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Oct 7, 2024
Do you look after a family member or friend who couldn’t manage without your support?
Investigating available information for unpaid carers in Somerset. Over 49,000 unpaid carers in Somerset help take care of a family...


Oct 31, 2023
Reaching out: Looking at mental health support for young people in Somerset
We have been working with our young volunteers to investigate how accessible young people’s mental health services are in Somerset, and...


Oct 31, 2023
Improving access to young people’s mental health services
In our latest report, we call on those responsible for young people’s mental health services to improve awareness, availability and...


Oct 1, 2023
How to stay well this winter
Tips to help you stay well this winter and get the care you need. Winter comes with a higher risk of health issues, particularly for...


Sep 28, 2023
How do I get a fit note?
Find out what a ‘fit note’ is, when you might need one and how to get one. What is a fit note? The Statement of Fitness for Work,...


Sep 24, 2023
How to look after yourself while caring for someone else
Each day 6,000 people become carers. Looking after a loved one can be physically and emotionally exhausting so it's vital that you get...


Sep 3, 2023
What mental health support is available for children and young people?
75% of children and young people who experience mental health problems aren't getting the help they need. Research from Mind  found many...


Aug 17, 2023
How can your pharmacy help you?
Did you know that pharmacies provide advice and information on minor illnesses and ailments? Find out how they can help you. Pharmacists...


Jun 28, 2023
Healthwatch Somerset Annual Report: Working together to improve health and social care
Last year, we supported over 4,370 people to have their say on health and social care and to get information and advice about local...


May 8, 2022
Share your feedback about Somerset GP websites
We are investigating people’s experiences of using GP websites to get health and wellbeing information and support. Our roadshow and...


Feb 24, 2022
Support for unpaid carers in Somerset
We invited Fiona Harvey, Carers Service Coordinator for the Community Council for Somerset, to tell us about support for unpaid carers in...


Jan 10, 2022
Where to go for support when you have an eating disorder
Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that anyone can develop, regardless of age, income and ethnicity. Take a look at some of...


Nov 25, 2021
Carers Rights Day – 25 November 2021
Know your rights and get the support you need Carers Rights Day was introduced by Carers UK to draw attention to the multiple rights that...

Nov 15, 2021
Young people tell Somerset’s health and social care services: communicate better to care better
In our new report out today, young people are calling on the county’s health and social care services to improve how they communicate –...


Sep 1, 2021
What should I expect after being referred for mental health support?
Your mental wellness is as important as your physical health but seeking help can be daunting. Here's what to expect when you seek...


Jul 28, 2021
Our first face-to-face meeting brings focus to the project
By Max Popham, Healthwatch Somerset Youth Engagement Officer As government guidelines on Covid have slowly relaxed, we’ve been waiting to...


Jul 25, 2021
New study asks people how they’ve been affected by waiting for surgery in Somerset
As the number of patients waiting for surgery continues to grow, nationally and in southwest England, we are asking people about their...


May 9, 2021
Mindfulness – what is it, and how can it help our Young Listeners?
By Max Popham, Healthwatch Somerset Youth Engagement Officer This week we had our first session on Mindfulness – a practice that helps...


Apr 28, 2021
Virtual get together and team building for our Young Listeners
By Max Popham, Healthwatch Somerset Youth Engagement Officer On Saturday 24 April, we had our first Young Listeners meeting to kick off...


Jun 7, 2020
Caring during COVID-19: Healthwatch Somerset shines a spotlight on unpaid care
It’s national Carers Week (8-14 June) and we want to know about your experiences of being an unpaid carer or being cared for during...
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