News and reports

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 COVID-19, to help local services understand how to provide better social care and support.

Shepton Mallet resident Bob became a full-time carer when he retired from a long career with the ambulance service.

It’s Volunteers’ Week 1-7 June, so we are is sending a huge ‘Thank You’ to the inspiring volunteers who help to make health and social care better for local people.

During Mental Health Awareness Week (18-24 May), we are highlighting the care and support needs of people living with dementia and their families, and the particular pressures of life under lockdown due to coronavirus.

By Tanya Camberwell, Healthwatch Somerset Engagement Officer

We are looking forward to helping health and social care services develop and improve with the announcement of several new projects for the year ahead.

We have launched a new survey asking local people to share their stories to help identify how health and care services are adapting and working well during the coronavirus outbreak, and to highlight common challenges that need to be addressed.

We can help health and social care organisations to communicate clearly and effectively with local people about the coronavirus and the impact on services and support.

As local health and care services come under increasing pressure due to the coronavirus, and access to services becomes more challenging, we are reminding people that we're here to help.

We are asking local people to complete a survey to share their experiences of accessing primary care through GP surgeries in Somerset.

We are calling on local people to make sure their voice is heard and reflected in proposals being drawn up by Somerset NHS health and care services, for changes to community-based services and non-emergency care.

Help shape the future of services for people living with a life-limiting illness.