Here you can find helpful advice and information about health and social care related topics along with general interest articles for Somerset. Advice & information Understanding NHS data sharing: What you need to know The NHS and social care use your health information to care for you and also to improve services. They keep it safe and private. If you don’t want your data used for planning or research, you can choose to opt out. Why is data shared? Shared data helps you and the NHS . For example: It brings your records together to improve your care It was used to find the first coronavirus treatment It supported vaccine research Your individual care Health and care staff may use your confi Healthwatch Somerset Nov 28, 2025 What should you expect from the NHS when it comes to accessible information? NHS England has published a refreshed version of the Accessible Information Standard (AIS) which was first released in 2016. Here we look... Healthwatch Somerset Jul 17, 2025 Healthwatch Somerset - Still here, still listening We want to reassure everyone that Healthwatch Somerset continues to operate as usual. The Government has announced plans to end the... Healthwatch Somerset Jul 10, 2025 1 2 3 4 5

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Check on our business hours, contact details or use our contact form to directly get in touch with the Healthwatch Somerset team. Contact us On this page you can get in touch using the details below, find directions and opening times for our offices or use the contact form to get in touch with us. Respect for All Healthwatch is committed to treating everyone with respect, and we expect the same in return. We will not tolerate the use of bad language, discrimination, or abusive behaviour towards our staff, volunteers, or partners. Anyone engaging in such behaviour will not be supported or worked with by Healthwatch. Opening Hours Monday 9am 5pm Tuesday 9am 5pm Wednesday 9am 5pm Thursday 9am 5pm Friday 9am 3pm Saturday Closed Sunday Closed Phone 0800 999 1286 Post Healthwatch Somerset, Suite 12, Wellworthys Business Centre, Parrett Way, Colley Lane, Bridgwater, TA6 5LB Contact form Enter your first name here Enter your email address here Enter your last name here Enter your contact number here Enter your message here I want to subscribe to the newsletter I agree to my data being stored and used in line with the privacy policy. Click here to see the privacy policy Submit Thank you for contacting us

We’ve published our latest annual report, showing how people across Somerset have shared their experiences to help improve health and social care. Over the past year, more than 2,000 people told us about their care, and we supported over 3,000 people with information and advice. Your feedback helps make sure services reflect what matters most to local people. Putting people at the centre of services We’re here to be your independent voice for health and social care. This year, we’ve worked with residents, community groups and decision-makers to help make services more responsive, inclusive and easier to access. Because people spoke up, we’ve seen real improvements, including: A new pharmacy in Wincanton, making it easier to get prescriptions Better, clearer information, with more use of plain English and accessible formats More support for unpaid carers, after many told us they weren’t getting the help they needed Listening to what matters What you told us also highlighted some ongoing challenges. For example: Seven in 10 carers said they weren’t offered information about caring People said information can be unclear, inconsistent, or only available online, making it hard to use We’re using this feedback to work with partners to improve communication and help people get the support they need more easily. Working together for change We continue to work closely with NHS and council partners, as well as voluntary and community groups, to make sure your experiences shape decisions. Krystle Pardon, Head of Patient Engagement and Involvement for Somerset NHS Foundation Trust said: Feedback from Healthwatch is invaluable in ensuring the voices of patients and carers are heard. This year we: Spent time in communities across Somerset, from colleges to care homes Ran events like Thinking Together, bringing people and organisations together to improve accessible information Shared what you told us with leaders across the local health and care system Worked with our volunteers, who contributed over 500 hours supporting engagement Looking ahead We know how important it is to have an independent voice for people, especially during times of change in the health and care system. In the year ahead, we will: Keep championing your experiences Focus on community wellbeing and support after leaving hospital Reach more young people and underrepresented groups Help people understand changes to the NHS and local services Share your experience Your feedback makes a difference. It helps services understand what’s working and what needs to improve so care can be better for everyone. If you’d like to share your experience or find out more, visit our 'Have your say' page or contacts us. Read the full report You can read and download the full report from our reports page.

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.

Catch up with the latest news about our work and updates about local health and care services. Welcome hut, Ark at Egwood, Merriott May 2026 in numbers A brief summary of team achievements in May. One delivery of Enter and View training to another Healthwatch Two requests for our volunteer Readers Panel to review NHS documentation 18 Events 47 Meetings 121 direct engagements with people These figures may be higher because it can be hard to record every contact and all feedback. Supporting you across the county On Monday 18 May we were at the Glastonbury Community Appointment Day for people with musculo skeletal (MSK) issues. Organised by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust physiotherapy team, patients have a booked appointment with a physiotherapist and are then able to access a variety of community stalls giving information about health and care. These events take place across the county and help both patients and health and care organisations. Devices and digital help available locally Many people still find it hard to use online services because they do not have a device, internet access, or confidence with technology. This makes it harder to use services like the NHS App or book appointments online, especially for older people, carers and people on low incomes. There is help available in Somerset. SIMPal provides free mobile phones, SIM cards, and connectivity for people who need them. The National Device Bank, run by the Good Things Foundation, works with local organisations across the UK to provide donated devices. They do not give devices directly, so you may need to contact a local organisation to check if support is available. You can also get support from local libraries, community hubs, and digital groups. They can help you set up devices, create an email account, and learn how to use online services safely. Have your say on Somerset Council’s priorities Somerset Council is asking people across the county what matters most to them as it starts planning its 2027/28 budget. This is an early chance for residents, businesses and community groups to help shape the council’s priorities before more detailed proposals are developed later in the year. The council provides services that many people rely on every day, including adult and children’s social care, public health, waste and recycling, highways, libraries, education, and community services. Because of ongoing financial pressures, the council wants to understand which services matter most to local people. We know that decisions about local services can affect people’s health, wellbeing, and daily lives. That is why it is important that everyone has the opportunity to have their say, especially people whose voices are not always heard. You can take part in the Somerset Council’s Summer Budget Consultation online. The consultation is open to everyone and closes on Monday 27 July. Improving cancer care across our region The Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon, and Gloucestershire (SWAG) Cancer Alliance is working to deliver the ambitions set out in the new National Cancer Plan for England. ©Thank you to SWAG Cancer Alliance for use of their image This national plan aims to ensure that by 2035, three in four people diagnosed with cancer will be living well five years after diagnosis. Across our region, around 50,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year, so improving services is vital. Earlier diagnosis and faster care are key priorities. More cancers are now being diagnosed at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful. In the SWAG area, early diagnosis rates are already higher than the national average. Work is also taking place to reduce waiting times and speed up access to tests and treatment. For example, new ways of working, like checking skin conditions using photos (teledermatology), are helping people get quicker answers and avoid unnecessary trips to hospital. Innovation is playing an important role. Local projects include digital self-referral services, which allow people with concerns (such as breast symptoms) to refer themselves directly for checks, helping them access care sooner. The Alliance is also supporting national improvements such as better use of technology, more personalised care, and new treatments based on genetic testing. Helping you find the right cancer support If you or someone you care for needs cancer support, it can be hard to know where to start. At Healthwatch, we’re here to help you find the right service and information quickly and with confidence. We are proud to be a Macmillan Affiliate Member. This gives us access to trusted training and clear, up-to-date resources, so we can support people before, during and after a cancer diagnosis. We can guide you to reliable information and connect you with other local support, including Cancer Awareness and Support Cafés (CASC) and other community services. Whether you’re unsure about services or where to turn next, we can help you understand your options and navigate the care you’re entitled to. Get in touch with us for free, independent support. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Outstanding Care, Still Going Strong A care home in Burnham-on-Sea is celebrating nearly a decade of top-quality care after once again being rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Frith House, which supports people living with dementia as well as those needing residential or respite care, has held this highest rating since 2017. The latest inspection highlighted a calm and welcoming environment where people are treated with dignity, kindness and respect. Inspectors found that compassionate staff make a real difference to residents’ lives, helping to improve wellbeing, reduce distress and build meaningful relationships. Residents said they feel safe and cared for, describing the home as having a strong sense of family and belonging. One family member shared: There is a generally good atmosphere in the home, staff upbeat and smiling. Activities are appropriate, and they keep me updated on how he’s been during the day. The team was also praised for helping people stay independent and involved, creating a positive culture where individuals feel valued. Kerry Stevens, Head of Residential and Nursing Services at Somerset Care, says: I am so proud of the Frith House team for retaining their outstanding rating at their latest CQC inspection. This is testament to the determination of each and every colleague to provide the highest standards of care for their residents, whilst also offering compassionate support for their loved ones. Experiences like these show us what good care looks like in practice: people being listened to, treated with respect and supported to live the life they choose. © Images kindly provided by Somerset care Bold & Brave: Helping Young People Build Confidence for Work Bold & Brave is a supported employment programme run by Young Somerset. It helps young people gain the skills, confidence and experience they need to move towards work. Through a shop and café, young people learn practical skills such as customer service, food preparation and running a business. Emmie’s story Emmie, age 20, joined the programme in September 2024. She lives with several conditions, including autism and anxiety, which affect her daily life. Before joining Bold & Brave, Emmie found it hard to speak to others and lacked confidence. College was a difficult time, and everyday tasks often felt overwhelming. When she started her internship, Emmie felt nervous and unsure. At first, she kept to herself. Over time, with support and real work experience, she began to grow in confidence. She learned to communicate more, share her ideas and connect with others. At the end of the internship, Emmie was offered a job as an Enterprise Assistant. She accepted and now works at Bold & Brave, while also volunteering in a charity shop. Emmie says the experience has helped her build confidence, develop friendships, and feel more hopeful about the future. She still faces challenges, especially in busy or unfamiliar situations, but feels more able to manage them. With clear routines and support, she continues to grow in confidence and independence. Emmie’s journey shows how the right support can help young people overcome barriers and reach their potential. © Images kindly provided by Young Somerset. Somerset adult social care ‘requires improvement’ – what people told inspectors The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published its latest assessment of Somerset Council’s adult social care. Overall, the council is rated “requires improvement.” People shared both positive and negative experiences. Some said support had improved over time, and many valued community-based services such as village agents, who help people access information and connect with local support.There is also evidence of stronger partnership working and committed staff, with leaders taking steps to improve how services are managed and delivered. However, not everyone is getting the support they need when they need it. Some people said it was hard to contact the council or felt they had to fit around services instead of getting care that works for them. Delays are a key concern, including long waits for assessments, reviews, and equipment. Unpaid carers also reported challenges. Inspectors heard that carers are not always aware of their right to an assessment, and some experience delays or a lack of support planning. What this means for people in Somerset This report reflects a system that is improving but still under pressure. There are positive examples of joined up working and community support, but people do not always receive prompt, consistent, or personalised care. What we are hearing locally These findings echo what we heard in our “Who Cares?” report. Carers told us they often struggle to find clear, consistent information, and face delays when trying to access support. Many also described feeling overlooked and not fully involved in decisions about care. Our view There are encouraging signs of progress, but more needs to be done to make sure everyone can access the right support at the right time. Listening to people and carers, improving communication and reducing delays will help services work better for local communities. Young people’s creativity celebrated in Somerset © Apples for all by Ellie A recent exhibition at County Hall warmly celebrated the creativity, experiences and voices of children and young people from across Somerset. The artwork was created by members of Somerset Council’s youth participation groups, including the Unstoppables, Somerset in Care and Leaving Care Councils, and Somerset Youth Parliament. © Aurora and Mountains by Holly The collection brought together paintings, poetry, photography, printing, collage and even a papier-mâché whale shark. Through their work, young people shared what mattered to them — from friendship and joy to climate change, care experience, youth voice and feeling connected to the world around them. This exhibition is a powerful reminder that young people have important things to say, and creative ways to say them. You can view the artwork online through the virtual exhibition page, making it easier for more people to see and celebrate young people’s work. © Images kindly provided by Somerset Council Engagement Participation Team Help make work fair for unpaid carers Unpaid carers play a vital role in supporting family, friends and communities, but many struggle to balance caring with work. A new government consultation is exploring how employment rights could be improved, including extended leave, better job protection and paid time off. The proposals also look at support for parents of seriously ill children, recognising the impact this can have on family life and work. Current rights, like unpaid carer’s leave and flexible working, don’t always go far enough, and many people find it hard to access clear information or support. This is your chance to share your experience and help shape future policy. Find out more and take part online. The consultation is open until 1 September 2026. Join us in July 😎 Come and talk to us about your experiences or for information and advice about health and care services in Somerset. Date and times Details July 4, 2026 10:00am to 6:00pm Somerset Armed Forces Day Vivary Park, Upper High Street, Taunton, TA1 3SX July 5, 2026 12:00pm to 5:00pm Yeovil Together at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Westbourne Close, Yeovil, BA20 2DD July 7, 2026 11:00am to 12:30am Taunton Library Paul St, Taunton, TA1 3XZ July 8, 2026 10:00am to 12:00pm Morland Community Hub Pearce Drive, Highbridge, TA9 3FU July 14, 2026 10:00am to 2:00pm The Care Show for Somerset Wellsprings Leisure Centre, Cheddon Road, Taunton, TA2 7QP July 16, 2026 1:00m to 3:00pm Brean Talking Café Brean Village Hall, Church Road, Brean, TA8 2SF July 22, 2026 10:30am to 12:30pm Carers Information Day at Taunton Town Football Club Wordsworth Drive, Taunton, TA1 2HG July 28, 2026 10:00am to 12:00pm Waffle over waffles at The Waffle Hub Community Café Methodist Church, 35A College St, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 1AS July 29, 2026 10:00am to 11:30am Glastonbury Library 1 Orchard Court, Glastonbury, BA6 9JB Other important dates Date What Find out more 6 to 12 July Alcohol Awareness Week https://alcoholchange.org.uk/ 24 July Samaritans Awareness Day https://www.samaritans.org/ 24 July International Self Care Day https://isfglobal.org/ 28 July World Hepatitis Day https://www.worldhepatitisday.org/ 30 July International Day of Friendship https://www.un.org/en/observances/friendship-day 1 to 31 July Sarcoma Awareness Month https://sarcoma.org.uk/ 1 to 31 July Good Care Month https://nationaltoday.com/good-care-month/ 1 to 31 July Disability Pride month https://www.scope.org.uk/disability-pride-month Want us to share your news? Do you have any health and care news or events you would like us to include in our July2026 newsletter? If so, please send us you text with an accompanying image to info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk before Friday 17 July 2026. Get in touch Share your experiences of health and care services in Somerset so we can help influence change and make services better. Have your say using our website contact form, or call us free on 0800 999 1286. Do you have questions about health and care ‘jargon’? We can help, email you enquiries to info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk or call us free on 0800 999 1286. Our website Find out what we do in a variety of accessible formats https://www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/about-us Read our news and reports https://www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/newsandreports Volunteer with us https://www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/volunteer Contact us https://www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/contact-us Follow us on social media: BlueSky/@healthwatchsom.bsky.social Facebook.com/Healthwatchsomerset @healthwatchsomerset If you have been sent this newsletter and would like to join our mailing list, please follow this sign up to our newsletter link. Healthwatch Somerset, Suite 12, Wellworthys Business Centre, Parrett Way, Colley Lane, Bridgwater, TA6 5LB The Healthwatch Somerset service is run by The Advocacy People, an independent charity - Charity No. 1080679 limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales with Company No. 3963421. The registered office is at PO Box 375, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 9HU