1. Seven pieces of information that you should expect to receive after being diagnosed with dementia

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's (NICE) quick guide to discussing and planning support following a dementia diagnosis.

  2. Loneliness 1 in 3 carers suffer

    News -

    Carers are facing a loneliness “epidemic” according to new research revealed during Carers’ Week 2019 running until June 16.

  3. The state of caring survey 2019

    News -

    Last year over 7,000 carers shared their experience of caring.

  4. Public meeting report - Personalisation

    Report -

    Personalisation is relatively new, is not fully understood and is of interest to the public. It is a social care approach in which every person who receives support, whether provided by statutory services or self-funded, has choice and control.

  5. Report investigating support for carers - June 2017

    Report -

    Carers UK estimate that nationally 6.8 million people provide unpaid care for a disabled, seriously-ill or older person in the UK.

  6. Carers in crisis are struggling to find help

    News -

    Healthwatch have found that Carers in crisis are struggling to find any help.

  7. Call for Foster Carers

    News -

    There is a call for temporary foster carers across North Somerset during the Coronavirus pandemic

  8. Advice available for unpaid carers

    News -

    The community bus, MAVIS, will be in Weston town centre on Friday (24 November) promoting the help available for unpaid carers in North Somerset.

  9. Rally Round

    News -

    Unpaid carers in North Somerset can now access a FREE online service which makes it really easy for friends and family to form a virtual support circle and work together to help a loved one.

  10. Joint work to support carers

    News -

    Joint work by North Somerset Council and Clinical Comissioning Group to support carers

  11. Supporting carers to stay employed

    News -

    North Somerset is one of nine areas in England to have secured funding for a two-year pilot project to help carers balance their caring role with paid employment.

  12. Are you an unpaid carer? Register with a GP so you don't miss your COVID-19 vaccine

    Advice and Information -

    It's always important to be registered with a GP - but it's particularly important if you're caring for someone vulnerable. If you're not registered, you may not get your COVID-19 vaccination at the right time.

  13. Carers' forum - we care about how your needs are met in the future

    News -

    Are you an unpaid parent carer in North Somerset? Take part in our Forum on Thursday (February 25th) morning or next Thursday (March 4th) evening over Zoom. We need your views so we know about the support and help you might need in the future.

  14. Winterbourne View 10 years on: Supporting those with learning disabilities to stay safe and well

    News -

    People with learning disabilities are still at risk of dying unnecessarily and receive poorer care – 10 years on from the abuse suffered at Winterbourne View.

  15. Struggling to access digital services? Take a look at three new booklets, created to help people use the internet

    News -

    Alive, a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of older people and their carers, have published three booklets with the help of Healthwatch North Somerset to help those who struggle with technology access online services.

  16. How to help someone get the most out of their learning disability Annual Health Check

    Advice and Information -

    People with a learning disability may find it hard to know when they are unwell, or to tell someone about it. We've put together a checklist to help people with a learning disability and their carers make the most of their annual health check.

  17. People with learning disabilities and their carers are entitled to a free flu vaccination

    Advice and Information -

    Preventing flu can be particularly important for people with a learning disability. Flu can lead to pneumonia and sepsis, which many people with a learning disability are much more vulnerable to than the general population.

  18. Report: listening and learning from unpaid carers

    Report -

    Unpaid carers told us about the support and services they would like to see included in North Somerset Council's Carers Strategy 2021 - 2024. This report was co-produced with North Somerset Parent Carers Working Together and the Alzheimer's Society.

  19. Supporting people living with dementia in North Somerset

    Advice and Information -

    A new directory of local and national resources to support people living with dementia, their carers, and their support networks has been put together by a team of experts. It covers often overlooked issues, such as emotional and wellbeing support.

  20. Report: unheard carers from minority groups in North Somerset

    Report -

    People from diverse, often-unheard cultural backgrounds told us about their experiences of looking after a loved one. None considered themselves to be carers, and therefore were not receiving any support from local health and social care services.

  21. Support for unpaid carers in North Somerset

    Advice and Information -

    Caring can be rewarding, but many carers need help at some point. Alliance Homes offers a range of support for carers in North Somerset, including groups and opportunities to meet other carers, and help with financial support and
    benefits.

  22. Annual Report 2022/2023

    Report -

    Last year, 793 people shared their experiences of health and social care services with us. Our annual report sets out how your comments and concerns have had a real impact on local health and social care services.

  23. How would you want to be supported by adult social care services?

    News -

    We're looking to hear from people who are not currently receiving support from adult social care services. We'd like you to tell us what you know about social care and how you would like to be supported if and when needed. Your views will help North Somerset Council plan their future services.

  24. Report: time to think differently about adult social care

    Report -

    What matters to you if and when you need help from social care services? Local people who don't currently receive any support told us about what's important to them, both now and when they need assistance in the future.

  25. Self Report App for COVID 19

    News -

    Use this Self-Report App to help Kings College London scientists understand Covid-19

  26. Coronavirus - Translations available

    News -

    Latest NHS Coronavirus Guidance | Over 30 Translations Now Available

  27. Coronavirus FAQs

    News -

    Coronavirus FAQs on the right way to protect yourself and loved ones

    Information taken from gov.uk

  28. Scam over COVID 19 tax refund

    News -

    Avon and Somerset Police have today advised us that there is a scam email over Covid19 tax refund

  29. Coronavirus support from your Healthwatch team

    News -

    Coronavirus Support From Your Healthwatch Team

  30. Community Action to help with COVID 19 relief

    News -

    Neighbourhood Watch highlights 10 ways to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community in the event of an ourbreak:

  31. Three pronged attack to prevent the spread of Coronavirus

    News -

    Catch it.
    Bin it
    Kill it

  32. Do your bit for the NHS

    Advice and Information -

    Please do your bit by ensuring you go to the right place for medical care and reduce any unnecessary strain on the NHS. Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire CCG have launched a campaign to help local A&E services, encouraging people to g

  33. Interactive Map of local community services

    News -

    Take a look at this amazing list created by ‘Bristol Independent Businesses’ – it brings together community resources, Mutal Aid Groups and food delivery services that are available across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

  34. Don't bulk buy - advice from pharmacies

    Advice and Information -

    Here are some reminders to help ensure everyone has access to the medication they need. The message is: be considerate towards others by not over-ordering medication.

  35. Frequently Asked Questions about Coronavirus

    Advice and Information -

    There is a lot of confusion around Coronavirus and what people should, or should not, be doing. Below are some of the commonly asked questions together with advice as to where to go if they need further information.

  36. Council Information during Coronavirus

    Advice and Information -

    North Somerset Council update as of Monday 4th April 2020. Advice on all critical services and information where to go if you need more information

  37. Coronavirus and domestic abuse

    News -

    Living with an abusive partner or family member is difficult at the best of times. But being stuck in the home together at a time of stress and uncertainty may be even more frightening than usual.

  38. Coronavirus and mental health

    News -

    In light of the Coronavirus situation, North Somerset Wellbeing Service has re-designed the Service offer for the next three to six months.

  39. COVID-19: links to help and support

    Advice and Information -

    Here is a list of links for help and advice regarding Coronavirus and specific health conditions.

  40. Mental health service 'gaps'? - tell us your views

    News -

    The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in many mental health support services being suspended or becoming 'self-service' online. We want to help you find the support you need and hear your experiences of online and telephone services.

  41. Passport to help vulnerable cope with hospital visits

    News -

    Carers who assist people with learning disabilities are asked to help make sure their ‘Healthcare Passports’ are up-to-date for any hospital visits during the health pandemic.

  42. Secure patient transport service to change policies following inadequate rating

    News -

    A patient transport service for mental health patients in North Somerset has said they are making changes to how they record journeys – following an inadequate rating from the Quality Care Commission.

  43. New review says BAME groups at higher risk of dying from Covid-19

    Report -

    A new review has shown the risk of dying from Covid-19 is higher among Black and Asian Minority Ethnic Groups compared to white groups. Healthwatch awaits recommendations from these findings which will really benefit BAME staff and patients.

  44. Volunteers' Week - thank you John!

    Blog -

    Thanks John, your work means patients' voices are heard by key decision makers at local hospitals.

  45. Weston Hospital update - no new cases

    News -

    There have been no new Covid-19 cases identified at Weston Hospital after inpatients were re-tested this week. Work is ongoing so it can reopen “as soon as possible,” according to the hospital's CEO.

  46. Weston Hospital now fully reopened

    News -

    Weston Hospital has now fully reopened and patients who have an appointment scheduled from today onwards should just attend at their allocated time. The A&E service is also now operational again from 8am to 10pm.

  47. See how we use your views to improve health and care services near you

    Report -

    Read our latest Annual Report for 2019/2020 - we expanded our geographical area and our staff team to make a difference to local health and care services. We take you through our highlights and achievements.

  48. Shielding stories - an insight into how vulnerable people coped in North Somerset

    Report -

    Older and more vulnerable people have told Healthwatch how they coped with coronavirus with many admitting their mental health had suffered and they often felt lonely.