Healthwatch Somerset Annual Report 2022-23: A review of our work over the past year and its impact, plus our work planned for 2023-24. Message from our Chair About us Highlights from our year Listening to your experiences Advice and information Volunteers Finances and future priorities Statutory statements 2022-23 activities and outcome s Read our report If you need this report in a different format, please email  info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk  or call 0800 999 1286.

Mental health problems are more common among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people. If you are struggling, feel alone or need a little help, then check out our guide on how you can get the support you need. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are more than twice as likely to have a mental health disorder or experience depression and anxiety. Poor mental health may be linked to experiences of discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, bullying, harassment, social isolation or rejection due to their sexuality. It might not be easy, but getting the right help and support is essential. Why choose specialist support? Many people from the LGBTQIA+ community need help with their mental health that is not related to their gender or sexuality. However, seeking support from specialist services can still be a good idea.  When you're looking for support, you don't want to encounter barriers such as having to spend a lot of time explaining your situation, or feeling like your gender or sexuality are an issue.  Specialist support services can remove these barriers for you and help you to feel in a safe space to open up and get the support you need.  What help is out there? There is lots of advice and support out there for you. Talking with a therapist who is trained to understand your specific situation may help if you: Have difficulty accepting your sexual orientation. Need help coping with other people’s reactions to you. Feel like your body doesn’t reflect your true gender. Are currently transitioning. Are trying to cope with bullying or discrimination. Are feeling depressed, have low self-esteem, are thinking suicidal thoughts or thinking about harming yourself. There are different types of talking therapies, so you can find one to suit your needs. Treatments available on the NHS include: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Guided self-help. Counselling. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. When should I get help? You should be able to get help as soon as you feel like you need it. There are currently long waiting times for NHS services, so don’t wait until you feel at a crisis point to reach out for help. If you feel at a crisis point already, you can always contact the Samaritans 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 116 123 Email  jo@samaritans.org Visit their website If you are experiencing an emergency or feel like your life might be in danger, please call 999 Who can I contact for help? You can always try talking to your GP for help. They will know what support is available locally and refer you to NHS therapies if needed. There are also support organisations you can talk to who offer specific mental health advice for people in the LGBTQ+ community: Consortium  - supporting projects around the country. Galop  – advice and support for people who have suffered hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse. Gendered Intelligence  - offers advice on gender diversity and improving the lives of trans people. Imaan  – supporting LGBTQ+ Muslims. LGBT Hero Forums  – provide a safe space to talk about life issues. LGBT Foundation  – offers talking therapy programmes. Mermaids  – offers a helpline and web chat services supporting transgender people and parents of transgender children. Mind LGBTQIA  – mental health support from Mind specifically for LGBTQIA+ people. MindLine Trans+  - mental health support line for people who identify as transgender, agender, gender fluid and non-binary. Mind Out  - mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people. Pink Therapy  – online directory of therapists who specialise in the LGBTQIA+ community. Stonewall  – LGBTQ+ charity, who provide advice on a range of topics. Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline  – listening service via phone, email and online chat. THT Direct  – offering sexual health advice and information. Voda  - Self-guided digtal therapy programmes based on mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy.

How can I get the most out of my next visit to the dentist? Take a look at our tips to help you prepare for your appointment and make sure you understand your treatment and how much it will cost. 1. Prepare for your appointment Let your dentist know if you've been experiencing any dental pain or problems with your mouth or teeth. It is a good idea to write down your symptoms, worries and any questions you want to ask. 2. Tell your dentist if you’re feeling anxious Many people feel nervous about going to the dentist, but if you're anxious, help is available. Talk to your dentist about your fears. You can also ask a relative or friend to accompany you for support.  3. NHS or private care? Are you being seen as an NHS or private patient? Most high-street dental practices provide both types of care. If you need treatment, make sure you understand how much it will cost before committing to it. There are  four standard charges  for routine and emergency NHS treatment.  4. Are you eligible for free NHS treatment? Some people are entitled to free or partial help to pay for NHS dental care. Find out if you meet the  NHS' criteria  and are eligible for help with your health costs. 5. Ask your dentist for a treatment plan Dental treatments like fillings, removing teeth, and more complex procedures like root canals will have a cost. These usually fall into NHS  charges for bands two and three . You should receive a personal dental treatment plan if your dentist recommends this treatment. Your treatment plan will outline your treatments and the associated costs. Your dentist should also discuss any alternative private treatment options and give you the price in writing before you commit to it. 6. Follow the advice your dentist gives you During your appointment, your dentist should advise you on oral hygiene, telling you how best to care for your teeth to avoid gum disease and tooth decay. 7. Not sure of your treatment plan? Ask again If you need more clarification on your treatment or aftercare, ask your dentist to review it again before leaving the room. Your dentist will be happy to discuss your treatment plan with you again and should give you details of who you can contact if you have questions after your appointment. 8. Find out when you're due for a check-up Your dentist will tell you when they'll need to see you again. Follow-up appointments usually occur between three months to two years, depending on how healthy your teeth and gums are. However, if you are under 18 years old, it is recommended that you see the dentist at least once a year. 9. Do you have a disability, impairment or sensory loss? If the NHS partially or fully funds your treatment, your dentist is legally required to ensure you receive information you can easily read or understand to meet your needs. You can find out more about the NHS and their legal requirement to follow the accessible information standard. 10. Unhappy? Find out how to make a complaint It's always best to speak to your dental practice first to resolve any issues you have about your care. If you're still unhappy about your care, ask for a copy of the complaints procedure from your dentist. You can also read a guide to  making a complaint about your NHS dentist . Looking for an NHS dentist? To find an NHS dentist in your area, you can visit the NHS website, search for your nearest dentists and look at whether they are currently accepting NHS dentists.

Are you having trouble finding an NHS funded dentist? Read our tips on what to do if you’re facing problems. Everyone should be able to get the care and advice they need to keep their teeth healthy. Unfortunately, people across the country have told us they can't get an appointment with an NHS dentist, with the situation worsening in many areas.  Where's your nearest dentist? Use the NHS website to  search for a dentist near you . The site also provides information on which dental practices currently accept new patients, whether they offer urgent appointments, and how others have rated the service. While this is a good starting point for finding a local dentist, people often tell us that these records are only sometimes kept updated, so you should contact the practice directly for more information. If the records are out of date, you should let the practice know. You can also visit a dentist outside your local area if it's more convenient. For example, if you prefer to see a dentist near where you work. What happens if you need help finding an NHS dentist taking new patients? People have told us they're still looking for an NHS dentist who is taking on new patients. We continue calling for  a new NHS dental contract .  If you need help finding an NHS dentist in Somerset taking on new patients, contact us  to provide information about local services. However, please note that Healthwatch relies on dental practices to provide up-to-date information. You should also notify NHS England about the issue, as it must provide routine and urgent dental care nationwide. Find out how to make a complaint  here . What to do if you have a dental emergency? If you need immediate care for your teeth, you should: Ask your regular dentist whether they can offer an emergency appointment. Phone NHS111, who can locate an urgent dental service. Visit A&E if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, or face, mouth or teeth injuries. How much does dental treatment cost? Most people pay for dental treatment, but  some patients are exempt . A routine examination, which includes diagnosis, advice, a scale and polish and some preventative care if clinically needed, costs £25.80. However, if you require further dental treatment, this will be an additional cost. Dental practices usually offer both NHS and private dental care. Before you begin your treatment, check whether you are paying for NHS, private treatment, or both. NHS dentists should always: Explain which treatments are available on the NHS. Explain which treatments are only available privately. Ensure you know how much your NHS and private treatments will cost. How can you check whether your dentist is qualified? A list of all qualified dentists in the UK is available via the  General Dental Council (GDC)  register, which is the regulatory body for the profession.  Do note that you don’t register with a dentist in the same way as with a GP. You can choose to go to any dentist who can offer an appointment. Once a course of treatment finishes, the dentist is not obliged to see you in future. When you finish a course of treatment, you may want to book your next appointment to avoid problems in future. What to do if you’re unhappy with your treatment If you would like to complain about your treatment, please visit our  advice on making a complaint . You can also check out advice from the  Oral Health Foundation .

Did you know that pharmacies provide advice and information on minor illnesses and ailments? Find out how they can help you. Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for various minor illnesses. They also work with other healthcare professionals to get you the best possible care in a way that works for you and the NHS. The pharmacist will let you know if you need to visit a doctor or other healthcare service, such as a hospital. What services do pharmacies provide? Pharmacists train for five years in the use of medicines. They are also trained in managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice. They can answer your questions on prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Pharmacies provide the following services: dispensing of NHS prescriptions access to the repeat prescription service  an emergency supply of medicine, subject to the decision of the pharmacist  non-prescription medicines like paracetamol disposal of unwanted or out-of-date medicines Some pharmacies will deliver your prescription medicines to you, but you may need to pay for this service. You can use the  find a pharmacy service  and check the treatments and services page of the pharmacy profile to see if they offer this service. Can a pharmacist prescribe medication? Pharmacists can offer advice and over-the-counter medication to help with a range of common conditions and minor injuries, including: common ailments such as coughs, colds and the flu aches, pains and skin rashes Your pharmacist can help manage repeat prescriptions and help with any questions you might have about the medication the doctor has prescribed you. You can also only buy certain products classified as 'pharmacy medicines' from a pharmacist. These medicines, called 'pharmacy-only medicines', aren't usually displayed on open shelves.  Is a chat with my pharmacist confidential? Many pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard. Ask them if you would like to talk in private. Find your nearest pharmacist Not sure where your nearest pharmacist is? Enter your postcode to find a pharmacy near you, including high-street retailers, supermarkets and independent pharmacies. Do I need to see the doctor every time I need a prescription? Not necessarily. A pharmacist can help manage repeat prescriptions for you. If you take a medication regularly and your condition is stable, your GP can offer a long-term repeat prescription. Can pharmacists provide advice about the medication I'm taking for a long-term condition?  You can ask your pharmacist for advice about any of your medicines. If you're prescribed a medication to treat a long-term condition for the first time, you can get extra help and advice from your pharmacist. This scheme is called the  New Medicine Service  and applies to conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, heart failure and stroke. People often have problems when they start a new medicine. The pharmacist will support you to use your medicine safely and to the best effect. Can they give me general advice for my health and wellbeing? You can ask a pharmacist (instead of your GP) about how best to keep you and your family well. They've all sorts of advice, from how to eat healthily, quit smoking, lose weight, and what type of exercise you could do. What other services do pharmacists offer? Your local pharmacist might also offer other NHS services, such as: smoking cessation blood pressure tests weight management flu and covid vaccines. To find out what your community pharmacist provides, ask them. Some pharmacists are trained to spot people at risk of hypertension. They will offer you a blood pressure test if they think you are at risk. They'll share results with your GP so you can discuss any treatment you might need. If you have very high blood pressure, you'll be urgently referred to your GP within 24 hours. I've just been discharged from the hospital. How can pharmacists help me? If you were prescribed new medication while in the hospital, they can refer you to a pharmacy for extra help and guidance. The pharmacy will check any changes in the quantity, dosage or frequency of your medication and compare and review any new medicine with anything you were prescribed before you were in the hospital. The pharmacist will have a confidential chat with you to discuss the medication and any changes and ensure you know how to take the medicine. Other services that can help you find the right treatment Healthwatch Somerset  We can help you find the right treatment and support.  Get in touch NHS 111  They can advise whether a trip to the pharmacy, doctors or A&E is the most appropriate for you. They can also  book timeslots at services like A&E . Just call 111 or visit their  website . A&E  If you are in need of urgent medical care call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department.  Find your nearest A&E services More information For more information, or for a large print or easy read guide please visit the  NHS website .  You can also watch this  British Sign Language (BSL) video guide  to find out how a pharmacist can help.

Autism affects people in different ways. It can bring strengths and challenges that can affect how comfortable, healthy, and happy you feel. Here's what you should expect from an autism assessment, diagnosis and getting the proper support. There are more than one in one-hundred autistic people in the UK. Getting the correct diagnosis and support is vital.  Why have I been referred for an assessment for autism? You might be referred to an assessment if you or people around you think you may have some signs of autism. The signs include: Finding it difficult to talk to and be with other people. Having unusual or intense interests. Finding some situations and experiences challenging to cope with. Sometimes finding noise, touch, taste and texture, lights or smells challenging to deal with. Strongly preferring your usual routine. Developing more easily in some areas than others. An assessment means you can talk about these signs and learn their possible reasons. What to expect before your autism assessment The assessment should start within three months of being referred and is performed by a team of people specialising in autism. One person in this team will be your point of contact, this means they will make sure: You and your family know what will happen and when. Answer your questions. Get information or support for you and your family. Collect information to help the assessment (e.g. from your school, doctor or social worker if you have one). Talk to you about how information about you and your family is shared. What to expect during the assessment In your assessment, you and your family will be asked about different parts of your life to help them get to know you. They might ask questions like: What you are good at and what you find difficult. Any worries you or your parents have. How you get on at home, at school and in other situations. How you talk to and get on with other people. They might think about: Any other physical or mental health problems you might have, including doing some health checks. Anything else that might make things harder for you or affect how you have grown and developed. The team might also visit your school or home and arrange other assessments. This information will help them to work out how best to help you and plan the right support for you and your family. What to expect after the assessment The autism team and your case coordinator will meet with you and your family after the assessment to explain whether they think you have autism and why. They should give you a written report explaining their findings during the assessment and send a copy to your GP. If you agree, they should also send a copy to other relevant people in your life, such as your teacher or social worker. If you are autistic, the team should: Give you information about what autism is and what it might mean for you now and throughout your life. Talk to you about plans for providing support for you and your family. Tell you when they will meet with you next. This should be within six weeks of the assessment ending. Information and support If you are autistic, you and your family should be given information about support in your local area, which might include: Support groups which can help you meet other autistic young people or learn more about autism. Activities that can help in your day-to-day life. Help to prepare for the future so you can still do the things you would like to do. Where to get advice about money and benefits.

What are physician associates? Find out about their training and what kind of care they can provide. Have you heard of physician associates? Since 2003, they've been caring for NHS patients. Physician associates can check your health, request tests to help find out what's wrong, and work with doctors to plan your treatment.  With the NHS planning to employ more physician associates, find out what care they can offer you and how their role differs from that of doctors.  What are physician associates?   What do physician associates do? Physician associates are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of a senior doctor, such as a hospital consultant or a GP.  They are trained to perform various clinical duties, such as taking medical histories, conducting physical examinations and developing and managing treatment plans.  Since 2003, the number of physician associates working in the NHS has grown to 3,000, and there are plans to employ 10,000 by 2036.   What kind of education and training do physician associates receive?   Physician associates complete a three-year undergraduate degree, usually in a health, biomedical science, or life-sciences subject, followed by a two-year postgraduate qualification. The postgraduate training for physician associates covers some of the same topics as a medical degree but is less in-depth.  Like medical training, physician associate training involves supervised practice with patients.  When would I see a physician associate?   If your care needs are not complex or you need to see someone quickly, your GP practice might offer an appointment with a physician associate.  Before your appointment, your practice should tell you which healthcare professional you will see.  You may also see a physician associate in a hospital.  Physician associates work in various specialities such as emergency medicine, acute medicine, geriatrics, psychiatry, general surgery, respiratory medicine, trauma and orthopaedics, cardiology, and general internal medicine.   They review patients’ medical histories, perform examinations, and request diagnostic tests.  How are physician associates different from doctors?   Despite having 'physician' in their title, physician associates are not doctors.  Physician associates:  Have around two years of training compared to the ten years of an average fully qualified GP.   Must be supervised by a senior doctor.  Are not currently allowed to prescribe medication or request ionising radiation, such as a chest X-ray or a CT scan.  How do I know if I'm seeing a physician associate?   If you are unsure who is providing your care, you should ask them.  All healthcare professionals are advised to introduce themselves to patients and explain who is responsible for their care and the roles of other team members.  Guidance for physician associates says when you first meet them, they should:   Offer you the opportunity to ask about their role;  Explain that they are not a doctor and give enough time to explain their job, including their training and qualifications; and   Tell you that they work under the supervision of a named senior doctor.  Can I choose which professional I see?   You can choose which GP practice you register with and ask to see a particular doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional at the practice.   Your practice should make every effort to meet your preference, although there may be occasions when this is not possible. For example, a particular doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional may be on leave or at full capacity with no available appointments.  Why are more physician associates being recruited?   The NHS plans to recruit and train more doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and other professionals, which includes physician associates.  Healthcare in the twenty-first century is often delivered by multi-professional teams with different specialist skills and capabilities.   Having a physician associate on an NHS team can result in quicker access to care for some patients and help reduce the workload of other clinical professionals.   This may help free up time and resources for doctors, for example, to better support other patients.  Who checks they're practising safely and appropriately?   Currently, physician associates are not statutorily regulated. A senior doctor must supervise them to ensure they are working safely.  Physician associates must work under a dedicated medical supervisor which will be consultant, GP, or other senior medical personnel. The Faculty of Physician Associates maintains a voluntary register of all those who meet the required standards to practice. You can search this register online.  From December 2024, the General Medical Council will regulate physician associates, the organisation that ensures doctors are safe to practice.  What should I do if I am unhappy with my care or concerned about patient safety?    Talk to the staff at the place where you received healthcare treatment. Ask them how to raise a concern or make a complaint. You should be able to raise a concern by speaking to someone at the service, in writing, or by email.

The cost of living crisis has put many people under financial strain, and prescription costs are more than some can afford. Find out what help is out there to help you cover the cost of your medication. Most adults in England have to pay for their prescriptions. Right now, prescriptions cost £9.65 per item (though some items, like contraceptives, are free). Who can get a free NHS prescription? You have the right to free prescriptions if: You are 60 or over You are under 16 years old You are 16, 17 or 18 years old and in full-time education You are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months and have a valid  maternity exemption certificate You have a continuing physical disability that stops you going out without help from another person, and you have a valid  medical exemption certificate You hold a valid  war pension exemption certificate , and the prescription is for your disability You are an NHS inpatient You have a long-term health condition. People with certain medical conditions can get free NHS prescriptions by applying for a valid  medical exemption certificate  (MedEx) You are entitled to a free prescription if you or your partner receive the following benefits: Income support Income-based job seekers allowance Income-related employment and support allowance Pension credit guarantee credit Universal credit, and you meet the criteria You are also entitled to free prescriptions if you are under 20 and a dependent of someone on these benefits. See if you are eligible for help The Government has a five-minute online survey that will let you know if you can get free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment and eye tests. Do you have a low income? If you are on a low income, you may be able to receive financial help towards your prescription. The NHS have a low income scheme to help people. The scheme covers: Prescription costs Dental costs Eye care costs Healthcare travel costs Wigs and fabric support You can apply for the scheme if your savings, investments or property (not including where you live) stay within the capital limit. If you live in a care home, the capital limit is £23,250. For everyone else, it is £16,000. Visit the NHS website to find out how to apply for the low income scheme and claim money back that you have already paid.  Prescription prepayment certificates You can save money through a Prescription prepayment certificate (PPC). This certificate lets you pay a fee upfront to cover all your NHS prescriptions, including dental, no matter how many you need. Costs for a prepayment certificate vary depending on the duration of the certificate: Three months cost £31.25 and will save you money if you get more than three prescriptions in three months. Twelve months cost £111.60 and will save you money if you get more than eleven prescriptions yearly.  If you're prescribed Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), you are entitled to an  HRT PPC . The certificate costs £19.30, lasts 12 months, and will save you money if you get more than two prescriptions yearly.  Find out more about the HRT PPC and how to apply . You'll need an address to apply for a PPC or to the Low-Income Scheme (LIS). However, you can use a ‘care of’ or forwarding address if you don’t have a fixed address. More information and advice For more information and support paying for your prescriptions, check out the following resources: This  leaflet for patients  provides information on services that can help you with health costs NHS help with costs helpline – 0300 330 1343 NHS website on help with costs Citizen's advice guidance on health costs Macmillan information for those living with cancer Age UK advice on free prescriptions for over 60s Carers UK guidance for carers

75% of children and young people who experience mental health problems aren't getting the help they need. Research from  Mind  found many children and young people don’t understand mental health. Those experiencing emotional distress or mental health issues tend to downplay their problems. And rather than reach out to a friend or trusted adult for support, they'll turn to anonymous services for advice and care. What can affect children and young people’s mental health? As children grow and their bodies and minds develop, they might struggle to change. Puberty can play a part in the emotional and mental wellbeing of children and young people. But external factors can also affect their mental and emotional health, such as:  Traumatic events  like an injury or loss of a loved one, particularly a parent. Changes  to routine, family life or social life can impact their emotional or mental wellbeing. What signs should you look out for?  There are all sorts of concerns young people may need support with. It's important to reach out and speak to someone if you experience: Sadness, low mood or depression Feelings of worry, anxiety, or low confidence Problems with eating or your relationship with food Anger and irritability Problems sleeping, sleeping more than usual, tiredness or insomnia Hearing voices or seeing things Thoughts about wanting to hurt yourself Complicated feelings after a traumatic event Distancing yourself from friends or family A lack of interest or loss of interest in hobbies For parents and carers, it's important to be aware of any changes in behaviour or mood so you can support your child to stay mentally healthy. You can find more information on what to look for and how to support your child on  NHS Every Mind Matters. When should you reach out for help? You should still  reach out for support  even if what's bothering you isn't listed. Mental health looks different for everyone. You don't need to be in crisis before you reach out for help. The sooner you speak to someone about what's bothering you, the sooner you can start feeling like yourself again. There are lots of ways you can access support:  The NHS has  a list of services  that provide mental health support for young people, and can help you  find your local mental health support services . Mental Health UK  can also help you  find local support for your mental health . Other options for support , like charities, offer a range of services, from crisis helplines to counselling. Read our information below on finding other support services. If you're in a crisis and need urgent help: If you don't feel you can keep yourself safe right now, seek immediate help by visiting your nearest  Accident and Emergency (A&E) department  or by calling 999. If you need urgent support but don't want to go to A&E: Call  Samaritans  on Freephone 116 123  – they're always open and are there to listen. Contact  SHOUT  by text at  85258 . Contact  YoungMinds Crisis Messenger . Contact  NHS 111 . If you need support but feel safe: Contact your GP surgery and ask for an  emergency appointment . Visit Mind's website for more ways to access  support in a crisis . Visit the  Mental Health Foundation  website for other ways to  get help  with your mental health. NHS support for children and young people There are NHS  Child and Young People's Mental Health Services  (CYPMHS) services around the UK. Young people and their parents and carers can get direct support through these services. What is CYPMHS (CAMHS)? Child and Young People's Mental Health Services  (CYPMHS), previously Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are NHS services that support children and young people's emotional, behavioural and mental health. How do I access CYPMHS? You'll normally need a referral from your GP. Some services accept referrals from schools, social workers, and youth offending teams. You must tell the person referring you as much as possible. This will help you access the proper care and support. If you're old enough, you can refer yourself. Who does CYPMHS support? How long CYPMHS can support you is often personal to the individual seeking care. They typically support children and young people 18 years old and younger. If you're older than 18,  Mind 's guide on  adult services  and our list of  other options for support  can help you get the right care. Other services that can support you Childline Childline is a free, private and confidential service here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. You can talk to them about anything, whatever your worry, whenever you need help, anytime day or night. childline.org.uk 1-2-1 counsellor chat 0800 1111 Email Shout Shout is a free, nationwide, text-based, 24/7 service for people experiencing crisis. It’s a place to go if you’re anxious, worried, stressed, or struggling to cope and need help. giveusashout.org Text 85258 Young Minds Young Minds is a mental health charity for children and young people. They give advice and information about mental health conditions and support for both young people and parents and carers. youngminds.org.uk Text YM to 85258 Parents Helpline, 9.30am-4pm, Monday to Friday - 0808 802 5544 Mind Mind is a mental health charity that gives advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They have a section on their website on  CAMHS/CYPMHS  and can help you find support in your area. mind.org.uk Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm - 0300 123 3393 Text 86463 info@mind.org.uk The Mix The Mix is a free, confidential support service for young people under 25. They are here to help you on any challenge you’re facing – from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. themix.org.uk Other methods   are also available including one-to-one chat and counselling services Everyday, 4pm-11pm - 0808 808 4994 Email NHS The NHS website has further information on CYPMHS, including moving from CYPMHS to adult services, and other resources. NHS CYPMHS

The NHS wants to make it easier and safer for patients to get the right treatment when they need it, without waiting a long time to be seen in A&E. Find out what this means for you and your loved ones. How does NHS 111 work? If you have an  urgent but not life-threatening health problem , you can now contact NHS 111 to find out if you need to go to A&E. NHS 111 can book an appointment at your local A&E or emergency department. This time will be a rough guide for when you will get seen. This allows the NHS to better manage patient flow and overcrowding in the A&E. With the aim for people to get seen sooner.  Your NHS 111 advisor or clinician could also make you a direct appointment with a GP, Pharmacist or Urgent Treatment Centre. They can also give you the advice you need without using another service. What will this mean for you? If your condition is not life-threatening, NHS 111 may direct you to a more appropriate service or one that can see you sooner. You may also be asked to wait at home until the emergency department is ready to see you, avoiding a long wait in A&E for you and helping to prevent overcrowding. If you need an urgent face-to-face assessment or treatment, NHS 111 can arrange this immediately.  No one who turns up in A&E should be turned away or asked to call NHS 111. How do you use NHS 111? You, or someone on your behalf, can  contact NHS 111 either online or by phone  24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is free to use, including from a mobile phone. Call 111 NHS 111 online What should you do if you have a life-threatening emergency? If you or a loved one has a life-threatening emergency, you should  call 999  or go straight to your nearest emergency department. Examples of an emergency are: Loss of consciousness Acute confused state and fits that are not stopping Chest pain Breathing difficulties Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped Severe allergic reactions Severe burns or scalds Stroke If you have been asked to wait at home until your appointment by NHS 111 and your condition changes, call 111 again. If you have been asked to wait at home by NHS 111 and you become seriously ill, call an ambulance. Can I still walk into A&E? If you do not want to use NHS 111 first, you can still walk into A&E for treatment. Patients who need emergency treatment will be seen first. If your health condition is not urgent, you may need to wait elsewhere or be asked to return for a later appointment to help manage waiting times. A medical professional at A&E will assess you and may direct you to a different service if appropriate. If you do not want to be seen by another service, you can continue to wait in A&E. No one who turns up to A&E in person should be turned away and told to call NHS 111 instead. If this has happened to you or someone you know, tell us in our  short online survey  or contact us . Do you receive ongoing medical treatment from the hospital? If you have an ongoing medical problem which you manage by going straight to A&E when you're ill, It might be better for you to try and contact the hospital specialists who look after you before you go to A&E. Some patients with complicated medical problems need to be looked after in places other than A&E, particularly if you are vulnerable to infection. But, if you are extremely ill, go to your nearest emergency department or call an ambulance. What should you do if you require support for communication needs? You can tell the call handler that you need an interpreter. Call 18001 111 on a text phone or using the Next Generation Text (NGT) Lite app on your smartphone, tablet or computer. Use the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service if you’re hard of hearing or deaf and want to use the phone service. You could ask a loved one, friend or carer to make your communications needs known to the health professional so you can clearly communicate your health issues. How else can NHS 111 help me? NHS 111 helps people get the right physical and mental health advice and treatment when they urgently need it. A specialist health advisor will assess your health needs, give advice, refer you to the most appropriate care service or send an ambulance in case of an emergency. Depending on where you live or the services available in your area, NHS 111 can also be used to book same-day appointments at local pharmacists, GPs and Urgent Care Centres, so you can get the right type of treatment. If they cannot make you an appointment, they will direct you to the best service to meet your health needs. Nurses, GPs and paramedics play a large role within NHS 111 and may be able to give you the advice or treatment you need without accessing another service.

Together with NHS Somerset, we are shining a spotlight on patient and family engagement for safer care across Somerset for World Patient Safety Day on 17 September. Patients and families should be involved at every level of health and care to help NHS Somerset plan to make services better. In June 2023, NHS Somerset appointed two Patient Safety Partners (PSPs) to support Somerset’s journey to improve the way patients are involved to help keep others safe. The PSPs, who have a wealth of experience, are hosted by us, the county’s independent health and social care champion. The PSP’s will: have oversight of all patient and public feedback gathered by us, and use this to gain insight and report on issues relating to patient safety; become active members of NHS Somerset’s safety and quality committees to ensure the voice of patients is heard; and be involved in patient safety improvement projects within Somerset. To find out more about the role of PSPs, visit: NHS England » Framework for involving patients in patient safety “Patient and family engagement is one of NHS Somerset’s priorities in developing safer health and care systems in Somerset. Safe care depends on the full involvement of patients and families as users of health and care services at every level and requires a shift from care designed for patients to care designed with patients. We are pleased to be able to fund two Patient Safety Partner roles to help ensure the voices of patients in Somerset are heard.” Emma Savage, NHS Somerset Deputy Director of Quality and Improvement Our Somerset PSPs are passionate about their new roles using insight gathered from local people to help Somerset NHS deliver safe, quality healthcare. “Having recently retired from the NHS after almost 50 years’ service, I am privileged in being selected to undertake this role, that will ensure that patient safety is the golden thread which runs through all the processes and procedures that the healthcare services within Somerset provides. By working in partnership with patients, their families, carers and professionals to identify and assist in problem solving the issues of patient and staff  safety, ensuring that the provision of healthcare is safer within the complexities of today’s health service.” Glenys, Patient Safety Partner. “I look forward to representing the patient voice in discussions around the health and social care services in Somerset and to providing that necessary reminder that patient safety must underpin every decision made. I have worked in the fields of health and social care for almost 30 years and I live in Yeovil with my family.” Claire, Patient Safety Partner Share your views It’s easy to share your experience with us about patient safety or any aspect of health and social care, and this can remain anonymous. Freephone:  0800 999 1286 info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk

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 the support you need. Find out how you can make sure you look after yourself. Some people become carers overnight. When somebody has an accident or is taken ill, they can suddenly need support from those around them. For others, it can happen gradually, such as when parents cannot manage independently, or a partner's health deteriorates. Only some people realise that they have become a carer. The gradual development of a mental or physical health condition can see someone's needs build over time and their loved one slipping into the role of carer without acknowledging its impact on their lives. Looking after yourself: top tips Take time to be compassionate to yourself. Be honest with the person that you may not know what they are going through but that you care and want to help. Find your local carers support groups – they can be vital in giving you the support you need and helping you speak to people in similar situations. For help finding a support group, email  advice@carersuk.org  or call 0808 808 7777, Monday - Friday, 9am-6pm. Make the time to do things you enjoy, such as walking the dog, joining an evening class or meeting friends. Join the Carers UK online chats - Care for a cuppa. For more information on how to join the Zoom sessions and the dates, visit the  Carers UK website Acknowledge that you may not be able to ‘fix’ the person you are caring for but that you are there to help and support them. If you are struggling, talk to your GP and tell them how your caring role impacts your health. They will be able to offer confidential advice and support. Need more help?  There are lots of charities out there to offer advice and support to carers, including:  Carers UK Carers Trust