A Good Friday graphic with the words Happy Easter in large bold text, followed by the words From all of us at Healthwatch Leeds. The lower half of the image shows three Christian crosses on a hillside in warm earth tones of brown and orange, with a sun in the upper left corner.

Today, many people mark Good Friday as a time of reflection and remembrance in the Christian calendar.

From all of us at Healthwatch Leeds, we wish everyone observing a peaceful and meaningful Good Friday and a Happy Easter.

#GoodFriday #Easter #HealthwatchLeeds #Leeds

"It was kind of a build-up of stress, a build-up of worries and anxiety about whether or not I'm going to receive the support that I'm actually looking for.” A quote from Ayad, How Does It Feel For Me November 2025.

Ayad describes the stress of navigating health and care services and home adaptation processes in Leeds. Watch his latest experience in his How Does It Feel For Me series: youtu.be/6F2xo1m3Ta0

#HealthwatchLeeds #HowDoesItFeelForMe

Leeds CAMHS NHS Logo in top left. Healthwatch Leeds logo and 3Cs (Communication, Coordination and Compassion) logo in top right. Quotes: "Child was placed on a waiting list. 3 years later they were still waiting when he started talking about thoughts of suicide and had repeated visits to A&E." "Child has been experiencing mental health issues but CAMHS discharged them after only one session, leaving the family without adequate support during a period of serious risk"

We've been hearing from families about their experiences of CAMHS in Leeds - waiting times, neurodiversity assessments & accessing support. Your voice matters. Share your experience with us today.

#HealthwatchLeeds #CAMHS

A group of staff from Healthwatch Leeds holding signs which say "I've wised up to ageism" and "I'm a Dementia Friend"

A postcard from Leeds Older People's Forum, Age Friendly Leeds and Dementia Friendly Leeds about Friendly Communities - making leeds a great city to grow old in. Telephone: 0113 244 1697. Email: info@opforum.org.uk. www.opforum.org.uk

Today our team took part in Dementia Friends and Wise Up to Ageism training, led by Leeds Older People’s Forum. Brilliant sessions from Sarah and Elizabeth. There is a huge misunderstanding about older people being less able.

#DementiaFriends #WiseUpToAgeism #HealthwatchLeeds

Healthwatch Leeds banner at an event

Yesterday, Parveen and volunteer Hannah spoke with Probation Service health justice officers about barriers to GP registration. We heard how requests for previous addresses can be difficult for people on probation and affect access to care.

#HealthwatchLeeds #JusticeAndHealth #LeedsHealthAndCare

Jess's Rule Three times and we rethink Reflect, Review, Rethink

Jess’s Rule is now in place across GP practices in England.
If your symptoms are ongoing or getting worse, you have the right to ask for a second opinion or a face-to-face GP appointment. Look out for the poster in your surgery.

#NHS #HealthwatchLeeds #SecondOpinion #JessRule

“We would like to thank Healthwatch Leeds for producing this comprehensive and informative report based on feedback from people across Leeds. We extend our thanks to all individuals and groups who shared their valuable experiences. We are pleased to see and to be part of the positive changes that have already taken place in response to people’s feedback. This approach has enabled real-time feedback to be heard and acted upon quickly, in direct response to the needs of people in Leeds. We welcome the recommendations, which will further support our work as we prepare to recommission the service in 2026." Continue...

West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, together with colleagues at Nottingham Community Housing Association, recognise and take seriously the experiences shared in this report, including where people have not felt well supported or have faced barriers when using the service. Alongside the action plan, we will use these insights to inform and strengthen the future commissioning of this vital service.” Keir Shillaker, Programme Director: West Yorkshire Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Autism Programme, and Helen Lewis, Director of Pathway and System Integration (Leeds).

We’ve published our new report on NHS 111 mental health crisis support. By working closely with commissioners, services and call handlers, people’s experiences have shaped real improvements.

#HealthwatchLeeds #MentalHealthSupport #NHS111 #PeoplesVoices

World Religion Day graphic with signs of the major world religions

At Healthwatch Leeds, we recognise and respect the many faiths and beliefs across the city. We are here to listen to people from all communities to help improve health and care services so they work for everyone, whatever their beliefs.
#HealthwatchLeeds #WorldReligionDay

“Healthwatch Leeds is our recognised community engagement partner due to their expertise of working with groups which tend to be under-represented when it comes to research. Working with them has shaped our approach, encouraging a more inclusive and flexible way of working and we’ve seen an increased representation of different characteristics which is crucial when we are developing and delivering research which has the patient voice at the centre of it. I have been particularly impressed with HWL’s integrity and how they approach and connect with other organisations, signposting and working in partnership if necessary. By doing this, they are a true champion for the patient/public voice.” Amy Rebane, Patient and Public Involvement, Engagement and Participation Lead, NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC)

Listening to people who are often under-represented helps shape better research and better care. We are pleased to see how partnership working can lead to more inclusive and meaningful involvement for people.

#HealthwatchLeeds #NIHR #LeedsBiomedicalResearchCentre #PeoplesVoices

Listening to people’s real experiences helps improve health and care in ways data alone can’t. Craig from Healthwatch North Yorkshire explains how lived experience highlights everyday barriers and supports services to make meaningful, people-centred change.

#HealthwatchLeeds #PeoplesVoices

A person with long wavy reddish hair stands outdoors at sunset, wearing a pink and black striped sweater, jeans, and a pink lanyard with an ID badge. Behind them is a metal fence and two houses, with a warm orange sky glowing above the rooftops.

It was Caitlin's final day with us today as part of her NHS Graduate Placement with us. She has had such a positive impact in our team and we are grateful for her time and passion. We wish Caitlin well as she continues her NHS Graduate scheme.

#NHSGraduateScheme #HealthwatchLeeds

Image of Ayad and words: "Ayad’s first update video has already made an impact! It has already led to improvements in how Leeds City Council Disability Services Team assesses progressive conditions"

Ayad’s first update video made an immediate impact! The video has already led to improvements in how the Leeds City Council Disability Services Team assesses progressive conditions.

healthwatchleeds.co.uk/how-does-it-...

#HowDoesItFeelForMe #HealthwatchLeeds #Impact

Healthwatch Leeds staff members with the Award nomination

Award nomination certificate

Healthwatch Leeds consistently sets the standard for excellence through its innovation, deep expertise, and unwavering commitment to community impact. They have a strong and visible presence across the city, the team has built trusted relationships and developed a rich understanding of the local area, ensuring their work is not only effective but also deeply rooted in the needs of the people of Leeds. What truly distinguishes Healthwatch Leeds is their exceptional ability to produce balanced, insightful, and impactful reports that authentically reflect the voice of the community. Their work exemplifies the power of active listening, meaningful collaboration, and evidence-based action. Every project they undertake is shaped by the voices of local people, ensuring that lived experiences are at the heart of service improvement. Healthwatch Leeds deserves to be recognised for their outstanding dedication to amplifying people's voices and driving positive change across the city.

Healthwatch Leeds has been nominated for Partner of the Year at the Leeds City Council Awards for Excellence 2025. The nomination recognises our strong community presence and commitment to making sure people’s voices shape health and care in Leeds.
#HealthwatchLeeds #AwardsForExcellence

Between July and September 2025, 18% of the enquiries that we received were about Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. 24 of these were negative with the main themes of delays and the 3Cs (Communication, Coordination and Compassion). These are essential to good health and care experiences.

From July to September 2025, enquiries about Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust rose 8%, mainly concerning delays and the 3Cs (Communication, Coordination, and Compassion). We work with the NHS and social care to promote these values.

Share your experience, contact us.

#HealthwatchLeeds #3Cs

Between July and September 2025, 4% of the enquiries that we received were about Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust. This comes following a change in the eligibility criteria for patient transport. We have let people know how to appeal so that people can re-access the service. We are pushing for clear information to be shared about this process.

Between July and September 2025, 4% of those who contacted us provided feedback about Yorkshire Ambulance Service following changes to patient transport eligibility. We informed people how to appeal, leading to case reassessments.

#HealthwatchLeeds #PatientTransport #YorkshireAmbulanceService

Merry Christmas from all of us at Healthwatch Leeds.

Wishing a blessed and peaceful Christmas to everyone celebrating. As Christians mark the birth of Jesus, we hope this season brings hope and time with loved ones. Warm Christmas wishes from all of us at Healthwatch Leeds.

#Christmas #HealthwatchLeeds

"I would like to say a massive thank you to Healthwatch for pursuing my complaint about my (relative). I did get my questions answered and there were changes put in place by the hospital. I also got grief counselling on the advice of the waiting list panel, this helped me to move on..."

"... I give thanks to Healthwatch for giving me the courage and confidence to apply for (Expert by Experience position at a Leeds University)..."

"Healthwatch work is so valuable in the city of Leeds, it listens to peoples voices, encourages and supports people to move on."

At Healthwatch Leeds, we value your feedback on health and care services. Your stories highlight the impact of our independent work.

If you'd like to share your experience, contact us. We're here to listen.

#HealthwatchLeeds #PeoplesVoices

29% of the enquiries that we received were about GPs. Themes were: difficulty getting appointments/long waits, problems with PATCHS & online systems, people feeling unsupported & staff attitudes, and mental health support. This was between July and September 2025.

29% of people who contacted us during July to September were about GPs & Primary Care. These included:
• Difficulty getting appointments/long waits
• Problems with PATCHS & online systems
• People feeling unsupported & staff attitudes
• Mental health support

#HealthwatchLeeds #GPAccess #PrimaryCare

Happy Hanukkah. May this season be filled with love. from all of us at Healthwatch Leeds.

Wishing a joyful and peaceful Hanukkah to everyone celebrating in Leeds. We hope the Festival of Lights brings warmth, reflection and time with loved ones.

#HealthwatchLeeds #Hanukkah

1356 visits to our 'Finding an NHS Dentist' webpage. 22 individual dentistry enquiries through our Information, Advice and Signposting service. This was between July and September 2025.

Common things we heard about dentistry include: Lack of access to NHS Dentistry, Poor Treatment, Cost implications, Children's access, Orthodontics - transition from children's to adults, and Private dental care.

Between July and September 2025, our 'Finding an NHS Dentist' webpage received 1,356 visits and 22 enquiries. Common concerns include lack of access to NHS dentistry, poor treatment and costs. For questions about NHS dentistry, contact us. We're here to help.

#HealthwatchLeeds #NHSDentistry

9% of the enquiries that we received were about the change in audiology and hearing aid provider in Leeds to the Hearing Aid Aftercare Service. July - September 2025.

Between July and September 2025, 9% of inquiries - down 13% from the previous three months - related to changing audiology and hearing aid providers in Leeds to the Hearing Aid Aftercare Service. For access issues, visit healthwatchleeds.co.uk/advice-and-i... or contact us.

#HealthwatchLeeds

Three people stood together for a photo

Great to meet @richardburgon.bsky.social today to discuss our work at Healthwatch Leeds. We look forward to working together to keep people’s voices at the centre of health & care. He has confirmed his support for an independent voice and will raise our concerns with Ministers.

#HealthwatchLeeds

When you spoke to us, it was about a range of different services. We share what you tell us with health and care leaders. This is done anonymously.

Through our Information, Advice and Signposting service between July and September 2025 people spoke to us about services including GP, Council, NHS 111, Dentistry, Hospitals, Pharmacy and more. We share this with health and care leaders to highlight issues and successes.

#HealthwatchLeeds

161 people contacted us directly through our Information, Advice and Signposting service between July and September 2025. An increase of 27

Did you know that between July and September 2025, 161 people contacted us through our Information, Advice and Signposting service. This was an increase of 27 from the previous three months.

#HealthwatchLeeds #PeoplesVoices

People sitting around a horseshoe-shaped table with laptops and notepads.

Three people are typing notes on laptops while others are talking in groups.

The entrance to Kentmere community centre.

Another great People’s Voices Partnership meeting yesterday. Partners from across Leeds health and care services came together to ensure people’s voices are listened to as the city moves towards a Neighbourhood Health model.

#HealthwatchLeeds #CommunityVoice

Healthwatch Leeds logo. 22% of the enquiries that we received were about GPs. Themes were: Appointments and difficulty getting appointments and long waits, Digital (patchs and other online platforms not being available and difficult to use), People not feeling supported by their practice and staff attitudes and mental health support. April to june 2025.

22% of people who contacted us during April to June were about GPs & Primary Care. These included:
• Difficulty getting appointments/long waits
• Problems with PATCHS & online systems
• People feeling unsupported & staff attitudes
• Mental health support

#HealthwatchLeeds #GPAccess #PrimaryCare

Healthwatch Leeds Logo. 1306 visits to our finding an NHS dentist webpage. 21 individual dentistry enquiries through our information, advice and signposting service. April to June 2025.

Finding an NHS dentist remains a big issue.
From April–June, 1,306 people visited our webpage on NHS dentistry, and 21 people contacted us directly for support.
Need advice? Visit healthwatchleeds.co.uk/advice-and-i...

#HealthwatchLeeds #NHSDentistry

Healthwatch Leeds logo. 22% of the enquiries that we received were about the change of audiology and hearing aid provider in Leeds to the Hearing Aid Aftercare Service. April to June 2025.

22% of all enquiries we received this quarter were about audiology & hearing aids.
We know that many people are still struggling to access the right support, and we continue to share this feedback to help improve services.

#HealthwatchLeeds #Audiology #HearingAids

Good Luck with your GCSE results today from the team at Healthwatch Leeds. We wish you all the best for your futures!

#GCSEResultsDay #HealthwatchLeeds

Content reads: What is happening? The UK Government’s ‘Fit For The Future - 10 Year Health Plan for England’ and the Dash Review propose abolishing Healthwatch England and absorbing local Healthwatch functions into local councils and Integrated Care Boards

Content reads: Why does it matter? Some of the risks of losing an independent local Healthwatch organisation include: Risk of silencing marginalised voices and those experiencing health inequalities. Could erode trust if engagement and activities with the public are led only by service providers. Loss of functions such as ‘Enter and View’ to independently visit health and social care services. Greater reliance on digital-only feedback platforms mean that those who cannot access these platforms are not heard.

Content reads: Some of our impact in Leeds in 2024-25 1628 people listened to 27 reports published 900+ people helped through out advice service Direct improvements: Eye Clinic Liaison Officer, adoption of the 3Cs, Accessible Information Standard (AIS) Self-Assessment Framework Pilot

Following the Govt’s 10-Year Health Plan & Dash Review, our Chief Exec & Co-Chairs wrote to all 10 Leeds MPs on the need for an independent voice organisation. I followed up to request meetings. Sign the petition: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/73...

- Isaac

#HealthwatchLeeds #YourVoiceMatters