HEALTHWATCH SUFFOLK C.I.C.

We loved spending today with the Wellbeing Wednesday crew, hosted by Triangle Church Ipswich at Dickens Road, where the amazing team supported over 40 people this morning, providing them with a warm space, toast, and a hot drink. A massive thank you to everyone for helping us to meet people and ask about their local health and care experiences 💙

Suffolk County Council wants to hear how you access and use pharmacy services in Suffolk, to help them develop services in the future. Visit our website to discover how you can share your experiences. https://lnkd.in/gnmPxYsm

A breast cancer survivor and mother-of-two from Suffolk is urging others to take some time to check their breasts during this month’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Read Julie's story by clicking the link below 👇 https://lnkd.in/eg9zNPx9

The East Anglian Daily Times article this week featured local health leaders commenting on the latest HealthWatch England report. Tony Dean, Joint Chief Officer for Community Pharmacy Norfolk & Suffolk, said the data reflects the "crippling funding cuts and workforce crisis our sector is experiencing". “The list of areas most affected by temporary closures is effectively a list of those most rural," he added. “Pharmacies have been the cornerstone of our villages and high streets for decades, but the numbers of permanent closures, reduced opening hours and temporary closures will, unfortunately, continue until there is a significant improvement in the core national contract that underpins over 90% of a typical pharmacy’s turnover." Read the full article here ➡🔗 https://lnkd.in/eaXmCs-m Andy Yacoub

Work can have a huge impact on our mental health. It can be good for our mental health, but some environments can also be a source of stress and anxiety, and contribute to developing or worsening mental health problems. This is not a rare occurrence either, with research showing 875,000 workers suffered from work-related stress, depression and anxiety in 2022/23. So, on this #WorldMentalHealthDay, why not take some time today to reach out to a colleague and see how they're doing? Here are some tips that can help 👇 💙 Find a good space to talk without distractions 💙 If you’re worried about someone, try to find a place where you know you can have a conversation without being distracted. 💙 Listen and ask questions 💙 Listening can be one of the most valuable ways to be there for someone. Show them that you’re actively listening by facing them, making eye contact, and not interrupting. Questions can help you clarify what they mean and also show that you’re actively listening. But make sure the questions are relevant to what they’re saying, and not changing the subject.  💙 Ask how you can help 💙 Ask how you can help or make suggestions, rather than telling them what to do next. They might want support with making a GP appointment, help around the house, or just for you to keep things normal and chat about what’s going on in your life.

The #NHS is marking the national Celebrating Community Services Week, with the whole system taking the time to celebrate the scope and importance of community health services within our health service 💙 Encouraging the public to share positive stories with us as a local Healthwatch can help raise awareness of the valuable services available across the county, and the dedication of all community healthcare professionals. Visit https://lnkd.in/e2WDaQyr to see our Feedback Centre, and read what people have to say about our community services.

We’re proud to be supporting Dyslexia Awareness Week 2024! One in ten people have dyslexia, each with a unique story of twists and turns to tell 💙 The British Dyslexia Association offers a helpline providing free and confidential information, support and signposting for those who need it. To have a conversation with them, you can call 0333 405 4567, or email them at any time via helpline@bdadyslexia.org.uk. #DAW24 #DyslexiaAwareness #WhatsYourStory #MyDyslexiaStory

Nearly two years ago, we decided to discover the answer to the question: What if people who struggled against poverty could help to make decisions about tackling it? 🤔 We gathered an amazing group of individuals - and these people with lived experience of financial hardship, alongside system leaders, have collectively produced our latest report, focused on influencing future policies targeted at tackling poverty in Suffolk. Visit https://lnkd.in/gzpWmRiK to download the full report, or read the groups recommendations on topics such as: ✅ Housing ✅ Volunteering ✅ Community spaces

Pharmacy closures are hitting older people and rural communities the hardest, according to Healthwatch England. Our network is calling for: 🤝 Patients to be better notified of pharmacy closures, and for pharmacy teams to be supported by improved contingency plans. 📝 A national evaluation to consider issues facing pharmacy, including workforce, funding, data, and estates. Visit the link below to discover what our network is calling for in full, and read more of Healthwatch England's findings 👇👇👇 https://lnkd.in/eMpKpU8b

Around half of sight loss is preventable. But many people face long waits and high costs for eye care, and it’s stopping them getting the help they need to look after their eye health. Healthwatch England wants to understand the barriers - including costs - keeping people from accessing high-quality eye care. Please share this survey to help leaders understand how to improve services in your community. https://lnkd.in/e3g-g-ki