Get Involved in Shaping South East London's Health Future - April 2025 Newsletter Highlights

This April 2025 "Get Involved" newsletter from health organisations in Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, and Southwark highlights numerous opportunities for local residents to share their experiences and shape future healthcare services. Key initiatives include:

• Improving Surgical Waiting Times: Patients and carers are collaborating with hospitals to develop online information and support resources for those awaiting surgery. Share your experiences in upcoming quarterly meetings.
• Art in Maternity Care: Discover the powerful impact of the "Count Yourself Lucky" project, using art to highlight the challenges faced by migrant women accessing maternity services. A new film amplifies this important message.
• Improving Diabetes Services: Feedback gathered from diverse communities is being used to co-develop solutions for better type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes care, focusing on food, communication, self-management, education, and trust.
• Trust and Health Creation Partnership: A new partnership is empowering grassroots organisations to build trust in health services and promote community-led wellbeing initiatives in areas facing health inequalities.
• Preconception Health Webinar: Learn why preconception health matters and how community groups can support families in this area during a free online session on May 23rd.
• Shaping Children's Cancer Services: Contribute your experiences to help Evelina London Children’s Hospital develop the best possible specialist cancer services for families in south London and the South East.
• Know Your Kidneys Event: Free online sessions in July and October offer information and support for individuals in London and Surrey Heartlands living with early-stage chronic kidney disease.
• Dementia Community Research Network Conference: Join a free event on May 19th to learn about the latest dementia research and connect with others passionate about improving care.
• ARC South London Knowledge Exchange Event: Attend a free event on June 12th to explore collaborative research tackling health inequalities and engaging lived experience.
• Foreign-Language Parent Education Classes: Expectant parents in South East London can access free online classes in Spanish, Portuguese, French, Arabic, Romanian, and Somali, led by native-speaking healthcare professionals.
• Change NHS Next Steps: While surveys are now closed, the insights gathered will inform the development of the 10-Year Health Plan, with a national summit having taken place to discuss key themes.

In this update you will find out more about:

• Improving information and support for patients and carers, while waiting for surgery
• Showing the power of art helping to improve maternity and neonatal care in south east London - ‘Count yourself lucky’
• Working with local communities to improve diabetes services in south east London
• Developing the Trust and Health Creation Partnership
• Joining an online - Why preconception health matters?
• Helping shape future children’s cancer services
• Know your kidneys - patient information event
• Signing up to the Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) South London Knowledge exchange event
• Registering to attend the Dementia Community Research Network Conference
• Joining foreign-language parent education classes
• Next steps for Change NHS: Help build a health service fit for the future

This newsletter encourages residents to actively participate in shaping local health services through various engagement opportunities. Share this information with your networks to ensure diverse voices are heard.

Read more here and at SEL.

Could You Spot a Lonely Neighbour? How Neighbourhood Watch Can Help

Loneliness and social isolation can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. It can be triggered by life changes like bereavement, retirement, or even just a lack of connection with those around us. If someone in your road was feeling socially isolated, could you spot the signs? Would you know how to help? Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators can play a vital role in supporting those experiencing loneliness. Read on for our top tips.

Isolation can lead to a decline in both physical and mental health. Unfortunately, those who are most lonely and isolated are often the least likely to ask for help. That's why it's so important for us to be aware and proactive. The most helpful thing you can do is keep an eye out for anyone showing signs of withdrawal and encourage them to reconnect and seek help.

Spotting the Signs of Loneliness

It's not always obvious, but here are some changes in behaviour to watch out for that might suggest someone is struggling:

• Changes in routine: Not answering phone calls; no longer attending events or social gatherings; not opening their curtains or answering their doors.
• Withdrawal: Unwillingness to engage in conversation; seeming sad, unmotivated, or unusually quiet.
• Neglect of appearance: A noticeable decline in personal care or upkeep of their home.
• Increased anxiety or irritability: Seeming more on edge or easily upset.

How You Can Help a Lonely Neighbour

Even small gestures can make a huge difference:

• Make simple connections: For someone who is isolated, the simplest things can mean the world. A friendly smile and a wave through a window, a text message, a note through the door, or an invitation to a local community event can be a lifeline. You may be the only outside contact they have that day. Even if someone doesn’t immediately respond, consistently reaching out shows you’re there for them when they’re ready.
• Offer practical help: Could you pick up some groceries for them, especially during bad weather? Offering assistance with small tasks can open a door to further connection.
• Get outside together: Invite them for a walk in the park or a trip to a local garden centre. The physical and mental health benefits of fresh air and gentle exercise are immense. If walking is a challenge, suggest meeting up at a café or a quiet spot outdoors. Why not see if any of your other neighbours fancy joining, too?
• Find common ground: Strike up a conversation and try to find shared interests. Perhaps you both enjoy gardening, local history, or watching a particular TV programme. Sharing stories and experiences can help break down barriers and create a sense of connection.
• Listen without judgement: Sometimes, all someone needs is a listening ear. Offer a safe space for them to share their feelings without interruption or offering unsolicited advice.
• Encourage them to seek support: If you think someone is really struggling, gently encourage them to get professional help. Let them know that there are many organisations that can provide support and guidance.

Useful Resources:

• Age UK: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/ - Offers support and advice for older people.
• The Silver Line: https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/ - A confidential helpline (call 0800 4 70 80 90) for older people experiencing loneliness.
• Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/ - Provides mental health support and information, contact them at https://www.mind.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/.
• Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ - Offers confidential support for anyone in distress.
• Campaign to End Loneliness: https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/ - Provides information and resources on loneliness.

By being aware and taking simple steps, we can all help to create a more connected and supportive community. Let's look out for our neighbours and make a difference.

Could something called ‘cough CPR’ save my life?

The ‘cough CPR’ myth has been circulating the internet for a while now, especially on social media sites such as Facebook. If you come across it, please avoid spreading it any further and consider letting the person who posted it know that there’s no truth in it.

While the intent of the post is commendable, it's important to note that there's no definitive medical evidence to support the claim that coughing can prevent or treat a heart attack.

While coughing can be a reflexive action during a heart attack, it's not a guaranteed solution. The best course of action if you suspect you're having a heart attack is to:

1. Call emergency services immediately.
2. Chew an aspirin, if advised by medical professionals.
3. Rest and try to stay calm.

It's crucial to rely on professional medical advice and treatment, rather than self-treating with unconventional methods.

While sharing health information can be beneficial, it's important to ensure accuracy and avoid spreading misinformation.

For more information visit https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/ask-the-experts/cough-cpr

Welcome to the March newsletter of Healthwatch Bexley

Healthwatch Bexley is the independent champion for health and social care for the London Borough of Bexley.  We take your experiences of using health and care services - both good and bad, and share these with those who have the power to make change happen.

New staff members

We are delighted to announce two new members of staff  to Healthwatch Bexley. Carrie Breed, who previously managed the National Breathing Space Wellbeing Project through MIND in Bexley, has joined as Joint Healthwatch Bexley Manager.  Carrie will be working two days a week along side Jayne Garfield-Field who has reduced her hours to one day a week.     Margot Gasparotto joins the team as our Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator. Margot also previously worked within the National Breathing Space Wellbeing Project.     Sarah Richards remains as our Communications and Engagement Officer.   We are very pleased to welcome them both to the team.

Health & Wellbeing Bus Survey

January 2022 saw the pilot launch of the Health & Wellbeing bus.  This is a vehicle that travels around the borough offering: covid-19 testing advice and support to residents about mental and physical health help to people who live and work in Bexley to access the health and wellbeing support they need.   We want to hear from Bexley residents and workers to find out if they have seen the bus or visited the bus since January.  If you would like to visit the bus to find out more the itinerary until the end of March is: - 14,15,16,17 March at Pier Road, Erith DA8 1TB - 18 March at Wolsley House, Wolsley Close, Crayford DA1 4BE

Take the survey

Healthwatch England's Annual Report 2020-21

Find out in Healthwatch England's Annual Report to Parliament how your feedback has helped NHS and social care services improve care and their plans for the future.

Download the report here

Your Care Your Way

Healthwatch are campaigning for healthcare information to be clear for everyone, no matter what your needs are. This means services should provide information in different formats, depending on how you need it. If you’ve been given information that wasn’t clear, then we want to hear from you, share your experiences in this short survey.  Your feedback has the power to help make a difference, share your experiences today!

Find out more about the campaign

Launch of accessible health information

Bexley Mencap have produced three short videos as part of an initiative to make health information more accessible.  The first video is about the Learning Disability Register and encourages people to find out if they should be on it.  The second video on Annual Health Checks reminds people with a learning disability across Bexley to attend their appointments and not to be worried or frightened and the final video is on Community Pharmacies and the services they provide.

Find out more and view the videos

The videos can also be viewed on the new website that Mencap have worked with the NHS to create.  The aim of the new website is to provide accessible information about where to get help with your health in Bexley and about different aspects of health such as mental health, reasonable adjustments and local groups. Visit www.easyhealth.org.uk

Engagement

Throughout the remainder of March we will be visiting the Health & Wellbeing bus to talk to residents about their thoughts on the service offered. As restrictions have eased we are currently working to re-introduce our monthly library visits which will commence in May.  Once the schedule is available the dates will be be advertised through our social media channels and website. If you have an upcoming event that you would like Healthwatch Bexley to attend then please do email us at: info@healthwatchbexley.co.uk

Volunteering Opportunities

Our volunteers play a vital role speaking to local people about their experiences and giving them opportunities to share their views and ideas for how services can improve.  Many of our volunteers spend time in our community finding out what people think of local services in Bexley and raising awareness of Healthwatch. We are currently recruiting for new volunteers so whether you want to gain valuable work experience, help improve care in your community or learn new skills, there are lots of ways you can join us to make a real difference.

Find out more

Vaccination News

An additional booster vaccine dose will be offered to all adults over-75 and the most vulnerable over-12s in the UK this spring. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) said an extra dose would help top up their protection against severe Covid-19. Many of the oldest received their latest shot back in the autumn and immunity may now be waning. An autumn booster programme, aimed at a wider group of people, is also planned later this year. Find out more

It’s never too late to boost your immunity with a first, second and booster dose of the COVID vaccine.

Find out more about vaccine clinics in Bexley

Community News and Events

Do you have a complaint about NHS treatment or services? Advocacy for All provides an independent NHS Complaints Advocacy Service for Bexley residents who want to complain about NHS services, including hospitals, mental health services, GP surgeries and ambulance services.  They give people the opportunity to speak confidentially to somebody independent of the NHS and help them through the complaints process. They can support people by writing letters, attending meetings and talking over what to do at each stage. They don’t give legal or medical advice, but can signpost people to the right advice. They try to ensure that complaints are used positively to improve NHS services for the whole community.   Examples of feedback from clients: “My advocate was incredibly supportive”, “Having someone with me was very helpful and reassuring”, “Polite, informative and above all empathetic and patient”.    For more information, please contact: Phone:     0345 310 1812 (option 3)  Email:   bexleynhscomplaints@advocacyforall.org.uk or visit www.advocacyforall.org.uk

Bexley Voice Future Events  Anxiety 0-5 20th March 10am - 12.00 noon (virtual) https://www.bexleyvoice.org.uk/anxiety-0-5.html   Preparing for Adulthood Workshop 26th April 10am - 11.30pm (virtual) https://www.bexleyvoice.org.uk/preparing-for-adulthood-workshops.html   Bexley Voice has worked with the Local Authority to develop a wellbeing resource for parents/carers on coping strategies.  Take a look at their website where you can download lots of useful information  www.bexleyvoice.org.uk

Webinars Vaccines in pregnancy webinar The NHS are hosting a webinar aimed at pregnant women, their partner and families, as well as the wider public who are thinking about getting pregnant. The webinar takes place on Thursday 24 March, 5pm - 6pm  Ask questions and gain an understanding of the COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy and how it reduces the risk of becoming unwell.  If you have concerns around fertility raise these with our panel that includes an Obstetrician, a Foetal Medicine Consultant, and a Public Health Consultant. Register for the webinar MSK Webinar Webinar for people with lived experience of musculoskeletal conditions that is taking place on: Tuesday, 29 March 1:00-2:00 pm - http://ow.ly/hcQN50IhjRC Thursday, 31 March 6:00-7:00 pm - http://ow.ly/p1oL50IhjRE Please note that both webinars will have the same content, therefore you only need to attend one. Diabetes webinar Thursday 24 March - 2pm - 4:30pm Join the conversation at the Bexley Strategic Board webinar. Ask Dr Moir, Bexley GP and Diabetes Lead, any questions that you may have about local diabetes care and services. Email your questions in advance to selccg.bexleyquestions@nhs.net Find out more

Take a Look at Our Advice and Information Pages

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If you feel lost and don’t know where to turn, Healthwatch Bexley is here for you. In times of worry or stress, we provide confidential support and free information to help you understand your options and get the help you need. We can also signpost to advocacy services.

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Contact Us

The Healthwatch team continue to work remotely however, you can still contact us via the phone on 0208 304 9344 or 07506 910968 By email on info@healthwatchbexley.co.uk Or contact us through our website www.healthwatchbexley.co.uk