1. Our Annual Report 2020/21

    Report -

    We have played a key role in keeping local people up to date with reliable information, linking them to sources of help and support, and countering misinformation.

  2. Your Experience Matters II: Kensington & Chelsea

    Report -

    This report details the issues facing local people during the first wave of COVID-19, how they were managing, and how they were finding accessing information and support.

  3. Impact Report 2020-2021

    Report -

    How we have made health and care better by listening to residents, patients, & carers.

  4. Audit of GP Websites: West London CCG

    Report -

    We received patients feedback that some GP practice websites are difficult to navigate or it is hard to find the right information. Many of them are clutered with pop ups and the CQC ratings are not clearly displayed or are not up to date.

  5. Accessing Healthcare Digitally: insights from communities

    Report -

    This report builds on previous work we have carried out on digital healthcare. Our 2020 report ‘Healthcare in the Digital Era’ explored local young people’s healthcare needs and how these could be met using digital technology.

  6. Update on support available for young people with SEND

    News -

    Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea have shared an update for parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) on the support available during the current lockdown.

  7. Grenfell Community Assembly meeting

    News -

    The Grenfell Community Assembly is holding its next virtual meeting on Monday 25 January, at 18:00.
    The Assembly, which is run by Kensington & Chelsea, offers a forum for the Grenfell community to come together and discuss important issues.

  8. How our Small Grants Programme helped community organisations in 2020

    News -

    In January 2020, we launched our Small Grants Programme – a first of its kind project for our organisation. We wanted to reach people in Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea who find it hardest to be heard in conversations about health and social care. We awarded the recipients of our grant £500 to complete engagement with groups from these communities.

  9. Digital health: how translation services can be improved

    News -

    As the NHS moves more services online, we have been speaking to local patients, residents, and carers about how well digital tools work for them

  10. 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.

  11. 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’.

  12. 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…

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. What to expect when waiting for care

    Advice and Information -

    Waiting for planned medical care or surgery can be a frustrating time. That’s why it’s so important that while you wait, you get regular, clear and accessible updates so that you can plan your next steps.

  17. What have we learnt from our recent COVID-19 engagement work with LEGS?

    News -

    We have published a COVID-19 insight report in collaboration with LEGS. The report highlights the impact of COVID-19 on those who have had a stroke or who are living with a neurological condition.

  18. How we adapted to the pandemic: reflections from two members of our team

    News -

    It has now been over a year since the first nationwide lockdown in the UK. While the UK was facing its biggest public health emergency in a generation, established working practices and patient engagement approaches had to be altered and new ideas had to be put in place. With our office closed, and some of our colleagues working virtually from as far away as Greece and Bulgaria, we had to adapt quickly. In this piece, two members of our team reflect on the last year and what they have learnt.

  19. What does the lifting of most restrictions mean for local health services?

    News -

    On Monday 19th July, the UK Government lifted most COVID-19 restrictions in England. This has been called ‘Freedom Day’ by some people. So, what has changed, and how will this affect hospitals, GP practices, and other health services in Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea?

  20. Vaccination: now offered to 12-15 year olds in schools

    News -

    The vaccine is now being offered to all 12 to 15-year-olds and the NHS will be delivering the vaccination through schools. Schools are contacted with students of this age to arrange a date to vaccinate their students.