Putting a face to unmet need - the role of Healthwatch

The social care system is at breaking point, leaving people without the care they desperately need. In this session, senior leaders will discuss the stark reality of how the system needs to change. We’ll also think about Healthwatch’s role, and the practical steps we can take working with partners to shine a light on people overlooked or underserved by the social care system.  

Who is the session suitable for: All Healthwatch staff and volunteers. 

What you’ll learn:  

• The priorities for the social care sector to improve people’s experiences. 
• Understand the practical steps your Healthwatch can take to help address unmet need in social care.  

Break

Unmet need: How we can improve advice and information services

• 11.15 – 11.45: Jacob Lant, Head of Policy, Public Affairs and Research and Insight for Healthwatch England with colleagues from the Department of Health and Social Care will reflect on the steps we can take to help address unmet need in social care. 

Unmet need Workshop

Split into breakout rooms for an activity focusing on how we can do this practically and creatively. You’ll get to share ideas on improvements we can make to engaging people in developing signposting and information services. We’ll also look at how we can adapt and improve our own advice and information framework to benefit those in need.  

What you’ll learn:  

• Gain a broader understanding of Healthwatch’s work to tackle unmet need in social care. 
• Help shape next steps on our community work, and how we can all make a difference.  

Lunch

The difference we’ve made – Healthwatch Impact Awards showcase

Come along and hear from Healthwatch who have been shortlisted for an award. Find out about the fantastic projects that have positively changed local communities and the details of what made them a success. 
 
The showcase will take place daily during Healthwatch Week, so you can hear from everyone shortlisted. 

Who is the session suitable for: All Healthwatch staff and volunteers.  

What you’ll learn: 

• Hear the story behind projects shortlisted for an award – including the challenges Healthwatch faced, and how they made a difference. 
• Get inspiration for tried and tested methods you can take back to your own local Healthwatch. 

Break

Healthwatch Impact Awards announcements and closing remarks

And so, we bid farewell to Healthwatch Week 2022. Please join us as we hear the closing remarks for the event from Healthwatch England’s National Director, Louise Ansari, and our Chair, Sir Robert Francis KC. We will also be saying goodbye to Sir Robert and thanking him for his enormous contribution and dedication to the Healthwatch network. 

Sir Robert Francis KC will also announce the Healthwatch Impact Awards winner, and more about the teams shortlisted.

Who is the session suitable for: All Healthwatch staff and volunteers.