- Click on the NHS app to order your repeat prescriptions early
- Visit your local community pharmacy for advice and treatment for over 40 minor conditions
- Use your local urgent treatment centre rather than A&E for urgent care such as sprains and broken bones, minor head injuries and burns
- Download the Somerset Handiapp for healthcare advice for your child – everything from high temperatures to vomiting and diarrhoea
As the February school half-term approaches, Somerset health and care partners are sharing top tips on how to stay healthy and happy over the half term.
From ordering repeat prescriptions early and accessing mental health support, to making the most of local services like NHS 111 and community pharmacies, there are lots of things that people in Somerset can do to help themselves – and friends and family – stay well.
Bernie Marden, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Somerset said: “During the February half-term holidays, it’s important to know how you can get the help you need.
“The easiest and quickest way to order your repeat medicine is via the NHS App or GP Online Services – you can do this from the comfort of your own home. And do remember that community pharmacies can help you with many winter illnesses and provide prescription only medicine to treat seven common health conditions such as sinusitis, sore throats and earache.
“Mental health support is also crucial. We have face-to-face safe spaces and a 24-hour helpline available. You can also access help and advice via our Open Mental Healthwebsite. Remember, help is always at hand, and it’s important to reach out if you’re struggling.”
NHS Somerset has a handy guide on its website to help you access services to look after your health in Somerset over the winter: https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/winter-2025/
If you rely on repeat medication, make sure to place your orders now to avoid running out over the holidays. The easiest and quickest way to order your repeat medicine is via the NHS App or GP Online Services – 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.
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 www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-Pharmacy.
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, as well as how to check eligibility and to apply, is on the Council’s cost-of-living support page.
Domestic abuse
Sadly, we know that cases of domestic abuse increase over the festive season. This is not just physical but also emotional abuse. In an emergency, please 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 Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and on bank holidays.
Emergencies
If you need emergency care, please call 999 or use your nearest accident and emergency department. Do contact 111 first if you are unsure if you need to use A&E services.
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. https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/parent-zone/
You can also contact 111, your local community pharmacy or urgent treatment centre for non-emergency care.
Support with your mental health
People can struggle with their mental health more over the holidays. Open Mental Health’s Festive Wellbeing Kit is packed with resources and support options from across Somerset, whether it’s family tensions, money worries, or the stress of holiday preparations.
Remember, Mindline Somerset is open 24/7 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, after being assessed by NHS 111 they can direct you to your nearest dentist that can offer an urgent NHS appointment.
How to find an emergency or urgent NHS dentist appointment – NHS
Urgent Treatment Centres and Minor Injury Units
You can attend your local Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) or Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) for urgent non-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.
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 Vaccinations – NHS Somerset ICB
