Healthwatch Gateshead and Healthwatch Newcastle will be holding their Annual Joint Meeting on Thursday, the 19th of September 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the Gateshead International Stadium. This public meeting is a pivotal opportunity for community members to learn about their influence on improving services over the past year and contribute to shaping priorities for 2024/25.
Healthwatch Gateshead and Healthwatch Newcastle are the independent champions for people who use local health and social care services. Over the past year, both have worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of their communities, ensuring that their experiences and concerns inform the decisions that affect local health and social care services.
In 2023-24, Healthwatch Gateshead focused on deepening its engagement within local communities. By actively reaching out to people where they live and work, they have been able to support more residents and advocate effectively on their behalf. This effort has included conducting surveys, publishing insightful reports, and strengthening connections with groups whose voices are often underrepresented.
For Healthwatch Newcastle, 2023-24 was a year of renewal and strategic growth. They strengthened their engagement activities across the city, renewed a three-year contract with Newcastle City Council, and continued to ensure that the diverse voices of Newcastle residents were heard.
In total, between the two Healthwatch around 3,000 people shared their experiences of health and social care and over 100 outreach events took place. Key reports were produced including studies on pharmacy provision, GP services, winter pressures, and loneliness among the retirement-age population in Gateshead and Newcastle.
Recommendations from the reports were passed to commissioning bodies for implementation and action.
Michael Brown, Chair of Healthwatch Gateshead said, “Every week, our volunteers and staff are out there, breaking down barriers to ensure access to quality health and social care. This makes the system work better for everyone.”
Dr. Terry Bearpark, Interim Chair of Healthwatch Newcastle, acknowledged the community’s role saying, “We are grateful to all the local residents who have supported our fact-finding and research over the last year. Their contributions are instrumental in driving positive changes in health and social care.”
Yvonne Probert, CEO of Tell Us North (CIC), an organisation specialising in community engagement, research, evaluation, and assessment in the fields of health, well-being, and social care, also oversees Healthwatch Gateshead and Healthwatch Newcastle.
“The upcoming Annual Joint Meeting will not only reflect on our accomplishments but also look ahead to the future. The insights gathered from our Annual Surveys and ongoing community engagement will help us set priorities for the next year, focusing on areas such as women’s health, adult social care, digital inclusion, and supporting underrepresented communities.
“We invite everyone to attend this important annual meeting, share their views, and help us shape the future of health and social care in Gateshead and Newcastle. Your voice matters, and together, we can make a difference.”
Book your free place here: