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Somerset Health and Wellbeing Advisory Network
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Over the past two years, the Covid-19 pandemic has forced many people indoors, increasing isolation and decreasing mobility. However, with most of us fully vaccinated against the virus, now is the time to get outside and enjoy the things we love doing.
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Gentle movement can increase muscle strength, boost general health and improve balance. In Somerset, Age UK and SASP have a wide range of classes and home exercises that are designed to get people moving again gradually following periods of inactivity.
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Vaccinations provide good protection against Covid-19 and getting the booster will make sure our protection is topped up, reducing the risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19 and making it easier to live safely with the virus.
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- aged 75 and over
- aged 12 and over and have a weakened immune system
Those due to turn 75 after the end of June, or who are in one of the groups identified in current JCVI guidance , will be invited for an additional booster jab in the Autumn.
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This Week's Public Health Film
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This week Clinton visits an Age UK class to understand how gentle movement can improve health and wellbeing as we get older. Dr Rachel Handley, Public Health Consultant at Somerset County Council discusses how much safer it is to move your body than not and an Ambassador from SASP tells us how to stay active from the comfort of our own homes.
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Walk In Covid Vaccination Clinics
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To help you promote the walk in vaccination sites in your area, we have created a range of social media graphics and posters.
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Sedgemoor
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Bridgwater Town Hall, High St, TA6 3BL
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Every Friday: 9am - 2pm - Walk in
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Book a Children only age 5+: 2pm-5pm
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*check GAJ for specific children’s (5+) clinics & times
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Appointments now open on NBS.
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Sydenham Pantry, Community Hub, Fairfax Road, Bridgwater, TA6 4HX
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Wednesday 22nd June: 1pm - 6pm
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Bridgwater Community Hospital, Bower
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Auction / Market at Junction 24 Market Way, North Petherton TA6 6DF
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Saturday 18th June: 9am - 3pm
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Hamp Pantry, Grenville House, Rhode Lane, Bridgwater, TA6 6JE
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Thursday 23rd June: 1pm - 6pm
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Somerset West and Taunton
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Tower Vaccination Centre: Tower Road, Taunton, TA1 4AF
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Book a Children only age 5+:
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*check GAJ for specific children’s (5+) clinics & times
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Appointments now open on NBS.
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Wellington Community Hospital, Bulford Lane, Wellington, TA21 8QQ
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Tuesday & Thursday: 9am - 1pm
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Priorswood Community Centre, 13-14 Priorswood Place, Taunton, TA2 7JW
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Sat 25th June: 12pm - 6pm
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Minehead Community Hospital, Luttrell Way, Minehead, TA24 6DF
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Every Tuesday: 8:30am - 7pm
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Mendip
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Haskins: 76 High Street, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5BT
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Saturday 18th June: 10am - 2 pm
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*check GAJ for specific children’s (5+) clinics & times.
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Book a Children for age 5+:
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Appointments now open on NBS.
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South Somerset
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Abbey Manor Health Centre, The Forum, Yeovil, BA21 3TL
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Every Wednesday: 9am - 7:30pm
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Weds 29th June: 9:30am - 7:30pm
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Saturday 18th June: 9:30am - 2pm
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Temperatures Rise Across Somerset
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Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
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- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid getting dehydrated
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm to avoid heat exhaustion and heatstroke's
- Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen regularly and wear a wide brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
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The UKHSA and Met Office Level 2 Heat-Health alert remains in place for the South West until midnight on Saturday 18th June. Temperatures are expected to peak on Friday 17th June.
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For some people, especially older people and those with underlying health conditions, the summer heat can bring real health risks. Temperatures indoors can be higher than temperatures outdoors. That’s why we’re urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk this summer. If you’re able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support.
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The Heatwave Plan for England includes recommendations for activities, specifically for care home staff and social workers tasked with caring for vulnerable groups.
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Over 70s or those with long term health conditions
We are conducting a survey to find out about the impact of the pandemic on older adults and those with long term health conditions. We would like to hear directly from this group and would be grateful if you could share this survey with your service users.
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Survey closes Thursday 30th June
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Elder Abuse and Isolation
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It is never too late to get help for people who are suffering from domestic abuse. More than 500,000 older people in the UK experience domestic abuse, and cases amongst those aged over 65 in Somerset are rising.
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Councillor Adam Dance, Somerset County Council’s Executive Officer responsible for health and wellbeing, said: “Social isolation has been identified as one of the leading contributors to an increase in elder abuse, this has been exacerbated by the restrictions caused by Covid over the last couple of years – which have made people further isolated."
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“We would like to reassure everyone help is, and will continue to be, available for those experiencing domestic abuse – whatever their age. Everyone should have the opportunity to lead a happy, healthy and safe life free from abuse. I urge anyone who is living with abuse in their lives to get help and advice.”
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Please share the help available widely with your networks.
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- www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk
- Telephone: 0800 69 49 999
- In an emergency you should always dial 999
- If you are worried that an abuser may overhear your call you can remain silent, tap the phone and dial 55 when prompted by the operator who will send help.
- If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired you can register with emergencySMS.net.
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Happy Healthy Holidays is back for Summer 2022
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Following the success of previous Happy Healthy Holidays programmes, SASP and Somerset County Council have once again partnered to deliver an exciting range of free activity days for young people over the summer holidays.
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The programme will provide support to families by offering healthy food and a range of activities to children receiving free school meals in Somerset.
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A huge range of lesson plans and resources are available on the Children and Young People Somerset Website, covering everything from physical activity and nature conservation to rainy day activity packs. Please click the button below for more details.
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We want to hear from you
Your feedback is valuable to us and we'd like to receive more from you and your communities. Ideas on different ways to engage and issues you are spotting locally will help us to reduce barriers to accessing healthcare.
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Local Helplines
If you require support please contact your local authority.
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Mendip District council call 0300 303 8588
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Sedgemoor District council call 0300 303 7800
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South Somerset district council call 01935 462462
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Somerset West and Taunton council call 0300 304 8000
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Somerset County Council call 0300 123 22224
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Resources and Further Information:
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