1. Advice and Information -

    It's so important that you feel supported as a new parent. Read the article below to find out where you can go to get the help you need.
  2. Advice and Information -

    If you are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse, or are worried about someone who might be, find out where you can go for advice and help.
  3. Advice and Information -

    Your mental wellness is as important as your physical health but seeking help can be daunting. Here's what to expect when you seek support for your mental health.
  4. 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.
  5. Advice and Information -

    75% of children and young people who experience mental health problems aren't getting the help they need.
  6. Advice and Information -

    If you or a loved one are affected by incontinence, find out where you can go for support.
  7. Advice and Information -

    In a post-pandemic world where the cost-of-living crisis is challenging for many of us, prioritising our mental health and wellbeing is necessary.
  8. Advice and Information -

    Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that anyone can develop, regardless of age, income and ethnicity. Take a look at some of the common signs of eating disorders and where to go for support if you need help.
  9. Advice and Information -

    Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving.
  10. Advice and Information -

    In a post-pandemic world where the cost-of-living crisis is challenging for many of us, prioritising our mental health and wellbeing is necessary.
  11. Advice and Information -

    The continuing cost of living crisis is negatively affecting people's physical and mental wellbeing, with vulnerable people and those on lower incomes hit the hardest.
  12. Report -

    Our report following a visit to Ash Ward in Bridgwater, a 12-bed low secure inpatient rehabilitation and recovery unit for male adults with mental health difficulties.
  13. Report -

    Our report following a visit to Magnolia Ward in Yeovil, which has 14 beds, providing assessment and treatment for older people suffering from dementia and other confused states.
  14. Report -

    Our report following a visit to Rowan Ward in Yeovil, which has 18 beds, providing assessment and treatment primarily for adults of working age experiencing an acute mental health problem.
  15. Report -

    Our report following a visit to Wessex Ward in Bridgwater, that provides beds for up to 12 young people.
  16. Report -

    Our report following a visit to Willow Ward in Bridgwater, which has 10 beds and provides a countywide inpatient mental health rehabilitation service for people who live with long term mental health problems.
  17. Report -

    Our report following a visit to St Andrews Ward in Wells, which has 14 beds, providing assessment and treatment primarily for adults of working age experiencing an acute mental health problem.
  18. Report -

    Our report following a visit to Pyrland Ward in Taunton. Wards one and two each have 14 beds, providing assessment and treatment for older people suffering from acute mental problems such as depression, anxiety and bi-polar disorder, along with dementia and other confused states, often with high levels of aggression.
  19. Report -

    Our report following a visit to Rydon in Taunton. Wards one and two each have 15 beds, providing assessment and treatment primarily for adults of working age experiencing an acute mental health problem.
  20. Report -

    We identified the area of mental health as part of their our plan priorities from 2015-2016.
  21. Report -

    We gave a presentation on our patient and public engagement at this advice day hosted by Rethink to raise awareness of Healthwatch and our work.
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. News -

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

    Healthwatch is launching a national survey to understand if care works for new mothers and birthing parents.
  26. News -

    In our new report out today, young people are calling on the county’s health and social care services to improve how they communicate – with each other and with young people – to improve how they care.
  27. News -

    We have announced the areas we will investigate this year, to make sure that local people’s views and experiences are used to drive and support improvements in local services.
  28. News -

    What’s it like being a young person using health, social care and wellbeing services in Somerset, and what changes do young people want to see?
  29. News -

    The UK’s largest independent regulator of official statistics wants to hear from patients, carers and their families about how they access and use statistics on mental health in England.
  30. News -

    As the independent health and social care champion for Somerset, we are calling on local services to make more space for new parents in the county to talk about their mental health.
  31. News -

    People in Somerset are being asked to share how they access information, support and advice when they are ill, looking after someone or finding it difficult to manage living at home, to help shape local services going forward.
  32. News -

    Hundreds of people in Somerset have shared their views on how to improve NHS health services in the county.
  33. News -

    Our roadshow, which travelled almost 260 miles around Somerset to find out the views of local people on health and care services, has finished a seven-day tour with more than 400 views collected.
  34. News -

    Hundreds of children have learning disabilities and autism in Somerset and now families are being asked to help shape local NHS services supporting them.
  35. Advice and Information -

    With more than thirty recognised symptoms of menopause and growing awareness of the impact on day-to-day life, it can help to know what to look out for and what support is available.
  36. Advice and Information -

    Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by seasonal changes. One in twenty people in the UK are diagnosed with the condition, with men more likely to be diagnosed with SAD than women.
  37. Report -

    We have been working with our young volunteers to investigate how accessible young people’s mental health services are in Somerset, and to understand how access to support could be improved.
  38. News -

    In our latest report, we call on those responsible for young people’s mental health services to improve awareness, availability and access to mental health support for young people.
  39. 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.
  40. Advice and Information -

    With more and more appointments happening online, we've put together some tips on how to get the most out of the virtual health and care appointments both for patients and health and care professionals.
  41. Advice and Information -

    NHS social prescribing link workers can connect you to the right community groups and services to help support you.
  42. 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.
  43. Advice and Information -

    We explain why it’s important to have a plan in place, should you or a loved one become critically ill.
  44. Report -

    Our report following a visit to Wyndham House in Minehead, which is a period property with modern extensions. It has 50 bedrooms and is registered to provide residential care.
  45. Report -

    Our report following a visit to Winsor in Minehead, which is a period building providing nursing care for up to 40 residents.
  46. Report -

    Our report following a visit to West Abbey Care Home, Yeovil, which is a large modern home accommodating 90 residents. It provides both residential and nursing care.
  47. Report -

    Our report following a visit to The Firs Nursing Home, situated on the outskirts of Taunton. It can accommodate up to 40 residents and there were 38 residents living here at the time of visit.
  48. Report -

    Our report following a visit to The Manor Care Home provides residential and nursing care for 68 residents of differing adult age groups.
  49. Report -

    Our report following a visit to Sydenham House is a modern 51 bed residential home in Bridgwater.
  50. Report -

    Our report following a visit to Frome Care Village. Up to 60 residents can be accommodated in the facility which is split over two buildings. Parsonage is a period building which is designated for dementia care and Woodlands is a modern building which provides nursing care.