With the Easter bank holiday fast approaching, NHS Somerset is urging people to plan ahead and take simple steps to stay well – and avoid any last-minute stress.

From managing repeat prescriptions to knowing where to turn in a crisis, here's everything you need to know to keep your family healthy over the long weekend.

Sort your prescriptions now

GPs and many pharmacies will be closed from Good Friday through to Easter Monday (inclusive), so now's the time to check your medication. If you think you're running low, order your repeat prescription via your GP practice or the NHS App.

Once ordered, you can collect it from a pharmacy of your choice – but don't leave it until the last minute.

Pharmacy help without the GP

Local pharmacists can treat more than 40 common conditions, from sore throats and hay fever to skin complaints – and many now offer private consultation rooms.

Through the Pharmacy First service, pharmacists can also prescribe medication for:

• Sinusitis (12+)
• Sore throat (5+)
• Earache (1–17)
• Infected insect bites (1+)
• Impetigo (1+)
• Shingles (18+)
• UTIs in women (16–64)

To find out which pharmacies are open over Easter, visit the NHS Somerset pharmacy page.

Struggling with your mental health? Help is here

The Open Mental Health alliance is available 24/7 throughout Easter, offering access to support, advice and crisis care.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call Mindline Somerset on 0800 138 1692 or 01823 276892. It's a confidential, non-judgemental space to talk – no problem is too small.

For more urgent support, Crisis Safe Space offers out-of-hours, one-to-one appointments. Book online or call the same numbers above.

Download the Stay Well Kit for helpful contacts and practical tips for staying mentally and physically well this Easter.

Not sure what to do? Try NHS 111

For help with symptoms or guidance on where to go, call 111 or visit NHS 111 online. The service is free and available day or night.

Urgent care at home

If you or someone you care for has had a fall, is confused, or experiences sudden health problems, NHS Somerset's Urgent Community Response team can come to your home within two hours. It's open daily from 8am to 8pm.

Referrals can be made through NHS 111, your GP, your alarm response service or 999.

Know where to go

Hospitals are always there for life-threatening emergencies – but if you don't need A&E, there are quicker alternatives.

Somerset has six Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) in Frome, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Chard, Bridgwater and Minehead, and a Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) in Burnham-on-Sea. Before heading out, check the UTC/MIU opening times to make sure they're open.

Support for parents

Parents can also download the HANDi Paediatric App – full of trusted advice to help manage common childhood illnesses at home.

More support online

The Live Well in Somerset website lists local services and advice to support your health, finances and wellbeing.

So whether it's a sore throat or something more serious, the NHS wants you to know: help is available this Easter – if you know where to look.