Tag: health

International Overdose Awareness Day

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment
To mark International Overdose Awareness Day on 31 August, Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS) is inviting people to attend free training and awareness sessions that could help save a life.
Event Details: Learn to save a life on International Overdose Awareness Day
📅 Date: Friday, 29 August 2025
🕙 Time: Any time between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Locations:
  • Yeovil – Maltravers House, Petters Way, BA20 1SH
  • Taunton – 4 Hammet Street, Taunton, TA1 1RZ
These drop-in sessions are open to everyone—whether you’re seeking support, a health or care professional, a friend or family member of someone who uses substances, or simply curious about the service.
Joseph Olubodun, Peer Mentor and Volunteer Coordinator – Aftercare at SDAS, said:
“We are opening our doors for International Overdose Awareness Day to show people what our service offers to those living in Somerset and to help reduce the stigma surrounding substance use.
“We also want to demonstrate how carrying Naloxone and knowing how to use it can save a life.
“Members of the SDAS team and our peer mentors will be available to speak with attendees and encourage them to join the growing number of people who carry Naloxone as part of their daily routine.
“So, whether you use substances, spend time with people who do, or are a friend or family member of someone who does, please take the time to come along and find out more.
“You could save a life.”
If you’re unable to attend, you can still learn more and access training by visiting:
🔗 https://www.turning-point.co.uk/services/somerset/naloxone 
About SDAS
Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS) is commissioned by Somerset Council and delivered by the national charity Turning Point. The service provides support, education, and resources to individuals and communities affected by substance use.
Any members of the media who would like to attend and find out more should contact keith.williams@turning-point.co.uk in the first instance.

West Somerset Food Cupboard

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

We have had another busy month at the Food Cupboard with demand remaining high, which is understandable with the current financial climate. People really are struggling to stretch their budgets to meet all the demands of housing costs and general living costs. Food prices are significantly high and even what we call the staple foods like milk and sugar have seen dramatic price increases. Households are struggling to put a meal on the table, let alone try to provide a healthy choice of food.

The rising cost of food is also impacting our level of donations. We’re seeing a noticeable decline, as many people are finding it harder to add a few extra items to their shopping to support us. Combined with the growing demand for our services, these are challenging times for food banks.

At The Pantry, we’ve always worked hard to ensure our members have access to a healthy selection of meat, eggs, cheese, vegetables, dairy products, rice, and pasta. We source this primarily by purchasing surplus food from large supermarkets—food that would otherwise go to waste—alongside invaluable local donations of eggs, bread, and organic vegetables.

As demand for surplus food has increased significantly with the rise in food charities, our local supplies have become even more crucial. Without this support, we wouldn’t be able to provide weekly food parcels to 40 families in need.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who continues to contribute—whether through food donations or financial support. Every single act of generosity truly makes a difference in helping us support our local community.

Thank you for supporting us. We would be grateful for these items this month:

Tins of vegetables-peas, carrots, sweetcorn
• Pasta/Curry Sauce/stir in pasta sauce
• Tinned Meat & Fish -Corned beef, ham, tuna
• Squash bottles/Fruit Juice cartons
• Savoury Crackers/Bread sticks/Rice cakes
• Tinned Potatoes & Instant Mash Sachets
• Rice Pudding/Custard/Individual Puddings.
• Tinned Tomatoes
• Biscuits & Crisps
• UHT Milk 1 litre
• Rice
• Sugar
• Jam/Pickles and Chutneys
We are unable to distribute, chilled, frozen, damaged, out of-date or home-made items.
Thankyou
Charity Number: 1198591
Contact Us: info@wsfoodcupboard.org.uk
07795080637

Stop the spread

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

There are simple things you can do in your daily life that will help reduce the spread of COVID-19, Flu  and other respiratory infections and protect those at highest risk. Things you can choose to do are:

  1. Get vaccinated.
  2. Let fresh air in if meeting others indoors.
  3. Practise good hygiene:
    • wash your hands
    • cover your coughs and sneezes
    • clean your surroundings frequently
  4. Wear a face covering or a face mask.

Face coverings and face masks can help reduce the chance of you spreading infection to others, especially in crowded and enclosed spaces, and may protect you from becoming infected by some respiratory viruses.

If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you are advised to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.

Support for those in need

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

Somerset families and residents who are struggling to pay the bills this winter could be eligible for support with the cost of food, energy, water, and other essentials over the coming months.

Somerset Council will be distributing £3.8m to those in need between October 2024 and March 2025 as part of the Government’s Household Support Fund.

To find out move click on this link https://www.somerset.gov.uk/news/support-for-somerset-households-with-food-and-energy-bills-this-winter/

Check your Hot Water Bottle NOW

How long should a hot water bottle last?


The general recommendation is to replace your hot water bottle every two to three years. Most hot water bottles are made out of rubber (some are made from polyvinyl chloride, commonly called PVC), and rubber does degrade over time and with usage.

How to check how old your hot water bottle is?

Every hot water bottle sold in the UK should have a ‘flower wheel’ on the funnel somewhere, which shows the date it was made…

The number in the centre of the wheel shows you what year it was made. For example, if it says 18, it was made in 2018.

How to use your hot water bottle safely

Assuming your hot water bottle is in date, here are a few more tips on how to minimise the risk of burns…

Filling the bottle

Do:

  • Fill with a mixture of cold and hot water – Boil half the water needed and add cold water to the kettle or jug before filling the bottle.
  • Fill the bottle over the sink – Pour water into the bottle carefully to avoid spills.
  • Squeeze as much air as you can out of the bottle before stoppering it. If there’s air left in the bottle, the water can heat the air, meaning it expands, which may burst the bottle.
  • Screw in the stopper until hand-tight – Ensure the stopper is securely in place.
  • Check the bottle for leaks – Regularly inspect the bottle to ensure it is in good condition.

Don’t:

  • Don’t use if cracked, worn, or leaking – Ensure the hot water bottle is in good condition before use.
  • NEVER fill with boiling water – Using boiling water can cause damage and lead to the bottle bursting.
  • Don’t use the microwave or oven – Avoid heating the hot water bottle using these methods.
  • Don’t use hot water from the tap – Copper from pipes can affect the rubber’s strength.
  • Don’t fill more than two-thirds full – Unless the bottle is designed to be fully filled, avoid exceeding this limit.

Using the bottle

  • Don’t place in direct contact with your skin, always have a cover, towel or clothing.
  • Don’t put pressure or weight on the bottle, it’s not designed for you to sit or lie on it.
  • Don’t sleep with the bottle in bed overnight, remove it once the bed is warm before you go to sleep.    

Storing the bottle

  • Empty the bottle and hang it upside-down to drain. Make sure it’s totally dry before storing it.
  • Store the bottle with the stopper removed.
  • Store it in a cool, dry, dark place.
  • Either hang it upside down or lie it flat to store it.
  • Don’t place anything on top of the bottle while it’s being stored.