. Healthwatch Lambeth News October 2022
Championing what matters to you
Championing what matters to you
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Healthwatch Lambeth
 

Healthwatch Lambeth is your health and social care champion. We listen to what people like about services and what could be improved. We share those views with NHS leaders and other care providers to make change happen and improve outcomes for local residents.
 
Our highlights:
 

  • Staff Update 

  • A Word from our CEO

  • Our Latest Report

  • Staying Well This Winter

  • November Outreach

  • Seasons Greetings
Mental Health in Lambeth
 
A big welcome to our new
PCN Engagement Officer

We are very glad to announce the latest addition to the Healthwatch Lambeth team. Sue joins as our new PCN Engagement Officer. 

Sue has degrees in Sociology and Policy Studies. She is passionate about understanding people's experience of health and social care services. Before joining Healthwatch Lambeth, she worked with other Healthwatch organisations in London and as a consultant on health policy. She also has experience working in resource-poor settings in India.

Through her work with Healthwatch Lambeth, Sue wants to ensure all service users have equal experience and outcomes when accessing primary care services.
 
A Word from Our CEO, Mairéad Healy

As 2022 draws to a close, we've been reflecting on the achievements of the past year and all that has taken place. There have been many changes at Healthwatch Lambeth but we believe change has the potential for great opportunity. With this in mind, we as a team are already looking ahead to January and all the projects we'd like to get off the ground in 2023.

Over the last year, more than 700 of you told us about your experiences of health and social care services while over 160 people sought us out for information and guidance on topics ranging from mental health to Covid-19. Listening to the public is at the core of our work and we will continue to represent the voices of Lambeth residents in 2023, particularly those of the most seldom heard and most in need.

Amidst the cost-of-living crisis, industrial action and growing pressures on the NHS and social care services, it goes without saying that 2023 will present challenges. But we are determined to meet them, to amplify voices of Lambeth residents, and to act as your independent health and social care champion in 2023 and beyond.

On behalf of all our team, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

Mairéad Healy, Healthwatch Lambeth CEO
 
AHC Report
Access to Annual Health Checks and and Vaccines
 

Our latest report, on Access to Annual Healthchecks and Covid-19 Vaccines, is out now. In researching the project, we spoke to 12 people (or carers of people) living with learning difficulties or serious mental illness. The findings were insightful, with some respondents reporting ease when accessing healthcare checks and others finding the process difficult or unclear. 

On vaccines, there was a similar diversity in responses, with trust regularly highlighted as a motivating factor in accepting the COVID-19 vaccine. We also heard from health professionals, who commented on the holistic importance of annual healthcare checks for those living with learning difficulties and the benefit of conversations that can offer ongoing support. 
 
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Opportunities to get involved
Winter Wellbeing
Staying Well This Winter

At this time of year, weather conditions can aggravate already existing health problems and make us more vulnerable to respiratory infections.

With many people struggling during the cost-of-living crisis, we've provided a link to a Lambeth Council page providing tips on saving energy (and reducing bills), as well as guidance on stocking medication cabinets, dressing warmly and keeping up an active lifestyle. 

There are also tips for supporting loved ones and resources for older residents who may require help to find support locally and ensure homes are warm and safe this winter.
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Outreach Events

Healthwatch Lambeth is your health and social care champion and so we would not be able to do the work entrusted to us without going out and meeting members of the public to discuss your views. 

We were busy in November with outreach events around the borough, including a Thriving Streatham Wellbeing event at Gracefield Gardens Health Centre on 24th November. 

This followed our attendance at Money, Community and Me at the Baytree Centre, where we had a table to discuss finance advice and how to build community financial resilience. The event was as enjoyable as it was productive, and we look forward to another one in the near future. 
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Wellbeing support in Lambeth

Please note that our offices will be closed between 23rd December and 3rd of January. If you need to contact us, we will endeavour to get back to you as quickly as possible in the New Year. 

Finally, from all of us at Healthwatch Lambeth, we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. 

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Healthwatch Lambeth, 80 London Road
London, SE1 6LH

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80 London Road
London, SE1 6LH
United Kingdom