People across Somerset are being encouraged to share their views on health and wellbeing priorities as part of a new survey launched by Somerset Council’s Public Health team.
The Somerset Health & Wellbeing Survey, which opens on Monday 2 March and runs until Monday 27 April, gives residents the opportunity to highlight what matters most to them, helping the council focus future work on the issues that have the greatest impact on local communities. Everyone who takes part will be entered into a draw to win a £50 love to shop voucher.
Councillor Graham Oakes, Lead Member for Public Health, Climate Change and Environment, said:
“Understanding what really matters to our residents is at the heart of improving health and wellbeing in Somerset. This survey gives people a simple, anonymous way to tell us about the issues that affect them and their communities. Every response helps us build a clearer picture so we can target support where it will make the biggest difference.”
Created and reviewed by people who grew up, live or work in Somerset, the survey has been shaped by local insight and experience. Feedback gathered will help ensure the voices of residents continue to guide and shape services across the county and understand the things that make being healthier harder.
Previous health and wellbeing surveys have directly shaped how we design and deliver services. For example, feedback has helped us target smoking cessation support and healthy‑eating initiatives where they’re needed most. The surveys also highlight important differences from national trends, making them vital.
The current survey covers a range of topics including physical activity, mental health and wellbeing, smoking and vaping, alcohol and substance use, gambling, oral health, NHS Health Checks and how people access health information. The topics align with Public Health priorities as set by the Director of Public Health.
The survey is completely anonymous. Residents are not asked for their name or contact details, and all responses are stored securely in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Each topic section takes around two minutes to complete (a total of 18 minutes), making it quick and easy for people to take part and have their say.
Somerset Council is encouraging as many residents as possible to get involved and ensure their perspective helps shape future health and wellbeing priorities.
Residents can take part in the survey here: Somerset Health and Wellbeing Survey
