1. It's easier to choose a care home in Durham thanks to Tony

    News -

    After struggling to find the right information when choosing a care home for his mum, Tony decided to take matters into his own hands.

  2. Making it easier to share your feedback – a new Single Complaints Statement for social care

    Blog -

    We have worked with the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, as part of the Quality Matters initiative, to help make it easier for the public and professionals to understand how to make and respond to social care complaints.

  3. Making a complaint about social care services – what should you expect?

    Advice and Information -

    Here we look at six things you should expect when making a complaint about social care services.

  4. Encouraging people to plan for care needs ‘just in case’ is biggest hurdle for the Government’s Green Paper

    News -

    New research suggests a lack of information and support is preventing people from thinking about the care they may want or need in the future.

  5. Our response to Which? latest research on people underestimating the true cost of care.

    Response -

    New research from Which? finds that millions of people are underestimating the cost of paying for a care home place - potentially putting some at risk of financial problems. Our National Director, Imelda Redmond, responds to these findings.

  6. What should I know before choosing a care home?

    Advice and Information -

    To choose the right care home and support for your needs, or the needs of a loved one, it's important you have the right information to make your decision. Here are six things you should consider when choosing a care home.

  7. Our response to new guidance to help care homes understand their responsibilities under consumer law

    Response -

    New guidance from the Competitions and Markets Authority aims to help ensure that care home residents are treated fairly under consumer law.

  8. What matters most: Four things people want from care

    News -

    Since 2014, we’ve heard from 1.4 million people about what it’s like to use NHS and social care services. Our latest annual report to Parliament highlights what changes you want to see and how together we're making a difference.

  9. Choosing care can be stressful

    News -

    Choosing care services for a loved one is more stressful than getting married, according to new research.

  10. Putting people at the centre of their care

    News -

    Guidance from NICE, developed with the help of Healthwatch Surrey, highlights how you should be an equal partner in your care. Alice Maynard, Chair of the Guideline Committee explains more.

  11. Our response to the Competition and Markets Authority's report on care homes

    Response -

    The Department of Health and Social Care has today responded to the Competition Markets Authority’s study of the care home market.

  12. Meet the people using their voice to make a difference to care of others

    News -

    Five people and groups have been shortlisted for a national award that celebrates local people who, through their dedication, have helped improve health and care for their community.

  13. Speaking up saves lives in Bristol

    News -

    Thanks to Errol, more men in Bristol are aware of the signs of prostate cancer and are being diagnosed and treated.

  14. Getting the basics right for people who are Deaf

    News -

    Thanks to Sandra, NHS England is improving the way they communicate with people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

  15. Families fight to save local respite service

    News -

    Thanks to a group of families in Hertfordshire, changes are being made to respite care and support for families of children with complex needs.

  16. Meet the health and social care staff who go the extra mile

    News -

    In the run up to the 70th anniversary of the NHS, we are joining in the celebrations with the launch of a new award to recognise the outstanding contributions of health and care staff towards improving patient care. ​​​​​​​

  17. Stories of change - number 25 #NHS70 #ItStartsWithYou

    News -

    To help celebrate 70 years of the NHS we're collecting 70 stories of how people's experiences are being used by health and care services and professionals to help make them better.

  18. Healthwatch Network Awards 2018 shortlist announced

    News -

    After reviewing over 170 entries, we are pleased to announce all of the finalists for the Healthwatch Network Awards 2018.

  19. Tell us your story about maternal mental health

    News -

    We want to know more about your experience of mental health support when planning to get pregnant, during pregnancy, at the birth of your child and afterwards.

  20. Work in the NHS? Five ways to let people know you’re using their views to improve care

    News -

    Every year, NHS and social care staff receive millions of pieces of feedback from those using services. Read these top tips to help ensure people know how you are using their feedback to improve care.

  21. Healthwatch 2018 network award winners announced

    News -

    The Healthwatch network came together to recognise some of the fantastic work of local community champions helping to improve the country’s hospitals, GPs and care services.

  22. A recap on what happened at #Healthwatch2018

    News -

    Hundreds of people from across the Healthwatch Network joined us at our sixth Annual Conference in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

  23. Making your voice count 2018

    Report -

    Read our award winning stories from this year's Healthwatch Network Awards.

  24. Healthwatch 2018 supporting materials

    Report -

    Attended Healthwatch 2018 and wanted to look back at some of the presentations from the sessions? Here we share supporting materials from the day.

  25. How much funding is your local Healthwatch receiving for 2018/19?

    News -

    Find out how much funding your local Healthwatch receives to help you have your say.

  26. Three common issues homeless people face when trying to access care

    News -

    With thousands of people at risk of homelessness this winter, we look at the common issues people who do not have a place to call home tell us they can face when it comes to health and care.

  27. Helping someone who is homeless access healthcare

    News -

    With many people sleeping rough, here's how health and care services can help those facing homelessness get the support they need.

  28. Improving access to GP services for people who are homeless

    News -

    Most people take access to a GP for granted but if you become homeless, it’s not always so easy.