Get help
If you can’t find the help you need on our website, or your need is more urgent, please phone the Somerset Coronavirus Helpline on: 0300 790 6275
The helpline is available from 8am to 6pm every day, including weekends.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired you can contact us using SMS text: 07781 482858
Latest government guidance
The shielding programme has now ended in England. This means that people who were previously considered clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) will not be advised to shield in the future or follow specific national guidance.
If this applies to you, you will have received a letter informing you of these changes in more detail and providing further information on available support.
The government has also issued a letter to all parents of clinically extremely vulnerable children and young people on the shielded patient list on 23 August 2021.
You can find out more on GOV.UK
COVID-19: guidance for people whose immune system means they are at higher risk – Guidance for people aged 12 and over whose immune system means they are at higher risk of serious illness if they become infected with coronavirus (COVID-19).
NHS services
Please remember that the NHS is open, and we urge you to continue to access all the NHS services that you need. It is safer for you to use the NHS than to try to manage alone.
If you are concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on your health, speak to your GP, hospital clinician or use NHS111.
People at higher risk from Coronavirus – NHS advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.
Talking Cafes
Talking Cafes are a great support if you are looking for help and advice on important services such as caring for another, housing, health, finance, adult social care, children’s services, feelings of loneliness and isolation – anything that is worrying you.
Pop along to one of the Talking Café events, or tune in on Facebook for a weekly live session.
You can find out more on the Somerset Village and Community Agents website
Useful links
Guidance on protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
How to stay safe and help prevent the spread
Getting help with daily activities outside your home during coronavirus
Get support if you cannot go out to get food or medicine (NHS Volunteer Responders)
NHS – What you can do if you are feeling lonely during the coronavirus outbreak
Vitamin D supplementation during winter: Statement from Public Health England (PHE) and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
COVID-19 vaccination: for people with a weakened immune system – Information on the third dose for people with a weakened immune system.
COVID-19 medical exemptions: proving you are unable to get vaccinated – How to apply for official proof that, for medical reasons, you’re unable to be vaccinated or unable to be vaccinated and tested for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Somerset County Council
Somerset’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
Useful national and local links
Coronavirus – our affected services
Coronavirus – Mental and emotional health information
If you can’t find the help you need on our website, or your need is more urgent, please phone the Somerset Coronavirus Helpline on: 0300 790 6275