The Health and Social Care Act of 2012 put people at the centre of their health and social care. To help realise that ambition, a Healthwatch organisation was set up in every local authority area across England. Each one is a key part of its local community, and works in partnership with other organisations in its area. For Healthwatch Somerset, this includes Somerset Council, the NHS, local hospitals and voluntary organisations.

The Healthwatch Somerset service is run by Evolving Communities CIC, a community interest company limited by guarantee and run by a board of directors who are responsible for its strategy and overall management.

Healthwatch Somerset shares evidence and feedback on what people think so that these services meet the needs of local communities. They support volunteers and provide information about what is working well and what needs to change. They can visit services, such as care homes and hospitals, see what is happening and report back to commissioners. You can see what happens after you tell them about your experiences on the Healthwatch Somerset website.

Tania and Sheila from Healthwatch Somerset talk about their independent role of listening to what people like about health and care services and what could be improved so that your voice is heard and influences how services are run, as part of the Local Offer Live February 2022 sessions.

See also Healthwatch Somerset in one minute from Healthwatch Somerset on Vimeo.

Type of provision

Universal - This is for everyone, including people with special educational needs and disabilities