When someone leaves the military they become responsible for coordinating their own care. We looked at how Healthwatch teams across England have helped veterans and their families get the support they need. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2025-11-09/supporting-veterans-live-well

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and with more than 43,000 diagnosed every year in the UK, it's essential to know the common symptoms. Find out more about what to look out for from the NHS - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/

Pharmacies can now provide the #MorningAfterPill free of charge. This is part of a new national service, which ends the postcode lottery for receiving free contraception. Find out more about how pharmacies can help you. https://bit.ly/3JaANCR

It’s #AskYourPharmacistWeek. Your local pharmacy offers more than you might think - from NHS services to expert health advice, all just around the corner. Pop in and speak to your pharmacist today. 👉Find out what’s available near you: https://ow.ly/6Izw50XiVjN

As AI technology advances and social media continues to dominate how people access information, the line between helpful advice and dangerous misinformation is becoming increasingly blurred. Our new blog outlines two actions for the NHS: https://bit.ly/4oSGGU8

Younger men and men from ethnic minority backgrounds are more likely to seek information on staying healthy from outside of the NHS, such as social media, Healthwatch and AI. Find out more - https://bit.ly/4oSGGU8

Our latest research on men’s health shows that 18% of men now use social media for information on how to stay healthy, while 9% turn to AI chatbots. This poses risks and opportunities for the NHS. Find out more in our latest blog. https://bit.ly/4oSGGU8

Parents have told us about the challenges they face in getting the right support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Read our blog to find out about how families are left struggling to get the care their children deserve. https://bit.ly/3Lnx2KN

GP practices rarely remove patients from their list. But when it does happen, make sure you know what to expect and what your options are for getting treatment elsewhere. https://bit.ly/3WgqLTx

Whether it’s small improvement to your local service or a national policy change, your feedback makes a difference. Read how you’re making services better www.healthwatch.co.uk/our-impact

Do you understand how the NHS and social care services can help you? Get the answers to your health questions in our helpful advice articles - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information

We'll be sad to say goodbye to Louise in December, when she steps down from her role as our CEO. We are incredibly sad to see her go, but very proud of everything we have achieved whilst she's been with us. www.healthwatch.co.uk/news/2025-10...

Unsure what to expect from your healthcare? Healthwatch is here for you. Your friendly, local team are still here and happy to help. Get in touch today - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/your-local-healthwatch/list

Cancer is the leading cause of death in the UK. We investigated why more patients need to speak up about their care. By speaking up about what’s working well and what isn’t, they can help shape better care for everyone. Read our blog to find out more. https://bit.ly/43FL6pc

If you catch flu and you have a certain long term health condition, you are at a much higher risk of being seriously ill or hospitalised. Give yourself the best protection with the flu vaccine. Check your eligibility and book now: https://www.nhs.uk/book-flu

Just three minutes of your time can make a huge difference to improving services in your area. Let us know what is or isn’t working in our short, confidential survey. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say

Many people who provide unpaid care are unaware of their rights. Are you an unpaid carer? Find out more about the help and support you are entitled to. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-10-02/what-support-can-i-get-carer

Do you want better NHS services in your area? Whether you want to see improvements to the food in hospitals or a change opening hours, your feedback can improve care in your local services. Share your experience today. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say

The GP contract says patients have the right to choose the method by which they book appointments. Yet, our recent research shows under a third of people are given this choice. Find out more what we learnt about patient choice - https://t.co/l3xxNJf3MR https://t.co/8p2D7F8sz2

Congratulations to our Chief Executive, Louise Ansari, who has been named as one of the top 50 influential Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in health by HSJ - https://bit.ly/4o312du

If you have an urgent but not life-threatening health problem, you can contact NHS 111 to find out if you need to go to A&E. Read our advice to find out more. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-09-11/when-should-i-use-nhs-111

Unsure what to expect from your healthcare? Healthwatch is here for you. Chat to your friendly local team today for straightforward information and advice. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/your-local-healthwatch/list

New data shows written NHS complaints reached a new high in 2025. Our research shows that these numbers may be the tip of the iceberg, as most people who experience poor care don't complain. www.healthwatch.co.uk/response/2025-10-16/urgent-reform-needed-nhs-complaint-numbers-reach-new-high

A second opinion is when you choose to request the expertise of another healthcare professional after you've been given a diagnosis or treatment plan. Did you know you had the right to this? Check out how to request one in our article - https://bit.ly/475gLl1

This October we want to hear from you! If you've recently used NHS or social care services, then share your feedback with us today. Your voice matters. www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say

This month is Stoptober! If you are ready to quit smoking - you don't need to do it alone. The NHS can offer you a free personalised plan and help through the NHS Quit Smoking app. Find out more - https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ready-to-quit-smoking/personal-quit-plan/

People who have high care needs because of their health can be eligible for NHS-funded support outside hospital through Continuing Healthcare. But getting it isn’t always easy. Read what people told us: https://bit.ly/4odcrah

Talking is good for your mental health. And talking about mental health is important, but starting the conversation isn't always easy. Today is World Mental Health Day - check out our articles to help you look after yourself and where you can get support - https://bit.ly/48BJP6b

Just three minutes of your time can make a huge difference to improving services in your area. Let us know what is or isn’t working in our short, confidential survey. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say

Contrary to evidence that men are reluctant to attend services, our research shows an overwhelming support for a prostate cancer screening programme. https://bit.ly/4gZbf85

Our new research shows most men will come forward for prostate cancer screening, if it were available. We're calling on government to consider men's views when reaching a decision on whether to introduce a prostate cancer screening programme. https://bit.ly/4gZbf85

Think there is no power in your feedback? Don't believe it can make a difference to services? We want to show you this isn't the case. Check out some recent examples of how your feedback made a difference - www.healthwatch.co.uk/our-impact

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this year the aim is to highlight the importance of preventing breast cancer before it starts. If you're invited to a screening - don't put it off, it might save your life. Find out more and how to book - www.nhs.uk/breast

October marks Black History Month and it gives us the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture. The theme serves as a tribute to the strength and commitment of everyone today and throughout history from the Black community.

From October 1, everyone who is eligible can get their NHS COVID-19 and flu vaccines. You can book an appointment via the NHS App, your local GP practice, online or by calling 119. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/

Navigating the world of health and social care services can be daunting. We want to help you get the care you need, with helpful, straightforward advice. Take a look at our advice articles - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information

September is #SickleCellAwarenessMonth. People with sickle cell often need regular transfusions to stay well. The best match often comes from a donor of the same ethnicity. Learn more and sign up: https://www.blood.co.uk/

Thanks to your feedback, we advocated for NHS England to publish better data to highlight and address inequalities in people's experience of waiting for NHS treatment - https://bit.ly/4nhPO4h

Did you know that pharmacies provide advice and information on minor illnesses and ailments? Find out how they can help you. https://bit.ly/46s7tyW

Today is World Pharmacists day. Have you heard of the The Pharmacy First scheme? It means patients can now get prescription-only treatment for conditions at a pharmacy, without needing to see their GP. Find out more. https://bit.ly/4gxYst9

Prevention and early intervention can be life changing for people as well. However, we have heard that too often barriers, like poor information and inaccessible services mean these opportunities are missed. Find out more. https://bit.ly/4nlpMNu

You are more likely to need a transplant one day, than you are to being a donor. You can choose to donate some or all your organs and tissue, and you can amend or withdraw a registration at any time. Register today. https://bit.ly/39i6X9Q

Everyone in England can register with the GP surgery, or change their GP surgery for free. Find out how you can register and what information they will need from you in our article - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-09-03/how-register-gp-understanding-your-patient-rights

Our research shows that only 59% of men are aware of the NHS health check, despite the fact that it can help prevent and detect life-threatening illness. We are calling for better awareness of the health check - https://bit.ly/46ngJEE

The Men's Health Strategy is a crucial opportunity to get the NHS health check right and prevent thousands of premature deaths from cardiovascular disease. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2025-09-18/time-get-serious-about-mens-nhs-health-checks

Local authorities are required to invite all adults aged 40-74 without a long-term condition for an NHS health check every 5 years. Our research, published today, shows that many men are missed - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2025-09-18/time-get-serious-about-mens-nhs-health-checks

Today is World Patient Safety Day - dedicated to ensuring safe care for every newborn and child. This year emphasises the need to act early and consistently to prevent harm throughout childhood. Be your child's safety champion. Stay informed, stay involved and speak up.

The Pharmacy First scheme means patients across England can now get prescription-only treatment for seven common conditions at their local high street pharmacy - without needing to see their GP. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-08-18/what-can-pharmacy-first-scheme-do-me

You can now book your flu and Covid-19 vaccine online or via the NHS App if you’re eligible.  Appointments will start from 1 October.  You don’t need to wait to be invited. Find out more and book now: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/

Summer's over and the holidays can feel like a distant memory! September can leave many feeling stressed or struggling to cope. If this sounds familiar check out the BBC's article with 5 science-backed ways to manage stress and stay in control - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg42zq7nqxwo