Help decide our health and care priorities for 2026–27

Healthwatch Somerset
22 hours ago
2 min read

Updated: 36 minutes ago

Every year, Healthwatch Somerset creates a work plan for the next 12 months. This plan is shaped by what local people tell us about health and care services in Somerset.

Four people at a vibrant outdoor event, wearing rainbow accessories and smiling. Colorful tents and trees in the background.

The People’s Vote gives you the chance to tell us which topics matter most to you. By sharing your views, you can help decide what we focus on during 2026–27 and help improve services for people across Somerset.

Work we are already committed to

A common theme in your feedback during 2025 was the quality of care provided by GPs and nurses. We are committed to including this in our work during 2026–27.

Taking part is simple

Read about the four topics you can choose from
Choose your first choice topic
Choose your second choice topic
You can also suggest up to two other subjects you would like us to consider.

Voting closes on Sunday 8 March 2026.

The topics you can choose from

We have selected four possible topics based on what we heard from people in 2025. Here is a short explanation of each one.

A.	Community health and wellbeing support Your feedback shows us gaps in community support, causing some people to return to hospital because post-discharge care isn’t reliable. We will gather your experiences of post discharge care and use them to influence the structure of Neighbourhood Health Hubs.
B.	Has the NHS referral process improved? In 2025, you told us NHS referrals were often delayed or lost, and that communication while waiting was unclear. We will look at whether recent national changes have improved the process and use your feedback to help shape services.
C.	Men’s health and wellbeing services Following the launch of the first Men’s Health Strategy in 2025, we want to hear from men in Somerset about their health and wellbeing needs. Their views on services will help improve care and reduce health inequalities and barriers.
D.	Support for parent carers of adult children Our work with carers has highlighted difficulties that parent carers of adult children with learning disabilities and complex neurodiversity face. We aim to understand these challenges and use your insight to improve support services and care for families.

Your voice matters more than ever

We are independent and listen to what matters to local people. Everything you share is confidential. We also offer free, trusted information and advice.

This is a key moment to make your independent voice count.

The way Local Healthwatch works will change in the future, so it matters more than ever that you speak up about what really matters to you.

By taking part in the People’s Vote, you help decide our priorities based on real experiences, not just service decisions.

Please use your vote and help others to take part too. You can share this webpage, tell your friends, family and colleagues, or display our poster below.

Your ideas help improve health and care for everyone in Somerset.