On Monday (15 October) the first of a number of county-wide events takes place to hear local people's views on health and care in Somerset, and explore how it could change in future.

Somerset CCG, the NHS acute hospital trusts, Somerset Partnership (mental and community health services), and Somerset County Council have jointly launched a programme called 'Fit for my future' to hear people's experiences of health and care and gain feedback on emerging proposals of how it may change in future.

The first two sessions take place next week; the first is at Berrow Village Hall, Burnham-on-Sea, on Monday afternoon, 3pm-6.30pm, closely followed by Great Bow Wharf, Langport on Wednesday 17 October, 10am to 2pm).

There are five health and care areas under review:

â— planned care (usually non-emergency treatment) and cancer,

â— long term health conditions (such as diabetes) and frailty

â— urgent and emergency care

â— mental health and learning disabilities, and

â— maternity and children's services.

The events will explain why we need a new approach to health and care services to help support Somerset residents to live longer, healthier and more independent lives. And, when people do need health and care support, how it might be provided in a way that best meets their needs, and as close to home or community as possible.

The CCG and their partners want to hear the views, experiences and ideas of as many people as possible – they hope people will visit one of the drop-ins taking place across the county at:

• Berrow Village Hall, Burnham-on-Sea, Monday 15th October, 3pm – 6.30pm
• Great Bow Wharf, Langport, Wednesday 17th October, 10am- 2pm
• Balsam Centre, Wincanton, Tuesday 23rd October, 10am- 2pm
• Axbridge Town Hall, Axbridge, Thursday 25th October, 10am- 2pm
• Hub Nub, Frome, Monday 29th of October, 10am- 2pm
• The Arts Centre, Wellington, Tuesday 30th October , 12.30pm – 4.30pm
• Ilminster Town Hall, Ilminster, Wednesday 31st October, 3.30pm – 7pm
• Victoria Park Community Centre, Bridgwater, Tuesday 6th November, 10am- 2pm
• Hen Hayes, Crewkerne, Wednesday 7th November, 4pm – 7pm
• The Guildhall, Chard, Monday 12th November, 12.00pm – 4pm
• Albermarle Centre, Taunton, Wednesday 14th November, 10am- 2pm
• Shape Mendip, Shepton Mallet, Thursday 15th November, 10am- 2pm
• Brushford Parish Hall, Dulverton, Tuesday 20th November, 3.30pm – 7pm
• Glastonbury Town Hall, Glastonbury, Wednesday 21st November, 10am- 2pm
• The Hub, Minehead, Monday 26th November, 1.30pm – 5.30pm
• Abbey Manor Centre, Yeovil, Tuesday 27th November, 1.30pm – 5.30pm

Alternatively, if it's difficult to make one of the above events, you can review the information at https://www.fitformyfuture.org.uk/ and feedback your thoughts via an online questionnaire located in the 'get involved' section.

For further questions about the 'Fit For My Future' programme, please email [email protected].

Ends

For more information, please contact Paul Courtney, NHS Communications Manager, Somerset CCG on 01935 385241 or email [email protected] or Deborah Porter, Communications Manager at Somerset County Council on 079 766 98075 or email [email protected]