Today we’re launching our latest Annual Report, which covers from April 2025 to March 2026. This has been a big year for us with the announcements of changes to the Healthwatch network, but we’ve continued delivering all of our projects capturing your lived experiences and supporting you in navigating the health and social care system.
Our Year in Numbers
We’ve supported 1399 people directly through our Information and Guidance service. Whether that’s supporting you to make a GP or hospital complaint, or guiding you towards support for carers, our team have been there to ensure that you get the support you need.
Alongside our online and telephone support, we’ve also engaged with over 5000 people at events across the county. Every month we produce a guide as to where we’ll be, so that you can find us and speak to us in person.
Our team keeps growing year on year. We now have 240 ambassadors volunteering their time and sharing their experiences to make a difference. We also have an additional 193 network members who stay up to date with what we’re doing and amplify our work. We have 22 members of staff dedicated to ensuring your voices are heard, who are supported by 8 trustees.
Our Impact
Here are just a few ways our work has made a difference this year…
- Impact on service delivery – Since our ADHD report was released, commissioning for ADHD care has expanded in Essex, with the Integrated Care Board commissioning five new accredited providers to help address waiting times. In March 2026, in partnership with Healthwatch Suffolk and Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, we held a listening and action webinar with a panel of NHS commissioners, leaders and professionals whose work encompasses ADHD services in Suffolk and North East Essex to ensure those affected by the changes were heard and had their questions answered.
- Impact on individuals – A lady in her nineties who came for a pair of slippers as part of our Slipper Swap was identified as having extremely swollen legs, which we were able to support her to access a GP appointment for there and then. She had been unaware that there was an issue prior to us helping her try on the slippers.
- Impact on the healthcare system – The research from our ‘Experiences of Frailty and Ageing Well in West Essex’ report supported the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board to be successful in becoming part of the National Neighbourhood Implementation Programme.
- Impact on our ambassadors – Through volunteering with us, our ambassadors can gain lots of skills and experience. This year, our Research Ambassadors have reported increased confidence, expertise gained in different research methods and have been supported to speak on research panels for the first time.
What’s Next?
Over the coming summer, we will be working on our transition to our new brand, ready to launch fully with our new website in September 2026. Although we will have a new name, we will continue to deliver our Healthwatch functions whilst it remains in law. After the Healthwatch network dissolves, we will still be your local lived experience champion.
Read more about our impact and our future in the full annual report here.