top of page

What has Healthwatch Southend been up to so far this summer?

Writer's picture: Healthwatch SouthendHealthwatch Southend
An image of Healthwatch Southend staff at Pride

Alongside other events such as Southend Pride and the Hamlet Court Road in Harmony festival, we've hosted six library sessions across Southend and helped out at Southend City Council’s slipper swap.


Library sessions

 

We held six library sessions in various libraries across Southend in May, June and July. We spoke to over 20 Southend residents, encouraging people to share their feedback on local NHS health and social care services. Across the sessions, we found that mental health, GP appointments, and waiting times for orthopaedic surgery were some of the most common themes raised with us.

 

We’re hoping to do some more sessions later this year, so keep an eye out on our website and social media pages for more!

 

Slipper swap

 

We attended Southend City Council’s slipper swap at the Ekco Social and Sports Club in Southend, where we engaged with blind and visually impaired people and carers from Southend Insight. We helped the staff by fitting six pairs of slippers, helping people fill in the council’s surveys, and handing out Healthwatch Southend leaflets. Some people had not heard of Healthwatch Southend before and were keen to learn more and understand how we can support them.

 

Southend City Council describe the slipper swap project as a place where “older and frail residents can swap their old slippers for a free brand-new pair which have design features to help prevent falls, such as secure fastenings and robust soles. Where necessary, residents will also be linked to other sources of support which could be beneficial. Many older people are keen to stay independent at home, however walking indoors in worn-out slippers, barefoot or in socks can increase the risk of falls, slips and trips. This may result in spending time in hospital or receiving treatment at home which can make them feel less independent and more socially isolated.”

 

Invite us to speak at your event!

 

If you, or someone you know, is looking for speakers for an event or for your community group, please get in touch as we’d love to share what we do and see how we can help more residents of Southend. You can email us at info@healthwatchsouthend.co.uk.

13 views

Related Posts

See All
bottom of page