STAFF and volunteers from Healthwatch Somerset will be hitting the roads of Somerset this month to find out what people think about their local health and care services.

Healthwatch Somerset aims to speak to at least 500 people from all corners of the county as part of its ‘Campervan and Comments Tour.’

The roadshow will travel almost 260 miles zig-zagging around Somerset in a classic 1969 VW campervan and park up at key locations around the county to gather the views of people of all ages.

Emily Taylor, manager at Healthwatch Somerset, said: “We want to reach at least 500 people from all over Somerset in just one week. We thought it would be a great idea to hire a campervan and visit places where people might not have heard of Healthwatch before.

“The role of a local Healthwatch is to make sure the health and care system in the area meets the needs of the people who use it.

“Feedback is gathered from patients and their families on services such as GP surgeries, care homes, hospitals, mental health and social care.

“These findings are then taken to the organisations which plan, pay for and deliver health and care services.

“Somerset is a very rural county and we thought a roadshow would be a great way to reach more people and give them the opportunity to have their voice heard.”

The roadshow will visit:

n Frome Cattle Market Car Park - 2.30pm to 5pm on Friday, March 15

n Cox’s Yard Public Car Park, Somerton - 9am to 12 noon on Saturday, March 16

n Goldenstones Car Park, Yeovil - 12.30pm to 2pm on Saturday, March 16

n Yeovil District Hospital – 2.30pm to 5pm on Saturday, March 16

n Shepton Mallet Market - 10am to 12.30 on Sunday, March 17

n St Dunstan’s Car Park, Glastonbury - 1.30pm to 4pm on Sunday, March 17

n South Petherton Hospital – 10am to 12 noon on Monday, March 18

n The Meadows Surgery, Ilminster – 12.30pm to 2.30pm on Monday, March 18

n Staff Car Park at The Lace Mill, Chard – 3pm to 5pm on Monday, March 18

n Fore Street, Taunton – 9am to 11am on Tuesday, March 19

n Richard Huish College, Taunton – 11.15am to 1.15pm on Tuesday, March 19

n Asda Supermarket Car Park, Wellington – 2.30pm to 4.30pm on Tuesday, March 19

n Morrisons Supermarket Car Park, Minehead – 9.30am to 12.30pm on Wednesday, March 20

n Harbour Road Car Park, Watchet – 1.30pm to 4.30pm on Wednesday, March 20

n Fore Street, Bridgwater – 9am to 12 noon on Thursday, March 21

n Highbridge Medical Practice – 12.30pm to 2.30pm Thursday, March 21

n Tesco Supermarket Car Park, Burnham-on-Sea – 3pm to 5pm Thursday, March 21

n Cheddar Medical Centre – 9am to 12 noon on Friday, March 22

For the most up-to-date details on the roadshow, to download a flyer or view a short animation visit: healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/project/our-events/