9991286, www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk
Do you care for someone aged 75 to 79? NHS Somerset. Every year, thousands of older people need hospital care for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. It affects the lungs and can cause pneumonia. RSV vaccinations the best protection, with over 75's a priority for a free NHS vaccine.
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...
This is a photo of a man from RNID talking to a lady with a hearing aid.
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
This gives the 4 subjects you can vote on: Community health and wellbeing support; Has the NHS referral process improved?; Men's health and wellbeing services; Support for parent carers of adult children.
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.
World Cancer Day 4 February United by Unique Share your story WorldCancerDay.org. Photo of a lady looking into the camera. United by Unique love, despair, strength, cancer, fear, hope, courage.
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
How do I contact NHS 111? For urgent medical help you can contact NHS 111: - online using their website - In the NHS app - By calling 111 - Text relay - dial 18001 - On Sign Video website for a British Sign Language call
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
Photo of a lady in a hospital gown sat in a wheelchair. No face is shown.
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.
Photo of an older lady smiling whilst doing a jigsaw. Have your say on Adult Social Care in Somerset. Consultation closes on Friday 27 March 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...
