Support To Help You Stay Well This Winter

Tips for staying healthy in Somerset over winter

NHS Somerset has put together a handy guide on its website to help you access local services

If you rely on repeat medication, the easiest and quickest way to order your repeat medicine is via the NHS app. You can do this from the comfort of your own home. Before you order, check what medicines you already have and only order what you need. Please do not stockpile medicines as excess supplies can be dangerous and wasteful. 

NHS 111

For non-emergencies, you can get medical advice 24/7 by calling NHS 111 or using the 111 online service. They have trained professionals who can direct you to the appropriate care.  

Urgent treatment centres and minor injury unit

You can attend your local Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) or Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) for urgent not life-threatening conditions and injuries such as sprains, fractures and burns. For the latest information on opening hours and services, visit the UTC/MIU pages.

Community pharmacies

Your local pharmacy can offer clinical advice for common winter conditions such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy troubles, and aches and pains. Check their opening hours via the NHS find a pharmacy service.

Pharmacy First is a service that allows community pharmacists to provide prescription-only medicines to treat seven common health conditions, without a visit to a GP, including sinusitis, sore throat, shingles and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women.  

Cost-of-living support available this winter 

Somerset Council and its community partners are offering food, energy and housing support to help residents cope with rising costs this winter.

The kind of vital local support that the council is encouraging people to access includes: 

• food pantries,
• advice and support for people with caring responsibilities, 
• Council Tax support for people on a low income or who receive certain benefits,  
• discretionary housing payments to help pay rent,
• and financial support for elderly residents to heat their homes.

Details about the full range of support available on the Somerset Council website

Domestic abuse

In an emergency, call 999.  

For support, contact the Somerset Domestic Abuse Service or call 0800 69 49 999. The helpline is available from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, including bank holidays.

Emergencies

If you need emergency care, call 999 or use your nearest accident and emergency department. Contact 111 first if you are unsure if you need to use A&E services.  

Getting your loved ones home 

If your loved one is in hospital and well enough to leave, help support them to get home at the earliest opportunity.  

Looking after children

Download Somerset’s Handiapp with advice to help with everything from if they have a high temperature to if they are vomiting or have diarrhoea to help you look after you child.

You can also contact 111, your local community pharmacy or urgent treatment centre for non-emergency care.

Support with your mental health

Open Mental Health’s Festive Wellbeing Kit is packed with resources and support options across Somerset, whether it’s family tensions, money worries, or the stress of holiday preparations.   

Remember, Mindline Somerset is open any time of the day locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692. And with Crisis Safe Space appointments available, you never have to face mental health struggles alone.  

Urgent dental care

If you need emergency or urgent dental care, you can get advice from NHS 111, or contact a dentist and ask for an appointment.

How to find an emergency or urgent NHS dentist appointment

Winter vaccinations

Free vaccinations for flu, COVID and RSV are available at GPs, community pharmacies, your GP and at pop up clinics.

For more information on who is eligible and where to get your vaccinations visit the NHS Somerset ICB website

Published: Jan 7, 2026