1. Advice and Information -

    It's so important that you feel supported as a new parent. Read the article below to find out where you can go to get the help you need.
  2. Advice and Information -

    Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving.
  3. Advice and Information -

    If you are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse, or are worried about someone who might be, find out where you can go for advice and help.
  4. Advice and Information -

    With more and more appointments happening online, we've put together some tips on how to get the most out of the virtual health and care appointments both for patients and health and care professionals.
  5. News -

    HWS were hearing from local people about how Covid -19 was affecting their mental health, so decided to conduct a study into access to mental health and well-being services in Sandwell during COVID - 19 pandemic.
  6. Advice and Information -

    Your mental wellness is as important as your physical health but seeking help can be daunting. Here's what to expect when you seek support for your mental health.
  7. Report -

    A priority that was identified is mental health and well-being services. A survey conducted by HWS in February 2020 found that 60 % of respondents indicated that accessing and the quality of mental health and well-being services were a priority area for them.
  8. Report -

    Sandwell CAMHS is a specialist mental health service commissioned to provide interventions to those children, young people and their families.
  9. Report -

    We received 59 survey responses, 27 participants took part in focus groups, and we conducted semi-structured interviews. Participants in the focus group were able to complete the survey as well if they chose to. Survey respondents were asked a series of demographic questions but were free to choose not to answer those questions.
  10. Report -

    You might remember our Guided By You tour where we held six workshops in six Towns around Sandwell. We visited each Town and spoke to local people about their priorities. We have collated the comments and suggestions from people in each town, this information is now ready in our Guided By You report which is not live!

    Want to see what people in your local area are saying? Use the download button below to see what people are saying in your area.
  11. News -

    Good mental health is essential for individuals, families and communities to thrive.

    Mental health is not just about preventing mental illness, but also improving the things that keep us well in our communities.

    Our social connections, the environment we live in and the opportunities we have all affect our health and wellbeing, including our mental health.

    Mental health is a natural part of everyday life, and individuals with mental health challenges can lead fulfilling lives and actively participate in our community.

    The Sandwell Better Mental Health strategy 2023-2026 focuses on improving population wellbeing and preventing mental health issues. Our goal is to make sure that people experiencing mental health problems can get the right care at the right time and at the right place, while also supporting everyone in Sandwell to have good mental wellbeing.
  12. News -

    Ideas Made Real is for young people aged 16-24 to turn their social action projects and community ideas into reality. Each successful young person will receive an award of up to £8,000 and expert support from United By 2022’s youth team to bring their project to life. Whether it's addressing homelessness, promoting mental health awareness, or improving their surroundings, Ideas Made Real is designed by young people, for young people. Ideas Made Real is part of our GEN22 programme and last year’s projects won a national award.

    To celebrate the West Midlands turning 50 this year, Ideas Made Real will hand the reins over to young people to create lasting impacts in their neighbourhood, their community and their home. If you have ever felt that no-one is doing anything about an issue that you care about, then this is for you. Previous participants say that Ideas Made Real made them feel confident and connected, and proud they made a difference for a community important to them, or in the place they call home.
  13. Report -

    Here are our January Insights from the Healthwatch Sandwell Team!

    Click the link below to see what we have been doing.
  14. Advice and Information -

    As a consumer champion for the public, Healthwatch Sandwell (HWS) regularly listens to experiences about unsatisfactory care and signposts to themost appropriate complaints handler.
  15. Report -

    Healthwatch Sandwell is your local health and social care champion. We make sure NHS leaders and decision makers hear your voice and use your feedback to improve care. We can also help you to find reliable and trustworthy information and advice.

    Over the past year we have published 22 reports, engaged with 2,043 people and visited six towns of Sandwell delivering our Guided By You workshops.
  16. Report -

    Take a look at our August Insight Report to see what patients are telling us about services in Sandwell.
  17. Report -

    Information for our Health Advisory Board Meeting to be held 4th July 2023.
  18. Report -

    Healthwatch Sandwell is an independent organisation that champions the voice of Sandwell residents in their health and social care services. Experiences and insight gathered from engaging and listening to people is shared with health and social care providers and commissioners to help inform and improve services.

    Successful management of living with diabetes and reducing associated health risks requires patient and health care services to work together. NHS healthcare services have a responsibility to ensure patients are offered diabetes management education, so that they are well informed and able to be involved in managing their condition and decisions about their care, including medications. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance also recommends an individualised approach, is required to meet any patients’ needs and circumstances including dietary advice, culture and beliefs.
  19. Advice and Information -

    10.1%Sandwell adults are registered with diabetes. People from ethnic communities African, African Caribbean and South Asian (Indian, Bangladeshi & Pakistani) have a higher risk of developing diabetes and at younger age than white population.
  20. Report -

    Here is a snapshot of what the team have been doing in March!