Hello and welcome to your Healthwatch Lancashire’s October e-newsletter. We can all agree the months are flying by, and the woolly jumpers have been unpacked after summer has said its goodbyes.
This month, you’ll read about the opportunities available to volunteer with Healthwatch. As well as this our visit to the Red Rose Recovery support group and our new project looking at safeguarding in Care Homes.
Dare to Care
Are you interested in working in social care? You may have previously seen us talking about Dare to Care; our training and volunteering scheme. After our successes in Fleetwood, we have now brought Dare to Care to Preston!
Red Rose Recovery
Healthwatch Lancashire recently visited the Lancashire Users Forum, as part of Red Rose Recovery, a national support group for people recovering from addiction.
Living with, and recovering from, substance abuse raises many healthcare issues from mental health to associated stigma and social exclusion.
Continue reading for more including support for substance abuse.
Safeguarding in Care Homes
We are currently looking into safeguarding in Care Homes and whether people know that they can raise a safeguarding concern.
Safeguarding means protecting people’s health, well-being and human rights, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect.
Read more about how to raise safeguarding.
Cancer Help at Vine House, Preston
Healthwatch Lancashire partnered with Cancer Help at Vine House, Preston, to host a focus group with Professor Richard Neal and Kerry Hope of Exeter University.
The event was around a new type of blood test called the PinPoint test which will be carried out by GPs to look at an individual’s likelihood of developing cancer.
“Every voice counts when it comes to shaping the future of services and improving them”
Meet the team
Steve – Senior Engagement Officer
‘Hi, my name is Steve and I started here at Healthwatch as a Senior Engagement Officer in August this year.
Since joining the team, a highlight has been working alongside my colleagues on the Healthwatch Together Covid-19 Vaccination Project, as well as being involved in the creation of videos: talking to local people about their experiences of health and social care services.
I have had a fantastic start in my journey and I’m very excited to be involved in upcoming projects and opportunities.’