1. Testing your knowledge for World Menopause Day

    Advice and Information -

    Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. This usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55.

  2. Do you have osteoporosis?

    Advice and Information -

    Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break.

  3. Food vouchers for families

    News -

    If you’re entitled to free school meals, then you’ll be delighted to hear that the vouchers have been extended. Not only are vouchers being given out for this October half term but will also cover the next three school holidays.

  4. Empowering people and communities to look after themselves better

    Report -

    We all know we need to look after ourselves better, but that's not always easy. Read our review of a project that's been helping people in Folkestone & Gravesend to manage their own blood pressure.

  5. Lung cancer is one of the most common type of cancer

    Advice and Information -

    Around 47,000 people are diagnosed with the condition in the UK every year.

  6. World Diabetes Day

    Advice and Information -

    Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.

  7. Did you know that three quarters of all suicides in this country are by men?

    Advice and Information -

    There are more worrying statistics:

  8. Taking the opportunity to learn more about AIDS on World Aids Awareness Day

    Advice and Information -

    AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is the name used to describe a number of potentially life threatening infections and illnesses that happen when our immune system has been severely damaged by the HIV virus.

  9. All of us will experience grief at some point

    Advice and Information -

    We will all deal with it in our own way, but if your feelings are getting too much, there is support for you.

  10. Bowel cancer is one of the common types of cancer. Get all the facts here

    Advice and Information -

    Bowel cancer is a general term for cancer that begins in your large bowel.

  11. Evidencing the impact of reducing health inequalities

    Report -

    We know that many many people aren't aware that they may have high blood pressure which could cause a heart attack or a stroke. Read our analysis about a new idea that has been helping people in Medway to mange their own blood pressure.

  12. Strep A advice for families - information from the NHS

    Advice and Information -

    There has been a widely reported increase in group A streptococci bacteria infection, particularly among children. We have the information that you need.

  13. Kent & Medway Public Consultation - Specialised vascular services

    Advice and Information -

    Improving vascular services report

  14. 2 million people live with sight loss. Are you one of them?

    Advice and Information -

    Some people are born blind, but for most people sight loss or blindness can occur later. Around 340,000 people in the UK are registered as being blind or partially sighted.

  15. Dry January. Are you in?

    Advice and Information -

    Are you up for the challenge to go 31 days alcohol-free?!

  16. Why is obesity a problem?

    Advice and Information -

    Obesity is a common health problem in the UK.

  17. Regardless of your IQ, how is your STIQ?

    Advice and Information -

    Sexually transmitted infections (STI), also called STD’s, are a risk for everyone who is sexually active.

  18. Looking after your health during the Cost of Living crisis.

    Advice and Information -

    The continuing cost of living crisis is adversely affecting people's physical and mental wellbeing, with vulnerable people and those on lower incomes hit the hardest.

  19. Do you use Children’s Centres, Youth Hubs or the Gateways?

    News -

    What about other buildings owned by Kent County Council such as services for people with learning disabilities or public health services for children and their families?

  20. What support is out there for LGBTQ+ people

    Advice and Information -

    Mental health problems are very common amongst lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) people. We have put together a guide on how you can get the support you need if you are struggling, feel alone or need a little help.

  21. How to recognise epilepsy?

    Advice and Information -

    Epilepsy is a common condition that affects the brain and causes frequent seizures.

  22. Helping more people get health and care information the way they need it.

    News -

    Healthwatch is committed to ensure healthcare information is clear and understandable to help you make decisions about your health and care and get the most out of services.

  23. Have you heard of NHS Talking Therapies? (Formerly IAPT)

    News -

    Thousands of us use the mental wellbeing service every month to help us deal with anxiety and depression. If you, or someone you know, have used the service, we want to hear your story.

  24. Help decide what services should be offered at the new health centre in Edenbridge

    News -

    A new health centre is currently being built in Edenbridge.

  25. Have you used community navigators or social prescribers recently?

    News -

    Thousands of you across Kent & Medway have been supported by social prescribers or community navigators.

  26. How do I know if I have an eating disorder?

    Advice and Information -

    If you or people around you are worried that you have an unhealthy relationship with food, you could have an eating disorder.

  27. Is your work is affecting your health? Maybe it’s time to do something about it?

    Advice and Information -

    We all know that a work life balance is hard to achieve. But sometimes we need to take a moment to step back and consider what we can do to help ourselves.

  28. Pharmacies open this Easter Bank Holiday

    Advice and Information -

    Preparing for your pharmacy needs during the coming bank holiday

  29. Covid-19 spring booster vaccinations

    News -

    More than a million people will be eligible for a spring Covid-19 jab in the south east, as the NHS begins to roll out the next phase of the vaccination programme.

  30. Pharmacies open during May Bank Holiday

    Advice and Information -

    Preparing for your pharmacy needs during the coming bank holiday

  31. Support during pregnancy and when caring for those under 5years old

    News -

    The theme this month is about support during pregnancy and when caring for those under 5years old which you can download at the bottom of the page.

  32. Heroic individuals and organisations working within our Mental Health Community

    News -

    At the end of last month, organised by both Healthwatch Kent & Healthwatch Medway, 200 guests came together to celebrate the best in health & social care.

  33. What to watch for in your health and community this month

    Advice and Information -

    Each May multiple awareness raising campaigns are running, some focused on specific weeks or days.

     

  34. What to watch for in your health and community this month

    Advice and Information -

    Each June multiple awareness raising campaigns are running, some focused on specific weeks or days.

  35. New orthopaedic service being developed for all patients living in the Kent & Medway area

    News -

    A new orthopaedic service providing extra outpatient clinic appointments and operating theatres is being opened for all patients living in Kent & Medway.

  36. Have your say on the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Strategy

    News -

    The Integrated Care Board (ICB) are creating plans to improve health and care in Kent and Medway. NHS organisations, local councils, care organisations and the voluntary sector in Kent and Medway are working together to improve health and care for you.

  37. New smoke free services in Kent and Medway

    Advice and Information -

    Two new smoke free services are launching this year.

  38. Influence domestic violence support services

    Advice and Information -

    Influence domestic violence support services

  39. What have we achieved this year?

    News -

    35,316 people came to us for advice and information about topics such as mental health, accessing dentists and the cost-of-living crisis.

  40. What do you really know about Neurodiversity?

    Advice and Information -

    Increasing understanding of neurodiversity and autism.

  41. Understanding where you turn to when you have concerns about your health

    Advice and Information -

    Healthwatch Kent visited Maidstone town centre to find out who people speak to when they have a health concern.

  42. Improving access in Kent hospitals

    Advice and Information -

    Achieving change to improve your experience of health and social care is one of the main aims of Healthwatch.

  43. The voices of Windrush

    Advice and Information -

    A Windrush Day flag raising was hosted in Dartford to mark Windrush Day and the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the SSE Windrush. Organised by the North Kent Caribbean Network (NKCN) working in partnership with Cohesion Plus and Dartford Borough Council, the event took place on Monday 19th June.

  44. We run a signposting and information service, but what difference does it make and how do we support people?

    Report -

    1167 people contacted our information and signposting service in the past year. 243 of these people across Kent and Medway told us how they had been impacted by our information and signposting service.

  45. Primary care work

    News -

    In May, Healthwatch England shared their initial response to the Government's Primary Care recovery plan and what it would mean for you and your loved ones.

  46. Improving training for future healthcare workers

    Report -

    Across the end of 2022 and early 2023, Healthwatch Kent conducted ward visits to understand the traits that people valued from Allied Health Professionals.

  47. Pharmacies open during August Bank Holiday

    Advice and Information -

    Preparing for your pharmacy needs during the coming bank holiday

  48. Our impact in dentistry

    News -

    In June we released out Annual report, which you can download at the bottom of this page. It shows the various ways Healthwatch continues its efforts to ensure the public experience is heard.

  49. Influence domestic violence support services

    Advice and Information -

    People over the age of 55 are less likely to use specialist services to support them if they are in an abusive relationship.

  50. Have you used non-urgent patient transport to get to a healthcare service or appointment?

    Advice and Information -

    Even if you are likely to access this transport facility, it is important you are aware of planned changes.