Easter is on the horizon – and while most of us are thinking about chocolate eggs and long lie-ins, NHS Somerset has issued a handy reminder to avoid an unwanted surprise over the bank holiday weekend.

Whether you're battling a sore throat, running low on meds, or just want to avoid a trip to A&E, here's how to keep things calm, healthy and under control across Somerset this Easter.

1. Get your repeat prescriptions sorted now

Don't let your bank holiday be ruined by an empty pill packet. GPs and many pharmacies will be closed from Good Friday to Easter Monday, so if you're due a repeat prescription, request it now via your GP or the NHS App.

You can collect it from your local pharmacy – but beat the rush and don't leave it until Thursday afternoon.

2. Your pharmacist can do more than you think

From hay fever to earache, pharmacists can now treat more than 40 common conditions – and you don't need an appointment.

Thanks to Pharmacy First, they can also prescribe medication for:

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

Need to know who's open over the holidays? Check the NHS Somerset pharmacy page.

3. Feeling overwhelmed? You're not alone

The Easter break isn't always relaxing – and if your mental health takes a dip, help is at hand.

Open Mental Health is open 24/7 with support for anything from anxiety to crisis care. You can call Mindline Somerset on 0800 138 1692 or 01823 276892 day or night.

Prefer to speak to someone face to face? Crisis Safe Space offers out-of-hours one-to-ones for anyone who needs urgent mental health support.

Download the Stay Well Kit for practical tips to stay calm, connected and supported this Easter.

4. Not sure where to go? Try NHS 111

If you're ill and don't know who to call, NHS 111 can help 24/7. Whether you need a pharmacy, urgent care or a referral, they'll direct you to the right place.

5. Fast-track care at home – no waiting rooms required

If you or a loved one has a fall or suddenly feels unwell, Somerset's Urgent Community Response team can visit your home within two hours.

It's open daily from 8am to 8pm, including bank holidays. You can be referred by calling 111, your GP, or even when you call 999.

6. Avoid A&E queues – know your nearest urgent care centre

Only go to A&E for life-threatening conditions. For everything else, there are six Urgent Treatment Centres in Frome, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Chard, Bridgwater and Minehead, plus a Minor Injuries Unit in Burnham-on-Sea.

Check your local centre's page before heading out – opening hours can vary during holidays.

7. Got kids? Download this

Parents can get advice on fevers, rashes, colds and more using the HANDi Paediatric App – a free app packed with expert guidance.

8. Find support for just about anything

Looking for local health services, financial help or wellbeing advice? The Live Well in Somerset site is your one-stop shop.