Healthwatch Leeds

07/05/2026

At Healthwatch Leeds, we listen to people's experiences of health and care and give people a voice to shape and improve health and care services for everyone.

We are deeply concerned about the toll that recent acts of racism and violence are having on individuals and communities. These events have made many people feel worried, marginalised and unsafe, which we know will result in a negative impact on their health and wellbeing.

We have no tolerance towards acts of racism, violence, antisemitism and islamophobia.

At Healthwatch Leeds, we believe everyone has the right to access high-quality, welcoming and safe health and care services, regardless of their religion or background.

Get in touch for safe, independent advice and support about health and social care in Leeds.

07/05/2026

Our volunteer manager accompanied our wonderful volunteer, Elsa, to the University of Leeds student volunteer celebration event to recognise Elsa’s achievements through volunteering with Healthwatch Leeds. Nominated students received a certificate of recognition from the University.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us to find out more.

https://healthwatchleeds.co.uk/about-us/volunteering/?utm_source=fb_page&utm_medium=Healthwatch+Leeds&utm_campaign=publer

07/05/2026

Did you know, as a Deaf person, you can ask for communication support from health and social care providers?

Examples could be:
- email or text instead of a telephone call.
- providing a British Sign Language Interpreter.
- using a relay service.

We created a video to highlight examples of different ways to ask for accessible information.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSk7lpWg6Xk&utm_source=fb_page&utm_medium=Healthwatch+Leeds&utm_campaign=publer

If you live with a disability, impairment or English is your second language, you can ask your health and care staff to provide the appropriate support you n...

07/05/2026

This week (4–10 May) is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, a campaign dedicated to raising awareness of mental health challenges before, during, and after pregnancy.
1 in 4 women experience maternal mental health difficulties, so it’s important that no one feels alone and that support is available.
Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service prioritises access and support, for the birthing person and their partner during pregnancy and up to one year after birth.
You do not need a professional referral, you can self-refer online or call 0113 843 4388.
To find out more about free support available, visit:
https://leedsmentalwellbeingservice.co.uk/what-we-offer/talking-therapies/perinatal-support/

06/05/2026

Some Deaf people experience delays in health appointments when no interpreter is available. For Diane, when her appointment was delayed, she risked missing vital medication.

Part 2 of Diane and Gemma’s September ‘How does it feel for me’ video update shows why access to interpreters is so important and how on-demand interpreter services can be used effectively to meet this need. https://youtu.be/7BB3O3UV-v8?utm_source=in_page&utm_medium=Healthwatch+Leeds&utm_campaign=publer

06/05/2026

MindWell-Leeds has refreshed their mental health support for deaf people page.
This page may be helpful for deaf people, people with hearing loss, and anyone supporting others.
🔗 https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/mental-health-support-for-deaf-people/?utm_source=fb_page&utm_medium=Healthwatch+Leeds&utm_campaign=publer

Small steps in understanding and communication can help make services more inclusive for everyone.

06/05/2026

This , we want to highlight Deaf people's experiences of accessing health and care services.

Jason is a deaf man and uses British Sign Language. He shares his frustrations with trying to access health and care services, but struggles because services do not provide accessible contact methods for deaf people, and over the years, things have not changed.

Something as small as a text service can make a massive difference for Deaf people in accessing the services they need.

Jason was frustrated that many deaf people, including himself, had been asked again and again what would improve their experience but nothing ever changed. H...

06/05/2026

Find Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service in different pop-up locations next week.

This Mental Health Awareness Week (11-17 May), let’s connect, share and support one another.
We’re creating space for open conversations, practical tips and easy ways to find support, whatever that might look like for you.

Come and say hello to our team, pick up some helpful resources and explore what’s available to support your wellbeing:
📍 Compton Centre – 12 and 13 May 2026
📍 Trinity Leeds – 14 May 2026
Whether you’re just curious, looking to support someone else, or want to learn something new, you’re very welcome. Sometimes a simple chat or small step can make all the difference. We’d love to see you there 💬

06/05/2026

One week to go. Find us in Kirkgate Market on 13 May at 10 am to 2 pm.

In just over 1 week, Touchstone and Forum Central are hosting a FREE, drop-in marketplace at Kirkgate Market! The event will bring together local services that can help you to take action to support your mental health.

Pop down on Wednesday 13th May, anytime between 10am-2pm, to explore stalls and chat with friendly people who can offer information, support, and advice.

There will be stalls from over 25 services including Association of Blind Asians Leeds, Holbeck Together, Leeds Mind, Here For You, Healthwatch Leeds, Livewellleeds, Mafwa Theatre, Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service, and many more!

Everyone is welcome! Whether you want to join a new hobby group, challenge mental health stigma, or know where to reach out to when you're having a hard time, we are here to help.

05/05/2026

This week is . For those struggling with hearing loss, we have updated the information and advice on our website about services that provide hearing tests and aids. Previously, our advice was aimed at former Specsavers patients who didn't know where to turn after Specsavers stopped providing NHS audiology. Now, our advice page includes information on all hearing aid services in Leeds.

Specsavers lost their bid for NHS audiology services in Leeds. Find out where to go for NHS audiology if you have been affected.

01/05/2026

We will be attending the Free Marketplace event!

It's on Wednesday, 13th May, from 10 am to 2 pm at Leeds Kirkgate Market.

Come along and meet our staff and volunteers. Find out more about us, tell us about your experiences of services in .

Can't make the event? Get in touch to share your experience.

30/04/2026

Great to see Elsa's art exhibition with Pyramid of Arts. Elsa is one of our creative volunteers who has helped edit videos and design resources as well as going out and chatting to communities to help with our projects. We are very proud to see her speciality and varied skill set.