News and reports

Community engagement is at the heart of Healthwatch Southwark’s mission. By ensuring that the voices of residents are heard, we help shape local health and social care services to be more inclusive, responsive, and equitable. But what does effective community engagement look like? And why is it so important?

My experience as a Southwark Community Health Ambassador

Natasha shares her a bit about her experience of joining the Healthwatch Southwark Advisory Board, what activities she has been part of since being appointed in the role and words of encouragement for anyone looking to apply in this engaging blog.

The government’s 10-Year Health Plan provides an opportunity to address systemic inequities in healthcare and support Southwark’s most vulnerable populations.

Healthwatch Southwark’s response is grounded in feedback from our listening tour, signposting and feedback data, past projects, our Community Health Ambassadors Programme and collaborations with Community Southwark.

This document highlights critical priorities for improving health and care services, focusing on equity, integration, and prevention.

Empathy is at the heart of human interaction, especially in fields demanding emotional intelligence and a personal touch. In healthcare, where patients encounter vulnerable and stressful moments, empathy can truly change lives.
As proud advocates of care standards, we've seen firsthand how empathy elevates the overall patient experience in healthcare settings. Join us as we explore how empathy can revolutionise patient outcomes, boost safety, and enhance satisfaction.

On Friday 24 April I attended the Southwark Mental Health Carers Forum, where we heard about the proposal to move mental health inpatient wards for Lambeth residents from Lambeth Hospital to the Maudsley in Southwark.

Carole, the Learning Disability Service Manager from Bede House, speaks about how the tremendous contribution their volunteers make to families has also helped build confidence and skills in themselves.

Healthwatch Southwark & Healthwatch Lambeth, along with partners from health and social care across both boroughs, ran an event "A Healthy Future in Southwark & Lambeth" on the 20th March.