Are you a young person under 18 who provides regular care and support to a family member?
Tell us about information available to you, and you could be entered into a draw for a £35.00 Amazon gift voucher. We want to know what...
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Oct 7
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...
May 22
The People's Vote
Every year Healthwatch Somerset (HWS) Board and Staff members gather information about the delivery and efficiency of local health and...
Nov 23, 2023
Collaborative event sets the stage for renewed commitment to Somerset’s unpaid carers
The Somerset Carers Engagement Project recently achieved a significant milestone in its mission to empower and support unpaid carers...
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 14, 2023
What is adult social care?
Do you or a loved one need help with social care? Read the article below to find out answers to key questions about who can access adult...
Aug 28, 2023
What help can you get to pay for your prescriptions?
The cost of living crisis has put many people under financial strain, and prescription costs are more than some can afford. Find out what...
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...
Jun 6, 2023
What support can I get as a carer?
Many people who provide unpaid care are unaware of their rights. Find out more about the help and support you are entitled to. If you...
May 30, 2023
Looking after your oral health while living in a care home
Living in a care home can increase your risk of oral health problems. That's why knowing what questions to ask care staff about your oral...
May 11, 2023
What should you expect after a dementia diagnosis
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be a life-changing event, but knowing what support is available to you and what steps to take next can...
Apr 16, 2023
Evaluating people’s experiences of being transferred from hospital to care at home or in the community
Our new report evaluates people’s experiences of being discharged from hospital to be cared for at home or in a residential or community...
Apr 26, 2022
Someone I love has died - where can I find support
Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving. What is grief? Grief is...
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...
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...
Apr 25, 2021
New public engagement programme to drive improvements in local health and social care
We have announced the areas we will investigate this year, to make sure that local people’s views and experiences are used to drive and...
Sep 27, 2020
Somerset care homes – before and during COVID-19: Healthwatch Somerset reports
Today we have published four reports about care homes in Somerset – three reporting on the quality of care in Somerset care homes prior...
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...
May 31, 2020
Bob’s story: Caring for your family in retirement
Shepton Mallet resident Bob became a full-time carer when he retired from a long career with the ambulance service. He has spent the past...
May 14, 2020
Living with dementia during lockdown – sharing stories to raise awareness and help make care better
During Mental Health Awareness Week (18-24 May), we are highlighting the care and support needs of people living with dementia and their...
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