Earlier this year, the government confirmed through the Dash report that Healthwatch England and the wider Healthwatch network will cease to exist in the future. For many, this news raised understandable concerns about what it means for the independent voice of patients and the public in health and care. It marked the end of a national framework that, for over a decade, has helped bring people’s voices into decision-making.
Here in Essex, we want to be absolutely clear that we are not going anywhere. Healthwatch Essex continues to exist for the people of this county and very soon we will need to re-brand. While the national structure may be changing, our purpose has not. Our work has always been about championing the voices of local people and ensuring that those voices shape improvements. That commitment is as strong as ever.
Over the past decade, we have helped thousands of local people navigate complex health and care systems, understand their rights, and feel heard. Through our Information and Guidance Service, we have supported individuals and families seeking advice about services or struggling to find help. Our research and engagement work has explored many different aspects of life in Essex, from the challenges of hospital discharge and digital GP access, to people’s experiences of menopause, hidden homelessness and mental health support. Each story we hear adds to a richer picture of what life is really like for people across the county, and that knowledge allows us to challenge decision-makers and inspire positive change.
As we move forward, we are embarking on a new chapter where we will need to re-brand. We want our new identity to reflect who we are today and who we are becoming, an organisation that is deeply rooted in its community but ready to evolve for the future.
The truth is that we can only do this well if we do it with you. We are inviting everyone across Essex to share their views through a short survey that will help guide our next steps. We want to understand how people see us now, what you value about our work, and how we could be more visible, helpful and relevant to you and your community. Your views will help shape our future work, our identity and our priorities. Whether you have worked with us before, met us at a community event, taken part in our research or are only just hearing about us for the first time, your perspective matters. Every answer will help us design an organisation that reflects the county we serve.
So as we look ahead, we ask you to take a few minutes to share your thoughts and help shape the next chapter. Together we can make sure that the work we do continues to make a difference and help shape improvements where they are needed most.
Take the survey: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/TRQ8AF/