Parents of young children in Somerset are being asked to share their views and experiences about the health visiting services they have received in the County, to help shape the service going forward.
The county’s independent health and social care champion Healthwatch Somerset wants to find out about parents of under 5s experience of the Health Visiting service, as well as how they currently get information and support on child health and development, to inform their parenting.
An online questionnaire has been created for parents to take part in and share their views and experiences. Staff and volunteers from Healthwatch Somerset will also visit a variety of settings across the county to listen to parents and carers and note their experiences.
Cllr Christine Lawrence, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing at Somerset County Council said: “From 1 April, the County Council will be responsible for delivering health visitor services across the County. It is important to us to find out parents’ current experience of the service and how we can best support them. Please complete the survey and help shape the service going forward.”
Emily Taylor, Manager at Healthwatch Somerset, said: “With the transfer of Somerset Health visiting Services to Somerset County Council, we want to ensure the public voice is heard for future planning of the services.
“We want to know what parents and carers think about the information and support they received from the service in Somerset and to better understand where families of young children go for support and information.
“We would encourage as many parents as possible to take part and help make this service better for all those who use it.”
The survey will run until 22 April and the findings from the engagement will go into a report to help inform the Family Support Service team at Somerset County Council on ways to develop health visiting services.
The final report will be presented by Healthwatch Somerset to the Health and Wellbeing Board and shared with the Children’s Trust board later this year.
To take part in the survey visit: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/
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