Healthwatch Westminster and Healthwatch Kensington & Chelsea’s advisory board away day 2025
Our recent away day was attended by 14 advisory board members, Healthwatch staff and The Advocacy Project’s Chief Executive (CEO), Katherine Shaw.
The day commenced with Katherine introducing The Advocacy Project – our host organisation – and how its mission to stand up for vulnerable people’s rights aligns with our role at Healthwatch in being a health and social care champion. The CEO also discussed The Advocacy Project’s current strategic review for the next five years which includes focusing on promoting advocacy by amplifying communication efforts and expanding our search for funding opportunities to address unmet needs.
Our advisory board members also highlighted the importance of Healthwatch continuing to be present in networking events and strategic meetings as this helps us to promote our work and demonstrate the impact that we’re having on our local communities.
An overview of our core projects
Our first presentation of the day was delivered by Charlotte, Healthwatch Kensington & Chelsea Manager, who provided an overview of our core projects – namely the Patient Experience Programme and the Know Your Rights sessions.
Our newly launched Patient Experience Programme is delivered across hospitals in the bi-borough and it consists of an anonymous survey that we conduct with patients to understand their experiences of using the health service and where improvements can be made. We are also working on expanding this programme to local primary care services.
We also deliver Know Your Rights sessions to different community groups throughout each quarter to inform residents about their rights under the NHS Constitution and how they can raise their concerns if the standard isn’t being met.
Following the presentation, advisory board members highlighted the need to address older people’s concerns particularly in relation to accessing healthcare services and how digital exclusion can raise safeguarding concerns. Although this is an issue that’s often raised by older people, it can also affect those living in poverty due to factors such as high broadband costs, individuals with learning disabilities and others. Our recent cost of living project highlights similar issues that residents raised with us.
Advisory board members also praised our efforts in working with local charities such as the Dalgarno Trust, Age UK, Mencap and The Abdul Mageed Educational Trust and are keen to see us diversifying our work further to reach other non-represented groups across both Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea.
Volunteering
Our second presentation was delivered by Ruth, Volunteer Coordinator, who shared key information about existing volunteer management processes and the work that volunteers are involved in. Advisory board members and staff discussed ways in which we can promote our work at Healthwatch particularly by utilising online communication channels to encourage young volunteers to join us.
We’re grateful for all our volunteers who dedicate their time to attend our engagement activities, conduct Enter & View visits and promote our projects through our online communications channels. Whether you’re interested in social media, writing articles or attending more public facing opportunities, there’s a role for everyone! Find out more about how to get involved here.
