“It would be a real loss to replace Healthwatch with some kind of app or tick-box exercise” What we heard at our public meeting
We recently welcomed local stakeholders to an open Public Meeting to explore the Healthwatch model—what’s working, what could be improved, and how we continue to amplify community voices in health and social care.
Attendees included community members, professionals, and partner organisations who shared their views on our engagement methods and the value of Healthwatch’s independent role.
We shared insights from our recent reports, including our annual report, and talked attendees through the importance of our engagement method, which focuses on meeting people where they are. We find that face-to-face meetings remain vital for building trusted relationships, and while digital tools offer convenience, they cannot replace personal interaction.
“Not everybody is going to be able to use digital tools… we still need to find a way to engage.”
Reflecting on the importance of local partnerships to share information and connect with different communities across the borough, participants voiced concern over national proposals to replace independent champions with digital-only solutions, warning this would undermine community trust and accessibility.
“It would be a real loss to replace Healthwatch with some kind of app or tick-box exercise.”
Protect and strengthen independent services that give the public a voice
We think trusted independent services that listen to local communities are essential to improving health and social care. We listen without fear or favour and reach those whose voices are often ignored.
Help us to protect and strengthen independence by signing and sharing the petition asking the government to review its decision to abolish local Healthwatch.
We were pleased to hear from a local volunteer about the impact our recent work around bereavement and loss has had on the group they support.
“It was just really, really, really lovely to see everyone share their stories… it has had a really positive effect with the people that I work with at that session.”
Highlighting the importance of championing local voices, we heard how starting an open and honest conversation about people's experiences had created a safe space for the group to share their feelings.
We reflected on our recent programme of Enter and View visits, with the discussion emphasising that even small adjustments in care settings can have a huge impact on residents daily lives.
“We can really make changes on a very small level, but with huge impact.”
We also discussed sharing information in different formats, such as video and audio, and heard that people preferred receiving information through our e-newsletters and direct emails.
Join us for our next Public Meeting
We’ll be meeting again on 9th December, in person at the Quaker Centre – join us for a festive get-together as we talk about the services that are available to local people throughout the colder weather period and across the holiday season.
