Healthwatch Blackpool

09/10/2025

Over the past few days, Charlotte, Abi and Vanessa visited St Mary’s Catholic Academy to deliver assemblies to year 8's and 9's, raising awareness and dispelling common myths about va**ng.

Thanks so much for having us, we thoroughly enjoyed visiting! 💜✨

03/10/2025

🌟 One Stop Community Shop – South Shore 🌟

Join The Hub at South Shore every Wednesday from Oct 2025–Mar 2026 for support, advice, activities, and a shared meal!

🍽 October Highlight: Cost of living - save money, manage household costs and streching budgets.
- When: Every Wednesday Morning, 10:30am–2pm
- Where: The Hub at South Shore
- Lunch served 12–1pm – stay and connect!

New sessions at the hub every Wednesday. We are here to help in any way we can.

19/09/2025

Charlotte and Vanessa recently attended the Blackpool & The Fylde College FE and HE Freshers Fair. It was lovely to meet so many students, share information about the work we do at Healthwatch Blackpool, and share useful resources from local organisations.

This week, we were also delighted to welcome two student placements, Vanessa from the University of Lancashire and Lucy from Lancaster University.

09/09/2025

Alongside Blackpool Council and the University of Hull, we would like to hear from care home residents and staff about how extreme weather (like heatwaves or storms) affects life in care homes and the care people receive.

By sharing your experiences, you will help us understand how services can better respond and plan for the future.

📢 Please complete our short survey and help us make a difference!

http://bit.ly/46787lu

Thank you 💙💗💚

02/09/2025

Healthwatch Blackpool would like to share the following information about a new support group launching in Blackpool for secondary breast cancer, by Breast Cancer Now:

Living with secondary breast cancer group launches in Blackpool!

We know a diagnosis of secondary breast cancer can mean adjusting to difficult changes in your life, and sometimes it can help to talk with other people in a similar situation. Our Living with Secondary Breast Cancer group in Blackpool gives you the chance to do just that, in a relaxed and supportive environment. Details for our new Blackpool group launching in September:

Where: Central Blackpool (address sent when signed up)

When: Usually the third Thursday of the month

Time: 11am – 1pm

Who: Around 5 to 15 people and an experienced counsellor will be there to welcome you and facilitate. If you’d like to come along you can register online: Register for Living with Secondary Breast Cancer | Breast Cancer Now

Our monthly groups, facilitated by a trained counsellor, are a chance to meet others living with secondary breast cancer in your local area.

25/07/2025

🚨 New Resource Alert! 🚨
Healthwatch Blackpool is committed to empowering our community. That's why we've launched a comprehensive page on our website dedicated to cancer information and support services.

Find everything you need, from key information on cancer to signposting to local and national organisations.

Knowledge is power. Take a look:

https://healthwatchblackpool.co.uk/conversations-about-cancer/

24/07/2025

Charlotte and Mike had a lovely walk in the park with the Macmillan team and group members, sharing experiences, insights and meaningful conversations. Your input is appreciated and thank you so much for having us!

The Macmillan Walk in the Park takes place in Stanley Park on the fourth Thursday at 1pm, meeting outside the Cafe.

Fylde Coast Macmillan Information and Support Service offers a range of supportive groups. For more information, visit: https://www.blackpoolteachinghospitals.nhs.uk/services/macmillan-cancer-information-and-support-service/groups-and-events

23/07/2025

Your Voice on Cancer Matters! 📢

Healthwatch Blackpool are hosting their final Blackpool Libraries listening event and want to hear your experiences and views on cancer. Your input is vital in shaping local health services!
Whether you or a loved one has been affected by cancer, or you simply want to share your thoughts on cancer awareness, screening, and prevention, we want to hear from you. We'll also have useful information for you to take home!

Join us:
Layton Library, Talbot Road, Blackpool FY3 7BD
Friday, 25th July at 11 am

Don't miss this chance to make a real difference! See you there!

22/07/2025

Alex and Charlotte had the pleasure of attending the Alcohol Free Women group last Friday at Blackpool Sports Centre, where we had meaningful conversations around cancer. We also provided further awareness on National Cancer Screening Programmes, ways to reduce cancer risk, and HPV.

We’re really grateful to all the ladies who shared their experiences and insights. Your input is appreciated and thank you so much for having us!

The next Alcohol Free Women session at Blackpool Sports Centre will be on the 15th August. The first session is free and then £6 pay as you go, and you don’t need to live in Blackpool to attend!

Upcoming Alcohol Free Women August sessions:
4th August: St Martin and St Hilda Church Hall, FY6 7NU 6:45-8:15pm
9th August: Fleetwood Health Centre, FY7 6HP 10:30-11:30am
28th August: St Anne's YMCA, FY8 1XD 6:45-8:15pm

The group is friendly, welcoming, and there’s always brew and biscuits to enjoy, so pop on down! ☕🍪

22/07/2025

Your Voice on Cancer Matters! 🗣️

Healthwatch Blackpool, with the NHS Population Health Team, wants to hear your experiences and views on cancer.

Join us for our next Blackpool Libraries listening event at:

Moor Park Library, Bristol Avenue, Blackpool FY2 0JG
Wednesday, July 23rd at 2 PM

If you or a loved one has had cancer, share your story. If not, tell us your thoughts on cancer awareness, screening, and prevention. We'll also have useful info to take home!

Your input helps shape local health services. Don't miss out!

11/07/2025

Have you or a loved one had an experience with cancer?

Do you want to know more about screening and cancer prevention?

Healthwatch Blackpool will be holding listening events across 3 Blackpool Libraries throughout July, starting with:

Central Library, Queen Street Blackpool FY1 1PX
Friday 18th July at 11am

Healthwatch Blackpool are working alongside the NHS population health team to speak to the community about cancer. If you or a close family member have had cancer, we would like to hear these experiences. If not, we would still like to hear about what your views are on cancer, and your awareness of screening and cancer prevention. We will also be sharing education and useful information which you can take home!

30/06/2025

Our amazing colleague Rebecca at the Blackpool Advocacy Hub is Braving the Shave to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support!
Rebecca is helping support the incredible work Macmillan does for people living with cancer.

If you'd like to contribute to this important cause, you can donate here:
🔗 Donate to Rebecca’s Brave the Shave: https://bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/Shavers/906a86b0-202b-4cf8-a665-d6726669fff2/

Every donation, no matter how small makes a real difference in supporting people living with cancer.

Also, if you’d like to share your own experiences or views on cancer, our survey is still open.
📝Complete the survey here: https://forms.office.com/e/PfFELwkxzZ

Thank you for your support!