Speaking up for better care: Healthwatch Somerset annual report 2025–26
- Healthwatch Somerset
- 6 hours ago
- 1 min read
Our latest annual report reveals how thousands of residents shared their experiences last year, helping drive improvements across health and social care.
We have had a strong year of impact, amplifying public voice and improving awareness of key issues across Somerset. We have used community insight to:
Influence service improvements
Improve access and communication
Ensure people’s experiences shape care
Our year in numbers (2025–2026)
2,056 people shared their experiences of care
3,026 people received advice, information, or signposting
6 reports published on priority issues (e.g. carers, neuro‑rehabilitation)
Supported by 5 staff and 35 volunteers
Our volunteers contributed 536 hours of their time
Engagement & inclusion
We worked to reach underrepresented groups including:
Refugees and people with limited English
Veterans and armed forces communities
Young people and people with disabilities
This helped reduce barriers and improve access to services.
Listening and influencing change
We gathered insights directly from communities using them to influence decision‑makers and build on our strong partnerships with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, the Integrated Care Board (ICB), and Somerset Council.
We also worked closely with the Voluntary, Charitable, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector to ensure people could access trusted information and advice.
Future outlook
Despite potential national changes that may end Healthwatch Somerset in its current form by 2027, we will continue to focus on ensuring an independent public voice in healthcare.
Read our report
If you need this report in a different format, please email info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk or call 0800 999 1286.
