During #CarersWeek, we'd like to say thank you to all the friends, family members and carers who help people living with arthritis manage their day-to-day lives. Your support makes a real difference. Find resources: www.arthritisaction.org.uk/about-arthritis/caring-for-someone-with-arthritis/

Have you used NHS patient transport services? The NHS in our area is looking at making the guidelines for patient transport clearer and more consistent in the North East, including #Northumberland. Have your say by 3 July 2026: bit.ly/NHS-patient-transport-services

Pharmacists can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for various minor illnesses. They also work with other healthcare professionals to get you the best possible care in a way that works for you. Visit our website to learn more. https://bit.ly/3JaANCR

This #VolunteersWeek we want to thank our incredible volunteers for ensuring people in our communities can have their say on NHS and social care services. Meet some of our volunteers and find out why they volunteer with us: bit.ly/volunteers-week-2026

We're out and about around #Northumberland in June. Come and tell us about NHS or social care services you have used as a patient or carer, or pick up some information about local services and support. Find more details here: healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk/events#Northumberland #Northumberland

Learn about #hoarding and the support available to people affected by full homes at this free online talk with Hoarding Disorders UK on Friday 12 June, 1pm-2pm. Sign up here: bit.ly/Hoarding-Disorders-UK-June26

💚 Gentle movement you can fit into everyday life As seen on the BBC, Movement Snacking offers short, arthritis-friendly activity breaks to support your joints. Next series starts soon - sign up now: www.arthritisaction.org.uk/movement_snacks

Did you know? Appointments are available if you have a dental problem that needs to be treated urgently. You can: 1. Contact an NHS dentist 2. Book an appointment at an urgent dental access centre 3. Contact 111.nhs.uk or call 111 Find out more at: bit.ly/ICB-urgent-dental-treatment

We asked #carers about their experiences of taking breaks from their caring role and what had worked well and not so well. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences with us. Read our findings and recommendations: bit.ly/hearing-from-unpaid-carers

Are you looking for health advice or information? From how to register with your GP and look after your mental health to citizen's advice and knowing your rights, we're here to help. Head to our website: https://bit.ly/2DGZUbg

Calling all active fishermen and fishing families! We'll be joining North East England FishMish at #Blyth on Thursday 28 May and #Amble on Thursday 18 June. Drop in for free health checks, information and support.

Our Stellar Awards celebrate the people and services who provide a particularly positive health or social care experience for people in #Northumberland. This could be: An individual, a team of people or a service. Make your nomination now and make someone's day! bit.ly/HWNStellarAwards

This week is #DementiaActionWeek. For information about dementia, local support services and activities visit our website: bit.ly/HWN-dementia If you're worried about yourself or someone close to you, you can find a dementia symptoms checklist and further support at: alzheimers.org.uk#DementiaActionWeek #DAW2026

What did you tell us in April? You told us about a range of different issues but quality of care and communication with hospital outpatients services came up most often. You can read more in our monthly summary: bit.ly/HWN-feedback-April-2026 #Northumberland #Healthwatch

People waiting for an ADHD assessment can face long waits and difficulties getting the care they need. Read Anita's experience of getting ADHD care: https://bit.ly/4ubyPUI

Calling all active fishermen and fishing families! We'll be joining North East England FishMish at #Blyth on Thursday 28 May and #Amble on Thursday 18 June. Drop in for free health checks, information and support.

Looking after your mental health is important, both for your wellbeing and your child’s. Learn more about what support is available to help new parents to look after their mental health. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek https://bit.ly/4nfiOdT

This week is #HoardingAwarenessWeek. You can learn about #hoarding and the support available to people affected by extreme clutter at this free online talk with @HoarderDisorder on Friday 12 June, 1pm-2pm. Sign up here: bit.ly/Hoarding-Disorders-UK-June26

This Mental Health Awareness Week, learn the signs of poor mental health, what you can do to take care of your mental health, and where to find extra support if you need it. Visit our website to learn more. #MentalHeallthAwarenessWeek https://bit.ly/3hcjmUi

#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek runs from 11-17 May and this year's theme is 'Action'. The Mental Health Foundation is encouraging us to take action to support good mental health. What is one positive action you could take to boost your mental health? Find support: bit.ly/YourMental-Health

Feeling low or stressed? Text ‘CALMER’ to 85258 to connect with Shout for a text conversation that’s free, confidential and available 24/7.

Looking for arthritis advice and support? Get the latest news, events and self-management tips straight to your inbox. Sign up to our FREE monthly eNews: www.arthritisaction.org.uk/newsletter

Come and speak to us in person at one of these events in #May. Tell us about NHS or social care services you have used as a patient or carer, or pick up some information about local services and support. Find more details at our website: healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk/events#May #Northumberland

Did you know? Appointments are available if you have a dental problem that needs to be treated urgently. You can: 1. Contact an NHS dentist 2. Book an appointment at an urgent dental access centre 3. Contact 111.nhs.uk or call 111 Find out more at: bit.ly/ICB-urgent-dental-treatment

In this month’s newsletter: meet the first Stellar Award winners! Plus, how can our local NHS make it easier for people to attend hospital appointments? There’s also details of our free online event around cancer support. Read the newsletter: bit.ly/HWNNewsMay2026

Our Stellar Awards celebrate the people and services who provide a particularly positive health or social care experience for people in #Northumberland. This could be: An individual, a team of people or a service. Make your nomination now and make someone's day! bit.ly/HWNStellarAwards

Our survey on the use of AI tools in appointments is still open! If a healthcare professional has used AI to summarise appointments, update health records, or send follow-up communications, please share your experience: https://bit.ly/4ceru0f

Free online information event with Live Well With Cancer on Friday 8 May, 1pm-2pm. Find out what support is available to improve health and wellbeing for people affected by cancer. Register for your free place: bit.ly/HWN-LWWC-May26

April is #BowelCancerAwarenessMonth. When diagnosed early, nine in ten people survive bowel cancer. Knowing the symptoms is important as the earlier it’s found, the more treatable it’s likely to be. Learn more at the Bowel Cancer UK website: bit.ly/BowelCancerAwarenessMonth26

Applications for our Engagement Support Officer vacancy close next week on 27 April. This role is for 7.5 hours/week and is to help us hear people's experiences of NHS and social care services, to inform improvements locally. Full details: bit.ly/HWNEngagementSupportOfficerApr26

Free online information event with Live Well With Cancer on Friday 8 May, 1pm-2pm. Find out what support is available to improve health and wellbeing for people affected by cancer. Register for your free place: bit.ly/HWN-LWWC-May26

April is Stress Awareness Month. Take a pause and check out our advice on how you can reduce stress and look after your mental health. #StressAwarenessMonth #BeTheChange https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2022-12-08/looking-after-your-mental-health-winter

What did you tell us in March? We heard feedback about hospital outpatients appointments including insufficient parking and poor communication. We also received feedback about difficulties accessing audiology services and GP appointments. Read more: bit.ly/HWN-feedback-March26

Our Living Well with Arthritis online session is this Thursday and offers free, practical support to help you live well with arthritis. 📅 16 April | 1–2pm 💻 Online Book Now: https://livingwellwitharthritis2026.eventbrite.co.uk/?aff=SocialMediaPosts

Our latest research highlights the challenges to getting care and what can be done to make NHS services work better for survivors of domestic abuse. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2026-04-09/what-do-survivors-domestic-abuse-tell-us-about-their-nhs-care

Part-time (7.5 hrs/wk) job opportunity: Engagement Support Officer Help our engagement team to gather and record the views and experiences of local people to inform improvements services across the region. Applications close on 27 April: bit.ly/HWNEngagementSupportOfficerApr26

Did you know? Appointments are available if you have a dental problem that needs to be treated urgently. You can: 1. Contact an NHS dentist 2. Book an appointment at an urgent dental access centre 3. Contact 111.nhs.uk or call 111 Find out more at: bit.ly/ICB-urgent-dental-treatment

We were delighted to present the first Stellar Award to the stroke unit staff on Ward 6 at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital. The team was nominated by Stella from Northumberland for their exceptional care. Nominate a person or service for a Stellar Award: bit.ly/HWNStellarAwards

April is #BowelCancerAwarenessMonth. When diagnosed early, nine in ten people survive bowel cancer. Knowing the symptoms is important as the earlier it’s found, the more treatable it’s likely to be. Learn more at the Bowel Cancer UK website: bit.ly/BowelCancerAwarenessMonth26

We want to hear about your experience of using health and care services. Good or bad, tell us your story today. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say

If you have a few spare minutes this Easter weekend, we'd love to know what you think of the NHS and social care services you and your family have used in the last 12 months. Share your views and help us plan our work for the year ahead: bit.ly/HWNAnnualSurvey2026

Come and speak to us in person at one of these events in #April. Tell us about NHS or social care services you have used as a patient or carer, or pick up some information about local services and support. Find more details at our website: healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk/events#April #Northumberland

The world of health and social care services can be confusing – so we keep our advice simple and straightforward. Check out our advice articles. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information

Self-management of arthritis means finding ways to manage your symptoms that work for you, physically and mentally. Small changes can make a big difference. Find practical tips on our website: www.arthritisaction.org.uk

There are still a few days left to tell us what matters to you in our Annual Survey! We'd love to know what you think of the NHS and social care services you and your family have used in the last 12 months. Share your views and help us plan our work for the year ahead: bit.ly/HWNAnnualSurvey2026

What did you tell us in February? We heard feedback about the maternity and baby unit at Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital (NSECH), hospital outpatients appointments and GP services. You can read more in our monthly summary: bit.ly/HWN-feedback-Feb26

Feeling low or stressed? Text ‘CALMER’ to 85258 to connect with Shout for a text conversation that’s free, confidential and available 24/7.

Our latest annual report is here. We share the issues you helped to highlight, the changes they led to and six key principles for how the NHS and government can keep working with the public to improve care. https://bit.ly/41qTRSw

In just 3 minutes you could: -Boil a kettle -Scroll on your phone -Leave feedback about your care Take 3 minutes to make a difference and feedback about health and social care in your community. #ShareForBetterCare https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say

Tell us what you think of the NHS and social care services you and your family have used in the last 12 months. Share your views and help us plan our work for the year ahead: bit.ly/HWNAnnualSurvey2026 #Northumberland #ShareForBetterCare