**Updated 18th January 2021**

Covid-19 vaccinations in Somerset

Health and care teams across Somerset are rolling out the Covid-19 vaccination programme in Somerset in line with the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation’s prioritisation and they are continuing to vaccinate people aged 80 and over, care home residents and staff, as well as widening out the offer to frontline health and social care staff.

It is known that patients and all health and care staff are eager to find out when they will receive their Covid vaccination. The NHS is prioritising vaccinating those people who, experts have agreed, will benefit from it the most and theyare systematically working through all eligible groups according to the national priorities.

Please do not call or turn up at your GP surgery or the local hospital to enquire about Covid vaccinations. 

People are asked to support the NHS:

• By not contacting GPs and health services about vaccinations. You will be contacted when it is your turn to be invited for your vaccination. Some phone lines are jammed with people asking about vaccinations and this is preventing people who need help from getting through.
• When contacted, please attend your booked appointments
• Please continue to follow all the guidance to control the spread of the virus and save lives.

Please continue to attend any appointments as planned – if there is a requirement to change any details for your vaccination appointment you will be contacted directly.

Why do I have to wait for my Covid-19 Vaccine? – Information about COVID-19 vaccination supplies leaflet (pdf)

Covid Vaccination Fraud Warning

Criminals are using the COVID-19 vaccine as a way to target the public by tricking them to hand over cash or financial details. They are sending convincing-looking text messages letting people know they are eligible for the vaccine or phoning people directly pretending to be from the NHS, or local pharmacy. Read more in this leaflet about Covid Vaccination Fraud (pdf)

Somerset Councils Coronavirus Support Helpline

The Somerset Coronavirus Support Helpline number – 0300 790 6275 – went live on 6 April.  It aims to make it easier for people to access any local authority help they may need, including emotional support, in the current crisis. This is a a dedicated line for anyone in Somerset who needs Coronavirus-related support from the council.

Anyone who can’t find help within their own local networks and volunteers, can use the new number to get help and advice around:

  • Personal care and support including food and delivery of prescriptions
  • Support for the homeless
  • Emotional support if you’re feeling worried or anxious
  • Transport to medical appointments
  • Waste collection and disposal
  • Financial support

Callers will be asked to describe the support they require and will be connected with others for resolution. The 0300 790 6275 number is being staffed by the five councils in Somerset and will be available seven days per week 8am – 6pm.

The new number won’t cover medical advice, for which people will need to continue to use the 111 NHS online service and only ring 111 if they cannot get help online.

The district and county councils usual phone numbers for non-Coronavirus related issues will be running as normal alongside this new number, as follows:

  • Somerset West and Taunton Council – tel:  0300 304 8000
  • Somerset County Council – tel: 0300 123 2224

Disruption to Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) services

SWP are working hard with partners and contractors to keep services going, with collection crews classed as key workers providing an essential service.

Coronavirus-related staff shortages mean that if recycling collections are missed, they cannot make return pick-ups. If you are missed, do not leave containers out or report them; take everything in and put it out again the following week. To help crews: rinse containers, squash all but glass and aerosols, flatten and tear up card, sort-segregate materials without using carrier bags, and put out by 7am. All food waste must go in the food waste bin.

Coronavirus is affecting the delivery of many key projects. Unfortunately, this includes the roll-out of the new Recycle More service which will eventually allow people to recycle more from their kerbside, notably considerably more plastic. SWP and contractor staff are focussed on maintaining essential services, which means they are unable to prepare for what is a big change to the way they work. SWP will develop a new timetable and roll-out the new service out as soon as possible once the current crisis is over.

For further advice about safe disposal of waste please refer to the SWP website. Please check www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/coronavirus and follow @somersetwaste on Twitter and Facebook for the latest service updates.

Bonfires – Advice from the Fire Brigade

During the coronavirus outbreak, the Council has received an increase in calls from people concerned about their neighbours having bonfires in their gardens. There are no byelaws relating to set times when bonfires can be lit. However, people should avoid having bonfires in the evening or at night.

For more advice/guidance around bonfire safety, please refer to the Council’s website:

Alternatively, you can visit Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service webpage on: www.dsfire.gov.uk/YourSafety/SafetyInTheHome/Bonfires/

The Fire Brigade ask that people planning on having a bonfire, should call the non- emergency number to advise them: 0333 3999 0014

Community Support Network

Information on local community groups you can volunteer with or get help from.

A number of community groups are emerging on Facebook/WhatsApp which are trying to coordinate activities locally.

  • The Spark Somerset website has lots of useful information on the informal/formal support groups which are popping up across Somerset and the Corona Helpers database which you can use to register your group and recruit volunteers.
  • Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK has started to compile a list of local groups set up on social media sites such as Facebook or WhatsApp in an effort to share learning, resources and support. You can find out what groups are in your area, or register a group
  • The Community Council for Somerset (community/village agents) are already working in communities with different groups and individuals to make sure the vulnerable are identified and supported.
  • Citizens Advice in Somerset have closed their face to face services (including outreach) and increased capacity on their phones and email services. West Somerset Citizens Advice website: www.westsomersetadvice.org.uk or phone their advice line on 03444 889 623.
  • Mindline is an out of hours helpline in Somerset that is a confidential listening service providing a safe place to talk if you, or someone you know, is in distress. They can also give basic information about mental health and local services. Find out more: www.mindinsomerset.org.uk Phone 01823 276 892 (lines currently open 8pm to 11pm).
  • Age UK has a range of services including a ‘Friendly Phone Call’ line for lonely or isolated older people – read more in our separate blog post

If you have any specific questions regarding Covid-19 in the parish please get in touch and we will do out best to help.