1. SSAFA Engagement Report

    Report -

    We attended a meeting of representatives from SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) to introduce our work and the role of Healthwatch, and to hear their comments, issues and concerns.

  2. Hearing Voices Support Group, Taunton

    Report -

    We visited the Hearing Voices support group in Taunton to introduce our work and the role of Healthwatch and to listen to any issues or concerns the group wanted to discuss.

  3. Compass Carers Support Group, Bishops Lydeard

    Report -

    We engaged with members of the carers support group, who meet monthly at Quantock Vale Surgery, Bishops Lydeard. We informed the group about our work and role of Healthwatch and listened to their queries and concerns about the health and social care services that they use. We also introduced our survey on ‘How Connected are You?’

  4. Compass Carers Support Group, Martock

    Report -

    We engaged with members of the carers support group who meet monthly at the GP Medical Centre in Martock. We informed the group about our work and role of Healthwatch, and listened to their queries and concerns about the health and social care services that they use. We also introduced our survey on ‘How Connected are You?’

  5. Compass Carers Support Group, Ilchester

    Report -

    We engaged with members of the carers support group who meet monthly at the GP Medical Centre in Ilchester. We informed the group about our work and role of Healthwatch, and listened to their queries and concerns about the health and social care services that they use. We also introduced our survey on ‘How Connected are You?’

  6. Information stand at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton

    Report -

    Our Enter and View Team engaged with members of public at Musgrove Park Hospital. We spoke to people and recorded their comments about health and social care services, and we gave out dozens of leaflets, and ‘How Connected Are You?’ Surveys.

  7. Enter and View: Somerset Court, Highbridge

    Report -

    Our report following a visit to Somerset Court, which provides residential and support services for people who have autism.

  8. Bridgwater Parent Support Group

    Report -

    Members of this support group run by the Parent Carer Forum shared their concerns and experiences with us. Many of the group had common issues with assessments and having their needs met at GP surgeries.

  9. A voice for the people of Somerset

    News -

    People in Somerset will be given a strong voice to air their views on health and care services in the county – thanks to plans by Evolving Communities, the new provider of the local Healthwatch service.

  10. Annual Report 2016-17

    Report -

    In this Annual Report we share our key challenges and successes, as we continued to engage with the public to understand people’s experiences of health and social care to make a difference.

  11. What should you expect from home care services?

    Advice and Information -

    Five things you should expect from home care, domiciliary care or help in the home.

  12. How connected are you?

    Report -

    We identified there was a need to find out from local people how connected they feel and why. We also sought to find out how being connected affects feelings of loneliness and isolation.

  13. Local volunteer Bob urges others to join him to help shape local health and care services

    News -

    Listening to patients and their experiences of health and care is key to improving these services in Somerset – says local volunteer Bob Champion.

  14. New chair of Somerset’s independent health and care champion announced

    News -

    A former school inspector from North Petherton with a passion for shaping local health services will help to lead our board as the county’s independent health and care champion.

  15. Our complaints process

    Advice and Information -

    Our complaints process outlines how to make a complaint about us and our approach to making sure complaints are resolved. Anyone who is dissatisfied with any aspect of this Healthwatch service provided by Evolving Communities CIC can make a complaint under the Evolving Communities Complaints Policy and Procedure.

  16. Who we are and what we do

    Report -

    Here are some Easy Read resources to explain who we are and what we do.

  17. People are increasingly avoiding NHS appointments and prescriptions due to cost of living, Healthwatch England warns

    News -

    With spiralling costs of living, Healthwatch England is warning people are making changes to how they use health and social care services, which can have an adverse impact on their health and wellbeing.

  18. Have your say - Easy Read

    Report -

    Download an Easy Read version of our 'Have your say' form.

  19. Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

    Event -

  20. International Women's Day

    Event -

  21. Project launched in Bridgwater to improve health of people with chronic respiratory disease

    News -

    Our new community project asks people in Bridgwater to get involved to improve the health and wellbeing of those living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

  22. Healthwatch England research: Six-week postnatal checks are failing many new mothers

    News -

    Healthwatch England, is warning that six-week postnatal checks – required of GPs in England – are failing many new mothers.

  23. Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2020

    Event -

  24. Somerset Virtual Careers Fair 2020

    Event -

  25. Alcohol Awareness Week

    Event -

  26. Carers Rights Day

    Event -

  27. International Day of Disabled Persons 2020

    Event -

  28. Launch of Young Listeners Project

    Event -

  29. Paget’s Awareness Day

    Event -

  30. STIQ Day

    Event -

  31. Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2021

    Event -

  32. Dignity Action Day

    Event -

  33. Children’s Mental Health Week

    Event -

  34. Time to Talk Day

    Event -

  35. Rare Disease Day

    Event -

  36. Eating Disorders Awareness Week

    Event -

  37. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

    Event -

  38. ‘Review culture’ is on the rise, yet only one in ten people feedback on health services

    News -

    As Healthwatch marks its tenth anniversary this week, Healthwatch Somerset joins the 152 local Healthwatch across England to appeal for more people to feedback on NHS care.

  39. Evaluating people’s experiences of being transferred from hospital to care at home or in the community

    News -

    Our new report evaluates people’s experiences of being discharged from hospital to be cared for at home or in a residential or community care setting.

  40. Supported transfer of care from hospitals: evaluating people’s experiences to help shape improvements in care

    Report -

    We wanted to explore the quality of the transfer of care process in Somerset and use the experiences of people who have been discharged from hospital with ongoing care needs to guide improvements in the process.

  41. Improving access to mental health support for young people in Somerset

    News -

    We've launched a new project with the aim of improving access to mental health support for young people and their families, guardians and carers.

  42. Enter and View report: West Mendip Hospital, Glastonbury

    Report -

    Our report following a visit to West Mendip Hospital, Glastonbury. The wards provide 36 beds, which host a mixture of patients: on Pathway 2, Pathway 3 or end of life patients.

  43. How can you save money on your Hormone Replacement Therapy?

    Advice and Information -

    A new scheme could see women across England save hundreds of pounds a year on their Hormone Replacement Therapy with a prepayment certificate.

  44. What should you expect after a dementia diagnosis

    Advice and Information -

    Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be a life-changing event, but knowing what support is available to you and what steps to take next can help you or a loved one process the diagnosis and plan for the future.

  45. Looking after your oral health while living in a care home

    Advice and Information -

    Living in a care home can increase your risk of oral health problems. That's why knowing what questions to ask care staff about your oral health or loved ones can prevent problems from developing.

  46. Enter and View report: The Old Police House, Nunney

    Report -

    Our report following a visit to The Old Police House, a care home in the village of Nunney near Frome, which provides accommodation for people with a learning disability.

  47. What support can I get as a carer?

    Advice and Information -

    Many people who provide unpaid care are unaware of their rights. Find out more about the help and support you are entitled to.