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. Enter & View Report: Amazon Ward (St Charles Mental Health Unit)

    Report -

    This report presents the findings of our recent visit to Amazon Ward at St Charles Mental Health Unit.

  14. Enter & View Report: Danube Ward (St Charles Mental Health Unit)

    Report -

    This report presents the findings of our recent visit to Danube Ward at St Charles Mental Health Unit.

  15. Enter & View Report: Ganges Ward (St Charles Mental Health Unit)

    Report -

    This report presents the findings of our recent visit to Ganges Ward at St Charles Mental Health Unit.

  16. Enter & View Report: Thames Ward (St Charles Mental Health Unit)

    Report -

    This report presents the findings of our recent visit to Thames Ward at St Charles Mental Health Unit.

  17. Overview of recent visits to the St Charles Mental Health Unit

    Report -

    This report gives an overview of our series of visits to the St Charles Mental Health Unit.

  18. 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.

  19. Community perspectives on the impact of the closure of acute mental health services at the Gordon Hospital

    Report -

    Public views on the closure of acute mental health in-patient services at the Gordon Hospital

  20. 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.

  21. ‘Don’t presume we are fine just because we look OK’: The mental health needs and experiences of young people (aged 18-25) in Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea

    Report -

    In this joint project, Healthwatch Westminster and RBKC examine the mental health needs and experiences of young people aged 18-25 who live or use services in the bi-borough.

  22. Co-producing change: the mental health needs and experiences of young people in the bi-borough

    Blog -

    Our recent co-production event brought together representatives from local authorities, mental health professionals, and young service users to discuss the findings from our recent report, 'Don't presume we are fine just because we look OK.'

  23. Our Priorities for the Year Ahead

    Blog -

    Our upcoming projects and priorities for 2024

  24. Our comment on North West London’s acute mental health consultation and scrutiny process

    Response -

    Responding to changes in our local community

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

    News -

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

  26. 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?

  27. 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

  28. 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

  29. 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.

  30. PPGs are responding to Coronavirus outbreak

    News -

    During the Coronavirus outbreak, many PPGs suspended their activities allowing practice staff to focus on health emergency. However, most proactive PPGs continued working and were creative in their approach.

  31. 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.

  32. 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.

  33. 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?

  34. 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.

  35. An update on COVID-19 vaccinations for children

    News -

    The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. It gives you the best protection against COVID-19. Although COVID-19 is often mild in children, it can make some children unwell.

  36. Covid-19 booster jab to be offered to most vulnerable this spring

    News -

    A booster jab is to be offered this spring to those most at risk becoming serious ill from Covid-19.

  37. NHS launches seasonal COVID-19 vaccination programme this month

    News -

    The NHS national booking system (NBS) is now open for eligible people to book their spring COVID-19 booster for free, from 22 April until 30 June 2024