Healthwatch celebrates ten years of work to improve health and care services in Islington

Healthwatch chair Ralph Hughes and chief executive Emma Whitby cutting the birthday cake. Photo: Penny Dampier

Earlier this month, local residents came together with representatives from community organisations, the NHS, and Islington Council to celebrate the tenth birthday of Healthwatch Islington. For ten years we've been championing the views of local people who use health and social care services, making sure that decision-makers understand what people want from services. We've also provided information and advice to individuals struggling to find the help they need.

As well as enjoying this fabulous cake (made especially for the occasion by Majida from Jannaty Women’s Social Society), guests heard from a variety of speakers who came to celebrate the organisation’s achievements, and the partnerships we have developed over the past decade.

Yussuf Ahmed, Coordinator at Islington Somali Community praised the ongoing collaboration his organisation enjoyed with Healthwatch,

“Through health projects on cancer awareness, GP and pharmacy services, smoking cessation, and COVID-19 vaccine awareness, our clients and service users have benefitted immensely. All of the support in raising awareness within our community of health issues, including the accessibility of health services and supporting clients to understand their choices and rights, have been beneficial and had a great impact on people’s wellbeing.”

NHS commissioner Clare Driscoll, who heads the Islington Borough Partnership, explained how working with Healthwatch and its partners has helped them to address health inequalities. The audience also heard how Healthwatch projects were improving access to mental health support, and supporting decision-makers at the council to develop new ways of thinking about how feedback on services is used.

Healthwatch chief executive Emma Whitby said “Tonight has been a chance to say a massive thank you to all our volunteers and our partner organisations. We couldn’t do our work without them. Thanks as well to the Macquarie Group, who have been kind enough to host the event and provide such lovely food.”