Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Community Sofa

In Episode 4 of The Community Sofa, Courtney and Debs are joined by Rachel from Sarum Pharmacy for an insightful and wonderfully warm conversation about the vital role community pharmacies play in supporting local people.

With 40 years of experience in pharmacy, Rachel shares how she began her career at just 17 and explains what goes on behind the scenes to ensure every prescription is dispensed safely and accurately.

We discover how Sarum Pharmacy’s online service combines convenience with a genuinely personal approach, offering telephone support, video consultations, free local prescription delivery and friendly drivers who may sometimes be the only person a customer speaks to that week.

In this episode, we discuss:

💙 How an online pharmacy works
💙 The Pharmacy First service and video consultations
💙 Supporting older people and local nursing homes
💙 Pharmacy-filled dosette boxes and medication safety
💙 Free prescription delivery across the local area
💙 Safe-place and evening delivery options
💙 The checks completed before medication reaches you
💙 The training and regulation behind pharmacy services
💙 Why human contact still matters
💙 Exciting new services planned for Sarum Pharmacy

Rachel’s passion for her work shines throughout the conversation and reminds us that a great pharmacy provides far more than medication. It offers reassurance, accessibility, safety and a trusted human connection.

And, of course, Courtney and Debs also secure their very first Community Sofa exclusive!

The Community Sofa — bringing our community together, one conversation at a time.

Please note: This episode is for general information only. For advice about medication, symptoms or individual health concerns, speak to a pharmacist, GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.

What would happen if you suddenly couldn't make decisions for yourself? Would your family know what you wanted – and would they actually have the legal authority to act on your behalf?In Episode 3 of The Community Sofa, Courtney and Debs are joined by estate planner Rebecca for an eye-opening conversation about the things many of us know we should sort out… but often keep putting off.Rebecca takes us through Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, trusts and estate planning, explaining what they actually mean, how they work and why planning ahead isn't something that should only be considered later in life.One of the biggest lessons from our conversation? Don't wait for a crisis before thinking about the future.Putting the right plans in place can provide peace of mind for you and make an incredibly difficult time much easier for the people you love.Courtney and Debs certainly came away having learnt a lot – and we think you will too!The Community Sofa – bringing our community together, one conversation at a time.Contact Rebecca:01722516991rebecca@will-wise.co.ukwww.will-wise.co.uk

More Than a Massage: Caring for the Mind, Body & Person with Emma from Equilibria | The Community Sofa Ep. 2In Episode 2 of The Community Sofa, Courtney and Debs are joined by Emma from Equilibria for a fascinating conversation about massage, mental wellbeing, self-care and what it really means to support the whole person.Emma's journey into specialist massage therapy was shaped by her own family's experiences of cancer, motor neurone disease and hospice care. Today, she works with people living with cancer, complex medical conditions and neurodegenerative conditions including Parkinson's, MS and MND, adapting her approach around the individual rather than expecting the individual to adapt to the treatment.We discuss why massage can be so much more than relaxation, the relationship between our physical and mental wellbeing, the importance of listening, positive coping strategies and why carers must remember to look after themselves too.Emma also challenges some common misconceptions about massage!Most importantly, you can't pour from an empty cup! If you enjoy the conversation, please like, subscribe and share it with someone who might benefit.The Community Sofa – bringing our community together, one conversation at a time.How to contact Emma:Website: https://equilibriamassage.co.uk/contact/Phone: 07751 072 141email: emma@equilibriamassage.co.uk

Did you know there are thousands of unpaid carers across Wiltshire looking after loved ones every single day?In the very first episode of The Community Sofa, we're joined by Helen Dowse, Carers Champion, for an insightful conversation about the challenges unpaid carers face, the support available, and why it's so important that carers look after themselves too.Whether you're caring for a partner, parent, family member, friend or neighbour, this episode is packed with practical advice, information and organisations that can help.In this episode we discuss:💙 What an unpaid carer is💙 The role of a Carers Champion💙 The emotional and practical challenges of caring💙 Local support available across Wiltshire💙 Financial support and benefits💙 Planning for the future💙 Where to turn when you need helpWe hope this conversation helps more carers realise they're not alone and encourages them to access the fantastic support available within our community.Helpful organisations and resources mentioned in this episode💙 Carers Together Wiltshire 💙 Carer's Allowance (GOV.UK) 💙 Attendance Allowance (GOV.UK) 💙 Wiltshire Parent Carer Council 💙 Stroke Association Support 💙 MS Society 💙 BSW Community Services 💙 Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon & Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) 💙 Wiltshire Council Adult Social Care 💙 Care Choices Wiltshire Directory 💙 Parkinson's UK Information & Support 💙 Carer Friendly Wiltshire 💙 Alzheimer's Society 💙 NHS Continuing Healthcare Information 💙 Lasting Power of Attorney (GOV.UK) 🎙️ The Community Sofa is hosted by Courtney Hillman and Debs Sheldon from Right at Home Salisbury & Andover, bringing together local charities, healthcare professionals, community organisations and experts to help families discover the support available across Salisbury, Andover and the surrounding areas.If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe and share it with someone who may benefit. Together, we can help more people discover the incredible support available within our community.

Welcome to The Community Sofa!

In this special introduction, hosts Courtney Hillman and Debs Sheldon explain why they created The Community Sofa and what you can expect from the conversations ahead.

At Right at Home Salisbury & Andover, we're passionate about more than providing exceptional home care. Every day, we meet incredible charities, healthcare professionals, community groups and local organisations doing amazing work, yet many people simply don't know the support available to them.

The Community Sofa was created to change that.

Each episode brings you relaxed, honest conversations with the people making a real difference across Salisbury, Andover and the surrounding villages. Together, we'll explore health, wellbeing, ageing well, community services, unpaid carers, dementia support, independent living and much more.

Whether you're supporting a loved one, looking for advice, or simply want to discover the amazing people helping our community thrive, this podcast is for you.

💙 New episodes released regularly.

If you enjoy the podcast, please like, subscribe and share to help us connect even more people with the support available right on their doorstep.

Because every great community starts with a conversation.