Could your personal experience of health services in Wandsworth help improve things for local people?

This short video shows why sharing your experiences and views of local health care matters so much.

#ItStartsWithYou

Over one million adults in England currently use NHS mental health services. What should they expect?

One definition of good reads "having the required qualities; of a high standard". But what does that mean when it comes to mental health services?

Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) explains how professionals should improve people's experience of mental health services. Read NICE's guidance here or Healthwatch England's breakdown of what to expect from a good NHS mental health service. Read more.

The Wandsworth Wellbeing Hub is a free and impartial NHS service which helps people find organisations and services to support their health and well-being needs.

We'll be showing you how to get the most out of this resource at our next Assembly on the 27 September. Click here to book your place or email enquiries@healthwatchwandsworth.co.uk.

We know that it can be hard to know where to start when making a complaint. 

Our online resources can help you work out what to do and how to get the best result from making a complaint. 

We are here to help, so you can also talk to us 

President Trump was quoted as saying earlier this year, "Nobody knew that health care could be so complicated."

Whilst it may come as a surprise to the US President, those working in health policy around the globe have long been aware of the complexities of providing health care for millions of people in a way that is efficient, safe and fair.

Watch this short video from The King's Fund to find out more about how the NHS works in England.

We want to highlight just how important it is that local people speak up about their experiences of using health and social care services. This could help to improve them for everyone.

Get in touch and tell us what you think works, what doesn't, and what you would like your local health care services to provide.

Find out more about our national Speak Up campaign on the Healthwatch England website.

Last year we collected the views and experiences of more than 1120 local residents on health and social care services. This year, we're continuing to urge local patients and service users to get in touch with us to share their stories and help improve services for all. It doesn't matter whether your issue is small or big, we still want to hear about it.

Find out about the different ways you can share your views with Healthwatch Wandsworth, including via this year's national #SpeakUp campaign.

Good question! And one that we're sure many people will be asking over the coming months.

Healthwatch Essex has taken the initiative to try and get to the bottom of things and explain, in simple terms, exactly what an NHS Vanguard is, how they differ from services previously provided by the NHS, and how we will benefit from them in practical terms.

Watch their award-winning short film, with local star Healthwatch Harriet.

There are many ways that we can stay well no matter how bad the winter gets, from keeping doors and windows closed, to making sure our immune system is properly cared for.

For the more vulnerable among us, the NHS is recommending the flu vaccine which is free for certain people.

Visit the CCG's website for more information or watch the attached video.

Public Health England’s latest campaign Be Clear on Cancer encourages a greater awareness of the symptoms along with early diagnosis and treatment, which are often the key to a successful outcome.

Find out how you can be more informed and when it's time to visit your GP.

All too often, unresolved mental health problems lie at the heart of some of our greatest social challenges.

Charity Heads Together, has released a number of films as part of a campaign featuring people from all walks of life talking about the life changing conversation that helped them cope with their mental health problems.

Find out how you can join the #oktosay conversation, watch the films, or find out more about the campaign on the Heads Together website.

Major incidents are on the increase, both here in the capital and further afield. Our thoughts are with all those affected.

It is normal to have strong emotional responses to traumatic events and at times like these it is especially important to talk and listen to one another.

There is a wide range of support available locally for anyone who may be experiencing distress, so don't suffer in silence. Find out where you can get help and support.

British Sign Language and subtitled video explaining what Healthwatch is here to do: help make services better now and in the future.

Are you a young person who is concerned about your health or worried about social issues? You're not alone!

Many young people worry about the same things.

Find out how your peers feel and what they have to say on these subjects (and more) on our Youth Blog.

For people with learning disabilities, a medical examination can be a scary prospect.

This short video shows how doctors can take simple steps to put patients at ease.

When Healthwatch began a discussion on the right to good health and social care, people pointed to the fact that everyone has a responsibility to use services wisely.  

So what are our individual responsibilities as far as health and social care is concerned? To have your say, join the conversation for rights and responsibilities.