Communication and Wellbeing

Welcome to the Somerset Emotional Wellbeing (SEW) podcast!

In this episode, Knowledge Matters, our hosts Dr. Andrew Tresidder and Dr. Peter Bagshaw are joined by Veronica Price from Somerset Foundation Trust’s Libraries and John Carter, a Senior Development Officer from Somerset Libraries to discuss how libraries are constantly evolving to fit our changing needs, how to find reliable health and wellbeing information in your local library and why our libraries now play host to everything from toddler singing groups to borrowable tablet computers and blood pressure monitors!

The SEW podcast was a free weekly show hosted by Dr. Andrew Tresidder, Dr. Peter Bagshaw and Dr. Kate Staveley; after this episode, it has now become the Health and Self Care podcast. In each episode, the doctors discuss a different topic related to mental and emotional wellbeing and often invite expert guests to join them in conversation. The show is aimed at the people of Somerset and beyond; the advice and guidance provided should apply to anybody who needs it, whenever they need it.

All episodes of the podcast are now available to listen to free through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts etc. Please stay subscribed to the podcast to receive the new Health and Self Care podcast wherever you get your podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts!

Thank you for listening, we really appreciate everyone who has spent time listening to our show. We hope you continue to enjoy the new Health and Self Care podcast and look forwards to introducing you to all our new, exciting content for years to come!

Please note: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the NHS or any other organisation unless expressly stated

Open MH - If you are an adult living in Somerset and experiencing difficulties with your mental health, we are here to help. Open Mental Health offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure that anyone struggling with poor mental health can access the right support at the right time.

If you need to speak to someone please contact our team at Mindline Somerset any time of the day, any day of the week locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692. Or email [email protected] for support

Accessible Services and Health and Wellbeing – We aim to provide accessible services for library members with special needs or disabilities. We also offer support and services for carers, foster carers, home educators and child minders. Our specialist book collections cover mental health, autism, dementia, long-term conditions, adult literacy and learning English. If you have an accessibility issue not covered by these initiatives, please speak to library staff.

Tablet Loaning Information - Somerset Libraries, Somerset County Council offers an iPad loaning scheme in specific libraries which means members of Somerset Libraries (16yrs +) can borrow a device for up to six weeks free of charge.

Interactive Projectors - Interactive Projectors with dementia & autism-friendly activities. We have installed a little piece of magic in Taunton and Yeovil libraries – the OMI interactive projector which creates an interactive surface on a table or the floor, with stimulating games, activities and apps to aid relaxation and interaction.

Blood Pressure Monitoring Scheme - In this week’s #SomersetPublicHealth catch-up film, Clinton highlights the importance of checking your #BloodPressure

NHS Health Information in Other Languages - You can translate health information on the NHS website using an o...