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Project Reports

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Our project reports highlight the work we’ve done based on the feedback you’ve shared with us. They provide insights into key health and social care issues, the impact of our work and recommendations for change.

We regularly publish reports on topics that matter to our community, from access to healthcare services to support for carers and mental health provision. By reading our reports, you can stay informed about the challenges people are facing and how Healthwatch is working to improve local services.

Safeguarding voices (2026)

Exploring the experiences of safeguarding adults across Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness

North East and North Cumbria Modern GP Access Report (2026)

This report shares what people across the North East and North Cumbria have told Healthwatch about Modern General Practice Access (MGPA). It brings together early insights gathered through conversations in communities, engagement events, and a survey that remains open. It aims to give a clear picture of what’s working well, where people are struggling, and what could make things easier in the future.

Transport report (2026)

How easy is it to get to a healthcare appointment if you don’t drive? Healthwatch Westmorland and Furness heard from more than 500 residents about the challenges of accessing healthcare through public transport. Our new report shares their experiences and highlights the barriers many people face across Westmorland and Furness.

Women’s Health (2025)

From September to November 2024, Healthwatch Westmorland and Furness gathered feedback from women across Barrow, South Lakes and Eden through surveys and focus groups. Building on the Big Conversation Survey and the Women of the North report, this research highlights key challenges such as transport barriers and social isolation. The findings will guide future projects and help ensure women’s voices influence local health and care.

The Big Conversation: Women's Health (2024)

Healthwatch and NHS teams across the North East and North Cumbria teamed up at the end of 2024 to find out people’s opinions on women’s health. In addition to promoting a survey, each local Healthwatch held a focus group with a different demographic of people. Healthwatch Cumberland held a focus group with women with learning disabilities.

Adult Autism Pathways (2024)

What’s the experience of seeking a diagnosis of autism as an adult like in Westmorland and Furness? We worked with National Autistic Society and Team Autism to gather powerful first person accounts.

Views and experiences of NHS dentistry in the North East and North Cumbria (2024)

In 2023, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) commissioned the Healthwatch Network in the North East and North Cumbria to conduct research into people's views and experiences of NHS dentistry in the region. This report outlines the approach, findings and recommendations of the research.

Disability Voices: Understanding the lives of disabled people in Cumbria (2023)

The Disability Voices project engaged 758 people across Cumbria, including disabled people, carers, and professionals. It explored daily experiences, barriers, and the changes needed to improve disabled people’s lives. We thank the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority for funding this vital work, which has helped us amplify the voices of our communities.

North Cumbria Co-production Survey (2023)

Only 10–20% of health outcomes are shaped by clinical care; the rest is influenced by lifestyle, social and economic factors, and our environment. To build healthier communities, we need to focus on preventing ill health and involve local people in decisions about their wellbeing. When communities are active partners, we can create better plans, deliver more effective services, and reduce inequalities across North Cumbria.

Here 4 You Report (2023)

Healthwatch speaks to the public about their experiences of health and care so we can recommend improvements to decision-makers. Here 4 You is the first joint engagement project between Healthwatch Cumberland and Healthwatch Westmorland & Furness. It was created to understand what matters most to local residents and to ensure our future work reflects the issues that matter to them.