1. We take your views to Parliament

    News -

    Last week, we travelled to London to join forces with more than 100 fellow local Healthwatch organisations at our annual parliamentary reception.

  2. What did people from Folkestone tell us?

    Report -

    Last month we visited Folkestone & Hythe District Council to talk to their staff about their experiences of local health & social care services. We met 230 people in total during our visit.

  3. Your vote determines our priorities

    News -

    All this week we are asking people to get involved in our campaign #YourChoiceOurPriority where we give you the power to choose our priorities for the year.
    Over the 7 days we will be asking you to vote for what you think we should prioritise.

  4. We're giving evidence to the Education Committee

    News -

    Next week we are giving evidence to the Education Committee about SEND.

  5. Spotlight on Gypsy & Traveller communities

    Report -

    Kent has one of the highest populations of Travellers in the UK.

    At Healthwatch Kent we regularly visit Traveller sites to hear directly from the community about the issues they face about health and social care services.

  6. Spotlight on Learning Disabilities

    Report -

    In the second of a new series of reports, we have highlighted the feedback we’ve heard from people with learning disabilities.

    Everything we have heard from people is included in the report.

  7. Our volunteers have their say about KCC's budget consultation

    News -

    Our volunteers, alongside members of the Older People's Forums and Mental Health Action Groups, came together to have their say about Kent County Council's budget.

  8. Update on Carers services

    News -

    Last year, we spoke to 158 Carers across Kent about how they were coping. Has anything changed since then?

  9. You have chosen our priorities and we have listened

    News -

    Over 7,800 saw our vote and hundreds of you voted, so thank you!

  10. Calling all young people : make your voice heard

    News -

    We want to hear what's good, or not so good, about children's and young people's services in Kent & Medway.

  11. Making your voice heard: Wheelchair services

    News -

    Earlier this year, we started to hear a number of serious stories from patients and professionals about wheelchair services.

  12. Healthwatch Kent visits 24 Care Homes in Kent

    Report -

    Across the country, Independent Age has been working with Healthwatch to explore what people are looking for when choosing a care home.

  13. Who is hearing your thoughts on Care homes?

    News -

    Kent and Medway Quality Surveillance Group came together last week asking the question, where do you share your experiences about care homes?

  14. Help the NHS improve services for children and young people

    News -

    We recently spoke to nearly 300 people in Kent about children and young people’s services. Now the NHS is seeking people to get involved and help shape health and social care services for young people across Kent.

  15. We hear from children and young people

    Report -

    Children and young people from across Kent & Medway have talked to us about their experience of using health and social care services.

  16. State of the Nation by the Care Quality Commission

    News -

    Today the Care Quality Commission have published their State of the Nation report which is their annual assessment of health and social care services across the country.

  17. You Said, We Did April 2019 - March 2020

    Report -

    What have we done with your voice between April 2019 and March 2020?

  18. Let's talk money

    News -

    Kent County Council, which plans and delivers social care and public health services for us all, has launched a public consultation about what they should spend their money on.

  19. Share your thoughts on KCC's consultation for Older People's services

    News -

    Kent County Council have launched a public consultation to seek your thoughts on their services for older people which includes support for adults living with Dementia, physical disabilities and sensory impairments.

  20. Special Educational Needs : a new pathway

    News -

    We've been helping decision makers to develop a new pathway for children and young people who have special educational needs.

  21. Have you used adult social care recently?

    News -

    Can you share your experience to help improve it for others?

    What could be improved? What worked well? Did you get the response you expected?

  22. We ensure your voice is heard for the future of Extra Care Housing

    Report -

    When you get older, you may need to have care in your home. Many people consider moving into Extra Care Housing which ensures you have your own home but care and support is available should you need it. We wanted to know what you may want.

  23. Tough decisions facing Kent County Council

    News -

    This week, the Council announced it was facing a £40 million shortfall in its budget.

  24. Listen to Siobhain's story

    Blog -

    Prior to lockdown, Siobhain had a busy schedule working as an exam invigilator as well as volunteering at Healthwatch Kent where she recently visited care homes and The Heart of Kent Hospice where she would talk to patients.

  25. Does your child have special educational needs?

    News -

    Have you needed to get support from school or college? Maybe your child has been assessed for an EHCP?

    If so, we want to hear from you.

  26. Tell Kent County Council your thoughts on how they could save money

    News -

    It’s no secret that Kent County Council is facing its toughest financial challenge for many years.

  27. Your comments are needed : New strategy for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities

    News -

    Kent County Council has published a new draft strategy which outlines its ambition that all children in Kent have equal access to support and education.

  28. Someone I love has died - where can I find support?

    Advice and Information -

    It can be tough at any time to lose someone, but particularly hard during a pandemic when you can feel more alone than usual.

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

  29. Talking about wheelchair services

    News -

    Together with the Kent Physical Disability Forum, and other local groups, we've been working for several years to improve wheelchair services in Kent & Medway.

  30. How would you like Kent County Council to spend their money?

    News -

    Kent County Council are starting to think about how they spend their money next year. They need to hear from you about what's important to you and where you would be willing to see change.

  31. Have your say on plans for social care in Kent

    News -

    If you, or a member or your family, needs help to remain independent at home, gets support for being a carer, or lives in a care home, then chances are they are funded by adult social care services.

  32. What is adult social care?

    Advice and Information -

    Do you or a loved one need help with social care? Read the article below and find out answers to key questions about who can access adult social care and how to pay for it.

  33. State of Care : our response

    News -

    Today, the health and care regulator, the Care Quality Commission, published their annual review of NHS and social care support. Read our response.

  34. Social care: What is in the new plan?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what's in the Government's new social care plan and how it compares with what people have told us.

  35. New idea to support older people and people with disabilities in Kent to live better at home

    News -

    A new project is being developed by Kent County Council to help support people with disabilities as well as older people in Kent to stay in their own homes and communities.

  36. Stories of Care Home residents receiving the wrong medicine

    News -

    Today we heard stories of Care Home residents in Herne Bay receiving the wrong medicine. In some cases people were given other peoples' prescriptions, or weren't given their medication at all. What's your experience of care homes in Kent?

  37. Help Kent County Council to decide what to spend its money on

    News -

    Every year, the Council needs to make tough decisions about how it spends its money. They need your help.

  38. 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.

  39. Transport for children and young people with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities

    News -

    A review of the transport that enables children and young people who have SEND (Special Needs and Disabilities) to attend school has just been published.

  40. The needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities are not being met in Kent

    News -

    Inspectors from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission have published a report which states that the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities are not being met.

  41. Influence domestic violence support services

    Advice and Information -

    Influence domestic violence support services

  42. What should you expect from home care services?

    Advice and Information -

    The number of people being cared for in their own homes is increasing but what should you expect from home care services?

  43. Have you had a baby recently?

    News -

    What was it like giving birth? Could your experience have been improved?

    Share your story and give feedback.

  44. Apollo 11: What medical milestones have happened since?

    News -

    Saturday 20th July 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of man landing on the moon. It was considered a huge milestone for science and mankind, but what big turning points have happened medically since then?

  45. Press Statement : East Kent maternity

    News -

    Healthwatch Kent comments on the Maternity services in East Kent.

  46. Healthwatch Kent comments on the National Review of Maternity Services in East Kent

    News -

    Today a national enquiry has been launched into maternity services in East Kent.
    We have already been in touch with East Kent Hospitals to discuss the review and will be fully involved in the process going forward.

  47. Healthwatch Kent comments on the Care Quality Commissions report on East Kent Hospitals

    News -

    The Care Quality Commission have published the results of their inspections to Accident & Emergency departments at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford and QEQM Hospital in Margate. Both departments have been rated as 'Requires Improvement'.

  48. East Kent Hospitals publish their maternity strategy

    News -

    East Kent Hospitals have published their maternity strategy which outlines how they plan to improve the care they offer to parents and new-born children.

  49. New initiative to support women with mental health issues during pregnancy and after birth.

    News -

    Up to 20% of women develop mental health problems during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth. Many more experience mild mood changes. Partners may also experience poor mental health.