As the leaves start to fall, October has brought us a chance to reflect on where we've been and where we are going in the future.
We have just hosted our launch event, which saw us present the findings of the Disability Voices project and set out our plans for the coming months.
Healthwatch Cumberland has also been busy preparing to launch our next pieces of work, which includes projects exploring Men's Mental Health and Safeguarding Voices.
Read on to find out about our work over the last few weeks!
All the action from our launch event
Following months of hard work and preparation, the Healthwatch Cumberland launch event took place at the People First Conference Centre on October 6.
Attendees included representatives of community organisations, Cumberland Council, NHS trusts and members of the public.
It was an inspiring and at times moving event, hearing from just some of the people who shared their experiences with us for the Disability Voices project. We also heard from health and care professionals on the importance of public participation.
Thank you for making your voice heard
Back in December 2022, Healthwatch Cumbria announced its new project: ‘Disability Voices’.
Since then, we have spoken to 758 Cumbrians living with, working with or caring for someone with a disability. Now, we are very excited to publish the findings in our project report!
Healthwatch flies the flag with PRIDE
Healthwatch Cumberland were privileged to attend the annual PRIDE celebration in Carlisle which sees all the colours of the rainbow gathered in unity and inclusivity.
“The Healthwatch stall was full of energy with a mixture of serious signposting and silly sparkle, with the glow up station in full swing alongside our wheel of fortune, where we asked you to sign up to our newsletter for a spin to win – everyone was a winner this day!”
Find out more
Edward on the importance of hearing patient's voices
This week, we sat down with one of our longstanding volunteers, Edward Bebbington to hear about his motivations for volunteering with us at Healthwatch Cumberland and why he thinks the service is important. Edward gives his time by helping out at our public engagement events. He has lived with macular degeneration for many years and uses his own experience of a visual impairment to help others, teaching a technique called eccentric viewing.