Healthwatch West Berkshire

06/08/2025

You are ALL Invited!

Join us on 16th of September 2025 at Greenham Community Centre for a special Community Support Event focused on improving health and social care services for everyone.

Theme: ‘Support and Resources for All’

What to expect:
✔️ Free one-to-one chats with health and social care professionals
✔️ Information about budgeting, nutrition and stress management
✔️ Local charities and organisations offering help with housing, mental health, employment and more
✔️ Free refreshments and a friendly space to ask questions, connect and learn

Come along, bring a friend and discover what support is available in your community!

Can't make it? Please fill in our survey about local services.
Every voice can make a difference!

www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Supportandservices/

05/08/2025

Help shape the future of continence care.

The Urology Trade Association (UTA), The Urology Foundation (TUF) and the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) have launched a joint survey on patient dignity, experiences, and outcomes.

The UTA, SIA and TUF would like to understand more about people's experiences with urinary continence care, including how it affects your day-to-day life, dignity and how well the care and products work for you.

The survey should be answered by adults who experience continence issues and/or their carer/family member. The answers will be analysed by UTA, SIA and TUF to understand patterns and trends around urinary continence care, particularly patients' dignity, their experiences, and outcomes.
The answers will be kept completely anonymous. The survey can be accessed below, and will be open until 30th September.
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=AcxchSTdkUiURSg6kv6Ay6jfwiYIt0JKhh2vCCNb0gpUQkdSVTZZWjBROFhPUUFFSVVNOFJXSUJDUy4u

04/08/2025

Measles cases are on the rise in the UK. It is an infectious disease, spreads quickly and can be dangerous.
Are you and your family vaccinated?

04/08/2025

August is National Road Victim Month, led by Road Peace since 1998 .

It is a time to remember those killed or injured on UK roads and to urge everyone to act responsibly behind the wheel.

Every day, around 5 people are killed and 80 seriously injured on Britain's roads .

Since records began in 1926 over 500 000 lives have been lost in UK road crashes.

Many incidents are preventable - simple actions like obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions and wearing seatbelts or cycle helmets can save lives .

Show support for accident victims and their families - tag RoadPeace or share their helpline.
Commit to safer behavior: slower speeds, no phones, watch for vulnerable road users.

We would love to hear from you:
- Have you been affected by a road incident: personally or through someone you know?
- What safety measures have made a difference to you?

Drop your thoughts, experiences or pledges below 👇

04/08/2025

Pharmacy Opening Hours - August Bank Holiday 🩹🩺💊

The August Bank Holiday is on it's way, and you might need to visit a pharmacist. See below the opening hours for local pharmacies.

04/08/2025

Healthwatch Newsletter!

Every month we send out the latest health and social care news to our subscribers. Find out what's happening with Women's Health in West Berks, what new changes are coming with our commissioning services, help with finding a dentist, what we have been doing out and about and more...

Take a peep at our latest bulletin and subscribe for the next one. We will never spam you, and you will always the be the first to know the latest news and local information that might affect you.

Big Changes Are Coming – What Do They Mean for You? There are some big changes happening in health and care, and they could affect how services are planned and delivered in West Berkshire. Earlier this year, the Government announced plans to cut NHS costs and reduce the number of Integrated Care B...

03/08/2025

August is an Immunisation Awareness Month.

Vaccines save 2–3 million lives every year and have prevented countless cases of measles, polio and other serious diseases.
High vaccination rates protect those who can’t be immunised, such as babies, older adults, or people with health conditions, by creating herd immunity .

In the UK, routine immunisation prevents around 5,000 deaths and 100,000 hospital admissions annually.

So, it is time to take an action:
- Check your and your family’s vaccination status: childhood jabs, flu, shingles, Covid boosters via your GP or the NHS
- Book any outstanding vaccines, especially before summer travel or flu season.
- Share a myth‑buster: for example - 'Vaccines don’t overload your immune system - they train it '
- Encourage others by explaining how vaccines protect communities, not just individuals.

We would love to hear your thoughts:
- What helps you trust or inform others about immunisation?
- Have you seen misinformation online? How did you respond?

Drop your comments below 👇

02/08/2025

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, a time to understand, support and empower those living with this chronic skin condition that affects millions worldwide .

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition causing red, scaly patches on the skin and can affect joints .
It is not contagious, but it can have a big impact on self-esteem and quality of life .
Awareness, early diagnosis, and tailored treatment help people manage symptoms effectively.

We would love to hear from you:
Have you or someone you know been affected by psoriasis?
What tips or treatments have helped?
How can we better support individuals living with skin conditions?

Leave a comment below and let’s build understanding together 👇

30/07/2025

Healthwatch West Berkshire would like to hear from women and girls about your health needs.

We’re working with the NHS as part of the new BOB Women’s Health Strategy , which focuses on key areas that impact women and girls throughout their lives.

This short, anonymous survey will help shape future services across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West, and we want to make sure West Berkshire isn't left behind.

Your replies will help shape the strategy going forward. So please participate, and ensure your voice is heard. Click the link below for the short survey.
Thank you!
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/WestBerksWomen/

29/07/2025

Water Safety Matters!

We would like to encourage you to join a free online talk on Wednesday, 20th of August, 6–8pm to learn how to stay safe by the sea and on the water.

Expert speakers from SCAS and RNLI will cover:
- Cold water shock
- Rip currents
- Safety tips for swimmers, boaters & walkers

For register: membership@scas.nhs.uk
For more information: scas.nhs.uk

Have you ever been caught off guard by tides or cold water?
Share your stories & tips below!

25/07/2025

25th of JulyNational Schizophrenia Awareness Day.
This day is dedicated to raise awareness about schizophrenia, a serious but treatable mental illness that affects around 1 in 100 people in the UK.
Let’s bust the myths, reduce the stigma, and show support for those living with it.

Schizophrenia is not the same as having a 'split personality' and with the right help, many people manage their symptoms and live full lives.

We would love to hear from you:
Have you had experience with mental health: personally or supporting someone else?
What would you want others to know?

Comment below and join the conversation 👇

10/07/2025

🦷 Looking for NHS dental care in West Berkshire?

You can visit any local NHS dentist, with options for urgent care (within 24 hours or up to 7 days) across 36 practices.
The Flexible Commissioning scheme also supports those who haven’t seen a dentist recently, relocated, or have special needs.
No registration needed—just call your dentist or dial NHS 111 if you need urgent support. Keep smiling! 😁