On Wednesday 11th October Islington residents came together with representatives from community organisations, the NHS, and Islington Council to celebrate Healthwatch Islington’s tenth birthday.
By Luke Buffery, Healthwatch Islington Communications and Impact Manager
On Wednesday 11th October Islington residents came together with representatives from community organisations, the NHS, and Islington Council to celebrate Healthwatch Islington’s tenth birthday. Healthwatch champions the views of local people who use health and social care services, making sure that the decision-makers running them understand what people want from services. Healthwatch also provides information and advice to individuals who are struggling to find the help they need.
As well as enjoying this fabulous cake (made specially 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. Yussuf Ahmed, Coordinator at Islington Somali Community praised the ongoing partnership 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 is 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 Maquarie Group, who have been kind enough to host the event.”
To find out more about Healthwatch Islington and the work they do in the borough, visit their website.
