Newsletter July 2025
This month we showcase our Annual Review for 2024-25, with lots of examples of how we have made a difference to communities across Northumberland. We also invite you to our Annual Event in Hexham, to our free online information session on prostate cancer, and there are details of transport for cancer patients and mental health support.
Read the Healthwatch Northumberland newsletter July 2025 online or download as a pdf.
News and updates for June 2025
In our latest newsletter you can read our findings and recommendations on Audiology Services, ADHD diagnosis and women’s health. Plus – what did you say you wanted us to work on this year?, bereavement and exam stress support and, join our free online info session around ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Read the Healthwatch Northumberland newsletter June 2025 online or download a pdf version.
This month we’re asking for your experiences of applying for a Blue Badge, urology services, and letting you know about support with type 2 diabetes and Parkinsons. Plus, there’s a spotlight on Berwick Cancer Cars, and dates for your diary with our online information sessions and Here to Hear drop-in events across the county.
Read the Healthwatch Northumberland newsletter May 2025 online or download a pdf version.
Wishing you a happy Easter time
We will be closed on Good Friday, 18 April, and Easter Monday, 21 April and will be back in the office on Tuesday 22nd. We hope everyone has a peaceful weekend and we look forward to hearing from you soon.
Newsletter March 2025
This month we’re asking you to join the conversation on NHS and social care, in our Annual Survey 2025! You can also help us set our work priorities.
Find out more about support with Parkinson’s, how to join our free online session with Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services, and how to get involved in our focus groups.
February 2025 news and updates
This month get tips about talking to someone about their mental health, ahead of Time to Talk Day on 6 February. You can also book on to our free online session from Kidney Care UK, and read our ‘spotlight on’ NECA gambling support.
December 2024 newsletter
Our last newsletter of the year is out now. Find out how to have your say on audiology services, help shape adult social care in Northumberland, plus tips from mental health charity Mind to help you cope this Christmas. View the pdf or get a copy to your inbox.
Adapt (NE)’s 33rd AGM
The Adapt (NE) 33rd AGM took place today and we were delighted to share some of our new information booklets with the High Sheriff of Northumberland, who attended the event. These include our cost of living information resource and mental health support booklet.
Pictured are: Liz Prudhoe, Director, Adapt (NE), Lorraine Hershon, Chair, Adapt (NE) Board, Derry Nugent, Project Coordinator, Healthwatch Northumberland, and Lucia Bridgeman, High Sheriff of Northumberland.
Newsletter November 2024
It’s time to let us know what you think of your local pharmacy, so that the council can plan these services across our communities. We have free online events from STAMMA and Macular Society, plus information on Carers Rights Day and how check eligibility for Pension Credit. View a pdf version below or leave your details to get our e-newsletter each month.
We welcome Apprentice Evan to the team this month. He’ll be working with us at Healthwatch Northumberland as part of his Business Administration Apprenticeship with Adapt (NE). Evan will be working across everything we do, including communications, marketing, research and engagement, so you may see him at one of our drop-in events in the near future!
October 2024 newsletter
This month you can have your say on ambulance services, ask for a copy of our new mental health support booklet, read about the surprising health benefits of walking, and find free group walks near you. You can also read about where to find us this month, plus details of mental health and online events.
This month we launch our Annual Event, which this year will be held in Berwick. This free event is for local people to hear more about the health, care and support services available in the area. We also want to hear from women and girls about what matters most when it comes to their health, as we launch the Big Conversation. You can also read about the new NHS 111 mental health service, mental health drop-in events across the county, and the Northumbria Police Safe and Found initiative.
We’ve now published our Annual report which reviews our work over the past year. Also in this month’s newsletter, how to share your views on Northumberland SEND services, Samaritans Awareness Day, and changes to hospital visiting at Northumbria Healthcare hospitals.
Seafit event a success!
We were happy to be back at (a very windy!) Amble Quayside in July as part of the The Fishermen’s Mission Seafit event. We joined Health Trainers plus health charities and organisations to hear from fishermen, their families and the local community about accessing healthcare services. Bringing services to the quayside is a good way to hear from this community which can have difficulty accessing healthcare services due to the nature of their work. There are plans for another event later in the year.
May 2024 newsletter
In the May newsletter we’re giving a final shout-out for our Annual Survey, where you can tell us how satisfied you are with the services you’ve used, and where you think we should focus our work in the coming year.
You can also find out about self-referral to Northumberland’s Health Trainers, plans to add fluoride to our water supplies, and where to get a Covid-19 spring booster if you’re eligible.
April 2024 news
Our April newsletter launches this year’s Annual Survey, in which we’re asking you to help choose the services we should focus on in the next 12 months. You can also read more about the Pharmacy First service, asking for reasonable adjustments in healthcare settings, plus details on our next lunchtime online event where we’ll hear what Health Trainers can offer.
New leaflets have landed!
The Health-watch dog is happy to have taken delivery of our new information leaflets, featuring Wylam Bridge. We’ll have the leaflets with us when we’re out and about, and you can ask for a free postal copy by getting in touch.
March 2024 newsletter
Our newsletter for March includes details of how your views can help shape future NHS dentistry services in the region, information on free NHS Health Checks, plus where to get mental health support locally and how to join our ‘growing healthy’ online event.
Matthew joins our volunteer team!
Our newest volunteer Matthew joined us for his first event as a Community Engagement Volunteer recently, when we held a drop-in event at Wentworth Leisure Centre in Hexham. Matthew says he wants to make a positive difference to people’s lives, whilst developing his skills and gaining experience. Look out for Matthew at our Here to Hear drop-ins and other events in the community.
Meet our new Chair
Our new Chair of the Healthwatch Northumberland Board is Peter Standfield.
Peter has enjoyed a varied career in the military, NHS and also in the private sector. He will be representing us at high-level meetings across health and social care in the region.
Read more about Peter and meet the rest of our board members.
Chair David Thompson steps down
Our Board Chair, David Thompson, stepped down this month after six years in the role. Vice Chair Margaret Young is also leaving after six years in post. Peter Standfield has been appointed as our new Chair – we’ll bring you more information about him soon!
Region celebrates 10 years of Healthwatch
We had a trip to The Riverside Stadium in Middlesborough in March, to celebrate 10 years of Healthwatch! Local Healthwatch from across the North East and Cumbria met to reflect on our achievements over the last decade and look at our plans and challenges for the future. There are more photos from the day on our Facebook page.
Call Back Service
We’re offering a call back service for you to share your experiences of NHS and social care services, or to use our information and signposting service. Just text 07413 385275 and one of our friendly staff or volunteers will call you back at a time to suit you. So if you know someone who’s not online – that’s fine! Let them know how to get in touch via text.
Healthwatch Northumberland
We are your local health and social care champion. We’re here to make sure your views on NHS and social care services in Northumberland are heard.
