Check on our business hours, contact details or use our contact form to directly get in touch with the Healthwatch Somerset team. Contact us On this page you can get in touch using the details below, find directions and opening times for our offices or use the contact form to get in touch with us. Respect for All Healthwatch is committed to treating everyone with respect, and we expect the same in return. We will not tolerate the use of bad language, discrimination, or abusive behaviour towards our staff, volunteers, or partners. Anyone engaging in such behaviour will not be supported or worked with by Healthwatch. Opening Hours Monday 9am 5pm Tuesday 9am 5pm Wednesday 9am 5pm Thursday 9am 5pm Friday 9am 3pm Saturday Closed Sunday Closed Phone 0800 999 1286 Post Healthwatch Somerset, Suite 12, Wellworthys Business Centre, Parrett Way, Colley Lane, Bridgwater, TA6 5LB Contact form Enter your first name here Enter your email address here Enter your last name here Enter your contact number here Enter your message here I want to subscribe to the newsletter I agree to my data being stored and used in line with the privacy policy. Click here to see the privacy policy Submit Thank you for contacting us

Healthwatch Somerset is the independent champion for people who use health and social care services. We’re here to make sure that those running services put people of Somerset at the heart of care. We want to hear from you We're collecting your stories and experiences about GP surgeries, Dentists, Pharmacies and all other health and social care services. Tell us about your experiences and help shape the future of care. Have your say News & Views To see all news posts, click here Thank you so much for all your help. I had been sent around in circles before coming to you; for you to be so kind and determined was a breath of fresh air. Parent who struggled to find an NHS dentist Upcoming events To see all events, click here Thinking Together: Accessible health and care information Wed 22 Oct Wincanton Register Unlocking the power of people‑driven care Thu 17 Jul Online annual report launch Details Sold Out Unlocking the power of people‑driven care Tue 15 Jul Edgar Hall, Somerton Details subscribe Sign up for our news letter Email First Name Last Name I agree to my data being stored and used in line with the privacy policy. Click here to see the privacy policy Subscribe Thank you for subscribing

Your opinion can make a difference, take part in our surveys and polls to help us campaign for the right changes in health and social care for Somerset. Surveys & polls Live surveys & polls Here you can find all of our live surveys & polls. Sharing your thoughts and opinions on a range of health and social care topics helps us to take action and make the changes you want to see. Somerset health data survey We want Somerset residents to share their views on using NHS data to improve care and protect privacy. Expires on: 31 December 2025 Take part Somerset Pharmacy: Access & Experiences Survey Share your feedback to help us understand people’s current experiences with community pharmacies. Expires on: 31 October 2025 Take part

A new collaboration has launched which aims to uncover inequalities and barriers to accessing cancer care and shape how services can be improved for the most vulnerable people in Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire. Breaking Barriers: Improving Access to Cancer Services - Including Screening is a joint project between Healthwatch BNSSG, B&NES, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire and the NHS  Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire (SWAG) Cancer Alliance. SWAG Cancer Alliance is committed to improving outcomes for all communities across the region. By working with Healthwatch and local partners, this initiative will help ensure that cancer pathways reflect the diverse needs of the population, including those who may face additional barriers due to language, disability, ethnicity, socio-economic status, or other factors. They are inviting anyone who has experienced cancer services, especially those from underserved or marginalised communities, to share their experiences via an online survey, about challenges with accessing screening, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr Helen Winter, SWAG Clinical Director, said: "We know that some groups face greater challenges when it comes to accessing cancer care and we are committed to tackling these inequalities and making sure no one is left behind. This survey is a vital step in listening to all voices and ensuring our services are inclusive, accessible and shaped around the needs of every community across the SWAG footprint and beyond." Who should take part? The survey is open to anyone who has experience with cancer services, especially those from communities who may face additional barriers. What will the survey cover? Participants will be asked about: Access to cancer services and any challenges faced Communication and information received Whether their personal, cultural, or accessibility needs were met Trust in local cancer services Suggestions for improvement The survey also includes demographic questions to help identify gaps and target future engagement more effectively. Phase 2, which looks to launch in early 2026, will see steps being made to help shape more inclusive and accessible cancer care locally. What happens next? The survey will be open until 30 th November, with responses helping to shape a deeper phase of qualitative engagement. An initial report will be published in December 2025/January 2026 , informing future work to improve cancer care pathways across the region. How to take part The survey is available online and will be promoted through local organisations, community groups, and targeted outreach. An easy-read version will also be made available to ensure accessibility. Get in touch with us for more information or to request a paper copy of the survey. About SWAG Cancer Alliance SWAG Cancer Alliance is one of 21 cancer alliances in England, funded by NHS England’s National Cancer programme. They work across Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon, and Gloucestershire to improve cancer outcomes, access, and patient experience.   They bring together healthcare providers, commissioners, and patients to co-design and transform cancer services. Their focus is on early detection, timely diagnosis, and high-quality treatment and care. By fostering collaboration across primary, secondary, and tertiary care, we empower our clinical leaders to use shared data, evidence-based practices, and innovative systems to drive improvement.   They are reducing variation and tackling inequalities by planning care across organisational boundaries and local cancer pathways.   Find out more: Home - SWAG Cancer Alliance Cancer outcomes in the UK are significantly influenced by socio-economic and ethnic disparities, with individuals from underserved communities facing poorer access, experience, and survival rates. Within the SWAG Cancer Alliance region, early diagnosis rates vary by up to 11% between the most and least deprived areas, and people in deprived communities experience higher emergency admissions and lower access to clinical trials. Ethnic disparities are also evident, with early diagnosis rates significantly lower among Black populations compared to White populations, and minimal representation in patient experience surveys. Take five minutes to share your experiences NHS and social care staff are doing everything they can to keep us well during these challenging times, but there might be things that can be improved for you and your loved ones, both in the area you live in and across the country.

Our September Newsletter includes updates about our work, information about health and care services, and helpful advice. Lytes Cary Manor To read our September Newsletter - click on the PDF below If you need this newsletter in a different format, please email: info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk  or call 0800 999 1286.

Sign the Local Healthwatch petition and write to your MP using our downloadable letter template. As part of changes to the NHS set out in the 10-Year Plan, and in response to the Penny Dash report the Government will end local Healthwatch services and bring them under control of the Local Authority and the Integrated Care Board. 131 local Healthwatch services across England have signed a powerful open letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, urging the government to reconsider proposals. "Since 1974 there has been continuous parliamentary support for independent public voice initiatives being able to hold services to account. Therefore, we urge you to reconsider this direction. Instead of dismantling independence, we should be strengthening it - ensuring every community has access to strong, well-resourced, and fearless local public voice initiatives that hold services to account and shape care that truly meets people’s needs." Taken from: Open letter on the future of Healthwatch | Healthwatch Haringey If you are concerned about the impact these changes will have on the effect of your local independant voice, advice, and support then use your voice. Let your colleagues, communities, family, and friends know about the changes and how it may effect them. Local Healthwatch petition  Local Healthwatch have put together a petition calling on the government to protect the independence of local voices in health and care and we ask for your support in signing it: Write to your MP You can send your MP your completed copy of our letter either by email or through the post. Download the the letter below: You can also copy and paste the text below into an email or alternative document format: [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Postcode] [Your Email – optional] [Date] [MP’s Name] House of Commons London SW1A 0AA Dear [MP's Name], Re: Concern over proposed changes to local Healthwatch services I am writing as a constituent to share my concern about recent announcements that the Government plans to bring local Healthwatch services ‘in-house’ as part of changes to the NHS set out in the 10-Year Plan, and in response to the Penny Dash report. As you will know, local Healthwatch organisations were established to ensure that patients and the public have an independent voice in how health and social care services are planned and delivered. Healthwatch Somerset — like many across the country — plays a vital role in listening to local people, highlighting what is working and where improvements are needed, and ensuring that services reflect the needs of the communities they serve. Moving these services in-house risks undermining their independence and their ability to speak honestly and clearly on behalf of patients and service users. The current Healthwatch structure allows it to operate without conflict of interest — something that will be hard to maintain if accountability shifts to the very organisations it is meant to scrutinise. This change feels deeply worrying and hard to understand. Healthwatch has built trust with the public by being rooted in communities and able to speak truth to power. Taking that away risks silencing local voices and losing valuable insight that helps improve services. I hope you will be aware of these concerns and continue to follow this issue closely as it develops. I simply wanted to add my voice to what I understand is a growing number of people who feel that this is not the right direction for public involvement in health and care. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. Yours sincerely, [Your Name] Check your local county constituency (CC) here: Parliamentary constituencies in Somerset - Wikipedia Bridgwater CC: Contact information for Sir Ashley Fox - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament Frome and East Somerset CC: Contact information for Anna Sabine - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament Glastonbury and Somerton CC: Contact information for Sarah Dyke - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament Taunton and Wellington CC: Contact information for Gideon Amos - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament Tiverton and Minehead CC: Contact information for Rachel Gilmour - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament Wells and Mendip Hills CC: Contact information for Tessa Munt - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament Yeovil CC: Contact information for Adam Dance - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament If you have any questions or comments relating to this page, please get in touch by email, phone, or letter using the details on our 'Contact us' page.