Healthwatch Redbridge

21/07/2025

Healthwatch Redbridge have joined 130 local Healthwatch services across England in signing a powerful open letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, urging the government to reconsider proposals that would bring public voice functions under the control of local authorities and NHS bodies.

The letter, which to date has been signed by 131 Healthwatch Chief Officers/Chairs - representing 86% of the national network - warns that the proposed changes would seriously compromise the independence that makes public feedback effective and trusted.

“Bringing public voice functions in-house risks creating a system where feedback is filtered, inconvenient truths are softened, and accountability is diluted,” the letter states. “It sends the wrong message at a time when public trust in institutions must be rebuilt, not eroded.”

Healthwatch services have long served as independent champions for patients, carers, and communities—particularly those who are vulnerable or face barriers to accessing care. Our statutory independence allows us to challenge poor practice, conduct impartial research, and ensure that people’s voices are heard without fear or favour.

Read more on our website:

131 Local Healthwatch Services Unite to Oppose Government Plans to Undermine Independent Public Voice

18/07/2025

On Saturday, we joined Redbridge Rainbow Community at the Town Hall to celebrate the first Redbridge Pride!

It was wonderful to see so many people come together, and we're always so proud to see the strength of Redbridge's rich diversity on display ❤️💙💚💛🧡

16/07/2025

THANK YOU REDBRIDGE ❤

Each year, we report on how we have been working to influence better standards of local NHS and social care, and the impact we have achieved.

Throughout the year, hundreds of people came to us to share their experiences of health and social care, we heard how the needs of our local Deaf community were dismissed at appointments, women’s hesitations and fears at attending intimate examinations, and how parents are struggling to find SEN support for their children.

Acting on what you have shared with us; we have worked in partnership with the London Borough of Redbridge and service providers to make key recommendations for change. We have championed the voice of local people, putting their experiences on the national agenda, and we have delivered comprehensive information to empower Redbridge residents to advocate for their needs.

In telling your stories, you have demonstrated the power that you have to show how our health and social care system is and isn't working.

By speaking up for better care, you have helped create real and lasting change.

Read about our impact in 2024/25 on our website: https://www.healthwatchredbridge.co.uk/report/2025-07-09/unlocking-power-people-driven-care-healthwatch-redbridge-annual-report-2024-2025

ℹ You may have also heard that the government has plans to disband the Healthwatch network and change the law to transfer Healthwatch duties to local authorities and the ICB.

These changes will happen over time, and we are still here, open, and working for local people.

16/07/2025

The Disability Festival in the park is next week!

We can't wait to see you there 🌳🌳❤️🌳🌳

Help One Place East raise money to support One Place East Ltd

01/07/2025

You may have seen over the weekend that the government has announced its plans to disband Healthwatch to the press.

This news has come as a great shock to the Healthwatch Redbridge team.

For over a decade, Healthwatch Redbridge has worked tirelessly to ensure that people across the borough have a seat at the table when decisions are made.

We are waiting to learn more in the upcoming 10-year health strategy.

Until legislation changes, our duty to local people remains, and we will continue to serve our communities with independence, integrity and purpose.

Read our full statement on our website:

Healthwatch Redbridge responds to recent announcements made about the future of the Healthwatch network in the national press and the importance of independence and transparency.

16/06/2025

ADHD isn’t becoming more common, but more people are being diagnosed because there’s greater awareness and understanding.

A new report from Healthwatch England highlights how vital a diagnosis can be in helping people manage their condition and access support. For many, it’s been life-changing.

But long NHS waiting times are holding people back and need urgent attention. ⏳

📖 Read more ➡️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg5vp62dnnro?fbclid=IwY2xjawK9CnVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFtOHZrZFdTMG5Yc0d1WG92AR4uvJh-C4TDvkO9dRZ8jZYyFDYR_iStBGoV4raETOPlAyvS0BeZLCYq_0xB2A_aem_esF_41usjrh62ABrBidz6g

Study found ADHD is not becoming more common, despite a surge in people being diagnosed.

11/06/2025

Your Voice Matters! 💬

The Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) is an independent team of service users, parents, healthcare professionals, and community representatives working together to improve maternity and neonatal services.

Share your feedback to help improve neonatal and maternity care for families across North East London 🫂

Why share your feedback?
✅ Raise awareness for positive change
✅ Help shape better care for parents and babies
✅ Foster family-centred care

Contact bhrutmnvp@gmail.com to join the Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership 📧

10/06/2025

ℹ💻 This Know your Kidneys event, hosted by Kidney Care UK and the London Kidney Network, will share information about early CKD (stages 1-3) and advise on the best way to manage your condition with support from your GP 🔗 https://www.healthwatchredbridge.co.uk/event/2025-07-10/know-your-kidneys

09/06/2025

Have you ever felt lonely, even when you’re with other people?

You’re not alone — and there’s no shame in feeling this way.

Loneliness is something many of us experience at different points in our lives — whether it's after a big life change, a loss, or just feeling out of sync with the world around us.

We want to be able to talk openly and honestly about loneliness: what it feels like, why it happens, and what you can do if you or someone you know is struggling.

Have you ever felt lonely, even when you’re with other people?it shows up, and what you can do when you feel lonely.

🔗https://www.healthwatchredbridge.co.uk/blog/2025-06-04/loneliness-lets-talk-about-it

07/06/2025

05/06/2025

The Disability Festival in the Park is back this July!

Every year we have an amazing time celebrating the incredibly talented disabled community in Redbridge.

Join us at Christchurch Green this summer for entertainment, arts activities and information and services.

📅 Wednesday 23rd July, 2025
🕖 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
📌 Christchurch Green, Wanstead, London, E11 2RH

One Place East Redbridge Council Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure Colours of Redbridge