Tag: mental-health

Free NHS Health Checks now available in Williton 

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

Free NHS Health Checks are now available in Williton. Find out who is eligible, what the check involves and how it can help you stay healthy and reduce your risk of serious conditions.

Eligible residents aged 40 to 74 can now book a free NHS Health Check at a new location in West Somerset.

Residents are being encouraged to take a simple step towards better health, with appointments now available at Williton Library in West Somerset House.

The free check gives people a clearer picture of their health and can identify early signs of conditions such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes, helping them take action before problems develop.

Appointments are now available at:

Williton Library, West Somerset House, Williton

Find out if you are eligible and book here: NHS Health checks

The NHS Health Check is carried out by a trained healthcare professional and takes around 20 to 30 minutes. It includes simple measurements such as blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, together with personalised advice to help people stay well.

For residents aged over 65, the appointment also includes information about the early signs of dementia, as some of the risk factors overlap.

Cllr Evie Potts-Jones, Somerset Council’s lead member for public health, said:

“Making NHS Health Checks available in Williton will help more people in West Somerset access this important service close to home.

“These free checks can identify potential health problems at an early stage and help people understand the practical steps they can take to protect their health.

“If you are eligible and have not had a check in the past five years, I would encourage you to book an appointment.”

At the end of the appointment, residents receive a personalised assessment of their risk of developing heart or circulatory problems over the next 10 years. They will also receive practical advice about diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption and stopping smoking.

Where additional help may be beneficial, residents can be directed to suitable local support services.

People aged 40 to 74 who are eligible and have not had an NHS Health Check in the past five years can visit the Council’s NHS Health Checks webpage or book an appointment online.

A blood pressure monitoring kit being used on a person's arm, showing hypertension with high systolic and diastolic readings.

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Route 1 needs your help

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

“Children need at least one person in their life that thinks the sun rises and sets on them, who delights in their existence, and loves them unconditionally”   

This quote by Pamela Leo might make us think ‘of course’, but not all children have this. 

There are now over 600 children and young people in care – the highest this number has ever been. Some of these will have had experienced things in their short lives that we cannot imagine.  We can’t fix this, but we can help by providing safe adults who show consistency, care and give happy childhood memories.

 Route1 Advocacy and Independent Visitors service supports children and young people who are in care or have a social worker. They do this by matching volunteers with young people as either short term Advocates or longer-term Independent Visitors.

Children in care are placed in foster or residential homes across Somerset, and at times out of county. All of these children have a right to the same support.

Independent Visitors

These volunteers make a long-term commitment to one child in care. They visit the child once or twice each month to build a trusting, supportive relationship and friendship that can sometimes last many years. This can bring life-changing experiences and opportunities to a child or young person – and their Independent Visitor!

Advocates

Volunteers work alongside individual children to ensure their voices are heard, and their wishes and feelings are considered when decisions are being made which affect them. Each child’s support is usually short term and there is no expectation of a long-term commitment to a particular child.

A recent trainee volunteer said, “I started out thinking ‘what on earth can require 5 days of training?’ I now know why and think you have it just right.”

Your life experience will be highly valued, and you will be trained and supported in developing key skills.  Your volunteering can be arranged to suit your availability.

For more information about Route 1 Advocacy and Independent Visitors, you can contact us by emailing: route1advocacy@somerset.gov.uk, calling 01749 822801 and our website is  www.route1advocacy.co.uk

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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.