1. Where can I go for support for my mental health as a parent?

    Advice and Information -

    We've pulled together a number of services for parents in need of support for their mental health. Read more to find out where you can go to get the help you need.

  2. Someone I love has died - where can I find support

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving.

  3. What is domestic abuse and how can I get support?

    Advice and Information -

    If you are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse, or are worried about someone who might be, find out where you can go for advice and help.

  4. Getting the most out of the virtual health and care experience

    Advice and Information -

    With more and more appointments happening online, we've put together some tips on how to get the most out of the virtual health and care appointments both for patients and health and care professionals.

  5. What should I expect after being referred for mental health support?

    Advice and Information -

    Your mental wellness is as important as your physical health but seeking help can be daunting. Here's what to expect when you seek support for your mental health.

  6. Young people’s experiences of mental health before and during the COVID-19 outbreak

    News -

    The latest results from Young Healthwatch’s ongoing survey with young people in London is here: YHW Mental Health Survey Final.
    When we first began reaching out to young people in 2019 (between the ages of 14 and 25) who were living, working or studying in Westminster, we wanted them to tell us about the health and social care issues that mattered the most to them.

  7. Q&A Discussion: your experiences and recommendations for mental health services

    News -

    We want to speak to local users of NHS mental health services in Central North West London about how local care can address their protected characteristics.

  8. The latest update documents from our COVID-19 engagement

    News -

    We have been asking you to tell us how COVID-19 has affected you and your loved ones.
    We all know by now that there is much more to the impact of this pandemic than catching COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

  9. ‘Bridging the Gap’: mental health survey of young people

    News -

    We are looking for young people between the ages of 16-25 to respond to their consultation on local mental health services.

  10. Have you used mental health services recently? We want to hear from you…

    News -

    On Saturday 10 July, the Voice Exchange project will be hosting their next virtual drop-in session. This is an open discussion where you can share your thoughts and suggestions about local mental health services in Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea.

  11. How to access NHS services during the Festive Period

    Advice and Information -

    Some of your usual NHS services will be closed or running reduced hours during the festive season

  12. New research project: Quality of services at acute mental health wards at St Charles Hospital

    News -

    We recently visited four acute mental health wards at St Charles Hospital’s Mental Health Unit to observe the quality of services provided.

  13. Reports on quality of care at St Charles Mental Health Unit published

    News -

    The findings of our Enter & View visits to four acute mental health wards at St Charles Hospital Mental Health Unit have been published.

  14. CNWL Acute Mental Health Consultation Events

    News -

    As part of the Acute Mental Health Public Consultation, CNWL NHS Trust are running a series of public events in Kensington & Chelsea, asking local people’s views about proposed changes to local acute mental health services.

  15. Recent change to online support for adults experiencing mental health difficulties

    News -

    Closure of Qwell mental health service on the 31st March, 2024

  16. The English Gambling Education Hub

    Advice and Information -

    Did you know, in 2022, the Gambling Commission estimated that around 30,000 (0.9%) of all young people aged 11-16 years were identified as gambling in a harmful way, with a further 2.4% to be at risk of developing harms in the future?

  17. NHS 111 is now offering mental health support

    Advice and Information -

    If you, your child, your parent or someone you care for are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency you can now contact your local crisis service by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option

  18. Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2024

    News -

    This year, Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is taking place between Monday 29 April to Sunday 5 May 2024, with World Maternal Mental Health Day 2024 on Wednesday 1 May

  19. Mental Health Awareness Week 2024

    News -

    Today marks the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week which is taking place from 13 to 19 May, with the theme of “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”

  20. Someone I love has died – where can I find support?

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving.

  21. The future of acute mental health services for adult residents in the Bi-Borough

    News -

    A public consultation evaluation report on the proposed changes to acute mental health services for residents in Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea has recently been published. We have summarised the main findings below.

  22. Registering with your GP: understanding your rights

    Advice and Information -

    People have told us they can have problems registering with a GP. This article explains more about your rights and what do to if you are refused the right to register.

  23. Do you need help travelling to NHS services?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services.

  24. Call NHS 111 before turning up to your local A&E

    News -

    The pre-booking process, using the NHS’s triage line, will allow A&E departments to be managed more efficiently and reduce waiting times. The NHS is to pilot a “call first” model of Accident & Emergency which could be rolled out across the country, health chiefs have said, as reported in The Telegraph.

  25. How do you feel about visiting GP surgeries, as lockdown eases?

    News -

    The Patients Association is currently carrying out a survey to find out how patients feel about visiting GP surgeries as lockdown eases.

  26. Have your say about contacting your GP practice online

    News -

    Healthwatch Hillingdon have launched a survey to find out how local people in North West London have found contacting their GP practice online.

  27. The connection between young people and local GP practices: Young Healthwatch volunteers investigate…

    News -

    Findings from our young people’s survey highlight a distinct lack of connection between young people and their GP practices (Primary Care) in a time when they need it more than ever.

  28. Six-week postnatal check for new mums - FAQs

    Advice and Information -

    Everything you need to know about the six-week postnatal check for new mothers and birthing parents

  29. Changes to NHS NWL complaints policy

    News -

    From 1 July, the NHS complaints procedure is changing - here’s what residents of Kensington and Chelsea need to know

  30. Improving access to GP services across North West London

    News -

    We are looking to collect information about residents’ experiences booking and accessing GP appointments across North West London

  31. GP Access in North West London: Health Inequalities Lecture

    News -

    We recently hosted a discussion, in partnership with the Advocacy Project, to understand how patients would like to access their GP and allow them to share their experiences.

  32. Top tips to get the most out of your GP appointment

    Advice and Information -

    Do you struggle to speak to your doctor about your medical concerns? You’re not alone. Take a look at our top tips to make the most out of your GP appointment.

  33. Your Experience Matters Survey – experiences of people identifying as Black Asian and minority ethnic residents - latest findings

    News -

    We have surveyed people about how they have been affected by COVID-19. We wanted to highlight the experiences of those who responded to our survey who identified as being from a minority ethnic group.

  34. Statement on the anniversary of the murder of George Floyd.

    News -

    We are committed to equality, inclusion, and fairness. We are opposed to all forms of racism, discrimination, and prejudice.

  35. Exploring the exclusivity of digital healthcare

    News -

    The NHS is currently following a digital first strategy. From GP appointments to physiotherapy, many services are being moved online. Accessing services online is often called ‘digital health’.

  36. We take on a leading role in a new pilot project to reduce health inequalities nationwide with Healthwatch England

    News -

    Imagine a project that not only facilitates conversation and idea-sharing between Healthwatch branches across the country, it also plays an important part in removing barriers that may prevent engagement work with minority ethnic groups and other minority groups…

  37. We are piloting an exciting new student engagement project with the North West London Schools Research Network

    News -

    Healthwatch Central West London will collaborate with the North West London Schools Research Network to pilot a new student engagement project in schools across North West London.

  38. Consulting with the Filipino Community in collaboration with Sport4Health

    News -

    Over the past two years, collaborating with local groups has become an essential part of our work through our Small Grants Programme. It enables us to connect with people from a range of minority ethnic backgrounds and minority groups.

  39. How we’re collaborating with Imperial College London to raise awareness of local health inequalities

    News -

    Last month we were delighted to continue our relationship with Imperial College London by hosting four third-year medical students for a workshop on health inequalities and the work of local Healthwatch.

  40. The NHS at 75

    News -

    On the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the NHS, we want to renew our commitment to support and improve health and social care

  41. Join the Patient and Carer Advisory Group about Waiting Lists

    News -

    The North West London Networked Data Lab are looking for patients and carers to join their Patient and Carer Advisory Group

  42. Translation support in urgent and emergency care services

    Advice and Information -

    If English is not your first language, have you used emergency or urgent care services? Did you know that the London Ambulance Service provides language support over the phone and on-scene?

  43. The Accessible Information Standard - What you can expect from services

    Advice and Information -

    A year ago the Accessible Information Standard came into force. It requires any organisation providing NHS or social care to communicate in a way that everybody can understand. Here's a reminder of what you should expect.