Each year, the Healthwatch Cumberland team publish a report in June all about what we got up to that year.
Despite some challenges, such as a government announcement in June 2025 which may affect our future, the team has remained dedicated to supporting local people to have their say on health and social care issues.
“What a rollercoaster the past 12 months has been! I am so incredibly proud of the resilience and determination of our team, which despite the announcement to abolish Healthwatch – they have continued to show up with a smile on their face and deliver high-quality engagement, innovative coms and creative reporting. Listening to our communities and making an impact is our bread and butter, and we will continue to show up until we are told not to! I would like to offer genuine thank you's to all who have shown support, sympathy and patience in this ever-evolving landscape! Your kindness has not gone unnoticed.”
-Chloe Wallace, Healthwatch Engagement Manager, Cumbria and Lancashire
This year the team heard from over 12,500 people living in Cumberland and signposted over 3,000 of these people to further support. Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and experiences of health and care services with us.
Each year, we undertake a number of different projects that aim to find out people’s thoughts and feelings around a particular health or social care issue.
Our projects:
Our 2025-2026 projects were: Ageing Well, Paternal Wellbeing, Trans Voices, Safeguarding Voices, and R.I.S.E Youth Mental Health.
Each project is unique and is either shaped by feedback we have heard from members of the public, or a commission from organisations such as Cumberland Council.
We asked the members of the Healthwatch Cumberland team about their favourite projects and pieces of work we have been involved in during the past year.
Reflecting on our Trans Voices project, Chloe stated:
“I feel like we barely scratched the surface on representing the Trans Community, but it was a total privilege to hear people’s stories of living in Cumberland as a trans or non-binary person. It’s opened the team’s mind about the reality of how complex the gender spectrum is.”
“Thank you to everyone who participated, including the support groups who let us visit and everyone who continues to support trans and gender diverse people.”
Comms and Admin Coordinator Suzannah was determined to make sure the project reaches as many people as possible:
“Trans and gender diverse people are facing more and more challenges and barriers to their care. As a team, we were so moved by the stories we heard and want to make sure we can spread awareness and understanding as far as we can. Gender dysphoria support needs to improve, and it affects more than just identity. People’s whole lives and their quality of life are impacted.”
The team’s current project, R.I.S.E Youth Mental Health, involves a series of workshops aimed at building resilience and confidence amongst young people.
“I really enjoyed planning the R.I.S.E project workshops. As a younger person myself, I know the importance and the need for a project like this. I’m really excited to see the impact that the project has.”
-Suzannah, Comms and Admin Coordinator
Healthwatch Cumberland have also been involved in some events across Cumberland, such as an ADHD Awareness event in West Cumbria, and the Baton of Hope event.
Our impact:
From creating resources and raising awareness to developing key recommendations for change, Healthwatch Cumberland’s work plays a very important role in supporting communities in Cumberland. Our independence means we are a trusted impartial listener who cares passionately about the health and wellbeing of local people.
Do you have an experience with a health or social care service you would like to share with us?
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0300 303 8567