This week is #StudentVolunteeringWeek and we would like to say a massive thank you to all the students across England who volunteer for their local Healthwatch and make such a big difference to the work we do. Find out more about volunteering - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/volunteer

Our insight into A&E experiences during the busy winter period found long waits and care in unsuitable spaces left people suffering an emotional and physical toll. Find out more in our latest blog - https://bit.ly/3MseVnM

Did you know 1 in 5 children face mental health challenges? This week is #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek and if you need help knowing what signs to look out for or when to reach out for support, check out our advice article - https://bit.ly/4c6ywV6

We're supporting #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek with Place2Be. This year's theme is 'This is my place', encouraging self-acceptance and belonging. #CMHW2026 www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk

Local Healthwatch are here for you. They can help you get the support you need, or give you straightforward advice and information. Chat to your friendly local team today to see how they can help you - https://bit.ly/2KdaMOo

Brave the big talk this #TimeToTalkDay. Opening up about our mental health can be the first step towards getting help. If you or someone you care about need support, visit www.mind.org.uk/TimeToTalkDay

Today is #WorldCancerDay. Let's unite to raise awareness about the need for people-centre care. Every story matters, and together we can make a difference. Share your story and inspire others - www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say #UnitedByUnique

If you have an urgent but not life-threatening health problem, you can contact NHS 111 for support. Knowing what they can help with and how to contact them is essential - check out our article with all the information you need to know about the service. https://bit.ly/4by5o9b

Race equality week is an annual UK-wide movement uniting hundreds of thousands of organisations and individuals to address the barriers to race equality in the workplace. We all have a part to play as #ChangeNeedsAllOfUs #REW26

As the Government attempts to make the most AI-enabled care system in the world, our latest blog listens to the public experiences of AI in the NHS and whether it may be causing as many issues as it aims to solve - https://bit.ly/4q2cuGf

This new report from @pickereurope.bsky.social looks at how person centred the health service in England is, identifying common themes and areas of variation in patient and staff experiences. 👇

The NHS is committed to ‘making the patient king’ – but how person centred is the health service in England? Picker’s State of Person Centred Care 2025 report gives patients, #NHSstaff, and healthcare leaders a national view of experience across the #NHS. [1/2]

We're proud to support The Stroke Association this #StrokePreventionDay and encourage everyone to have their blood pressure regularly checked – so that we can stop stroke before it happens. Find out more at stroke.org.uk/stroke-prevention-day

Share your views on your recent NHS or social care experience with us to help make services in your local area better. We have a survey with all the information and questions translated into British Sign Language videos - https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/have-your-say-BSL/

With living costs so high, NHS prescriptions can cost more than some people can afford. Check out our article to find out who is eligible for free prescriptions, how to save money on a prescription prepayment certificate and the NHS low income scheme. https://bit.ly/3Nyn4rd

Most GP appointments are just 10 minutes long. That doesn't give you much time to explain your symptoms, get a diagnosis, discuss treatment and get your questions answered. Check out our tips for getting the most out of your appointment - https://bit.ly/3NqsR25

Winter comes with a higher risk of health issues, particularly for older people, those with long term conditions or those with compromised immune systems. We've collated tips from the NHS so you can see what steps you can take to stay well - https://bit.ly/4pDDyLN

This week is #CervicalCancerPreventionWeek. Cervical screening is a free NHS test which checks for high risk HPV, which is the cause of nearly all cervical cancers. If you're nervous about attending, check out what support and adjustments are available - https://bit.ly/49yTHh7

The #NHS healthy choices quiz will give you advice and links to NHS apps to help you see how to make changes where they matter most. The quiz only takes 5 minutes, but can help you make a lasting change this January. Check out your score today - https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/healthy-choices-quiz/

Leaving feedback with us is quick and easy. Our form is available in Easy Read format online. So if you've used healthcare services recently - we want to hear about your experience. https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/easy-read-have-your-say/

Today is #BlueMonday and if you're feeling low - you're not alone. Check out our advice articles for small, meaningful ways you can support your own mental wellbeing. https://bit.ly/3hcjmUi #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfCareMatters #YouAreNotAlone #Wellbeing2026

Did you know that your local high street pharmacy can provide advice and information on minor illnesses and ailments? Pharmacists can work with other healthcare professionals to get you the best care. Find out how your pharmacy can help you - https://bit.ly/3JaANCR

People told us that weight loss drugs transform their lives. However, some people are experiencing a postcode lottery of access, facing long waiting lists for treatment or are forced to go private and face the rising costs or miss out altogether. https://bit.ly/4qRRDGw

Healthwatch is here for you! Unsure what to expect? Confused or unhappy with your care? Your local Healthwatch can help make your experience better - chat with them today and see how they can support you. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/your-local-healthwatch/list

Many people provide unpaid care to family or friends and are unaware of their rights. If you're an unpaid carer, find out what help and advice is out there to support you - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-10-02/what-support-can-i-get-carer

Just three minutes of your time can make a huge difference to improving services in your area. Let us know your experience of NHS or social care services in our short, confidential survey - www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say

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

Corridor care is now so normal that some hospitals are installing plug sockets in hallways. Commenting in todays article our Deputy Chief Executive, Chris McCann, shared our evidence about people facing long waits in hospital corridors. https://bit.ly/4jtahSB

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. Check out our articles - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information

The Pharmacy First scheme means you can now get prescription only treatment for 7 conditions at your local pharmacy - rather than needing to see a GP. Find out more about the Pharmacy First scheme - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-08-18/what-can-pharmacy-first-scheme-do-me

As we enter 2026, if you're not sure what to expect from healthcare services - your local Healthwatch team is here to help. Chat to your friendly local team today for straightforward advice and information. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/your-local-healthwatch/list

Want to make an impact in 2026? Sharing feedback after your experience with an NHS or social care service can lead to change - better services and better care for everyone in your community. www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say

Wishing you a very happy festive season from Healthwatch. Please note we are closed for two weeks and our social accounts will not be monitored until 5 January 2026.

Travelling to healthcare appointments is challenging for many. Will Pett, head of policy and research, comments on people’s ongoing struggles to access NHS transport. People need to be supported to get to and from vital NHS appointments. From 5:05 mins ITV Meridian www.youtube.com/watch?app=de...

If you need help over the Christmas period and don't know who to turn to, check out our article which lists which NHS services can help you when your GP is closed. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-09-02/where-can-i-get-help-health-out-hours

Too often, patients relying on non emergency transport for hospital appointments or operations face cancellations or are denied bookings. Read about our latest insight via @the-independent.com www.independent.co.uk/news/health/...

If you need medical help but are not sure where to go - use NHS 111 to get assessed and directed to the right place for help. Call, go online or use the NHS app. www.111.nhs.uk

If you're eligible for an NHS flu vaccine you can book an appointment at your GP surgery, with your local pharmacy or through the NHS app. Check out if you are eligible for your flu vaccine - https://bit.ly/3u7g1Me

With everything going on in your life throughout December, it's important to be aware of your mental health and prioritise looking after your own wellbeing. Check out our advice for tips - https://bit.ly/3hcjmUi

Our latest research on emergency dental care from the NHS highlights that people in pain are struggling to get an appointment and in some cases are being forced to travel more than 100 miles, spend on private care, or travel abroad to get care. https://bit.ly/49bdx1r

People have told us that urgent dental care is hard to access, treatment options are limited and they struggle to get follow up appointments after initial treatment. That's why we're calling for dental access reform to rebuild NHS dentistry - https://bit.ly/4iR5oT3

Social prescribing can connect you to the right community groups and services to help support you. It compliments traditional healthcare by providing holistic support tailored to your needs. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-09-24/what-social-prescribing

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

Emergencies don't stop for Christmas - that's why the NHS need blood donors every day. Make someone's Christmas wish come true by booking a slot to donate and save a life today via the GiveBloodNHS app or at www.blood.co.uk

The festive period is approaching - make sure you check what medication you might need to last over the winter period and get your request in early. For help on how to order a repeat prescription, check out the NHS advice - https://bit.ly/4ozDZq6

Benedict Knox, our Head of Communications, explains that our latest research shows that 98% patient satisfaction with a GP referral is possible when four steps are followed. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/news/2025-12-04/one-seven-patients-stuck-gp-referrals-black-hole

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. Check out our advice on things to consider - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-09-29/getting-second-opinion-about-your-care

Confused about your care? Your local Healthwatch can help you to get the support you need. Have a chat and see how they can help you. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/your-local-healthwatch/list

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

We can help you find reliable information that you can trust. Check out our website and let us help you find the support you need. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information