1. Thinking about end of life care for you and your family

    Advice and Information -

    End of life care is support for people who are in the last months or years of their life. The guidance on the NHS website helps you know what to expect, how to plan ahead and how to manage your day to day decisions.

  2. Because We All Care

    News -

    Give feedback on health and social care services to support the NHS #BecauseWeAllCare

  3. How do I get a social care needs assessment?

    Advice and Information -

    If you need social care, whether that's home adaptations or a care home, a care needs assessment is the first step.

  4. What is adult social care?

    Advice and Information -

    Do you or a loved one need help with social care? Read the article below and find out answers to key questions about who can access adult social care and how to pay for it.

  5. Healthwatch Quarter 3 report - October to December 2021

    Report -

    This edition of Healthwatch Wigan and Leigh's quarter 3 newsletter is now available to read and includes the following updates and features:

  6. Advice and Information

    Advice and Information -

    Information and advice around health and social care

  7. Big Conversation

    Advice and Information -

    The Big Conversation is a five year project to shape the future of health and care As part of this, they are having an ongoing cycle of engagement working with people ,communities find out what is important to people with regards to their health.

  8. Celebrating ten years of people speaking up to make care better

    Advice and Information -

    We mark the difference the public has made in improving NHS and social care services.

  9. What are the functions of a Healthwatch?

    Advice and Information -

    We exist on a national and local level, working towards the same goal of enabling people to have a voice about their health and social care systems.

  10. Launch of the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership Strategy and Joint Forward Plan

    Advice and Information -

    In March 2023, the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) Strategy was signed off by the Greater Manchester ICP Board.

  11. Annual Report 2022-23

    Report -

    Together we’re making health and social care better

  12. Winter Wise. A guide to keeping well this Winter

    News -

    Winter Wise. A guide to keeping well this winter

  13. What does Blue Monday mean for our mental health?

    Advice and Information -

    January’s third Monday, “Blue Monday”, is thought to be the most depressing day of the year. Spoiler: it isn’t. Let’s look after our mental health against commercial influences.

  14. Autumn Report 2023

    Report -

    “Over the last quarter HWWL has ensured representation on an increasing
    number of committees and groups. The Chair and Chief Officer have a
    place on the ICS and ICB forums where we can ensure engagement
    and inclusion of public opinion is embedded into service design.

  15. Be Well Wigan

    Advice and Information -

    Take your first steps to walking more with our weekly short walks... Ideal for those returning to exercise, looking to up their step count, or just wanting a leisurely stroll and a chat.

  16. 2024 Board minutes

    Report -

    2024 board minutes.

  17. GM Walking Festival

    News -

    Aligning with May’s National Walking Month, The GM Walking Festival is a celebration of walking and an opportunity for everyone to join in with a programme of free, organised group walks across Greater Manchester.

  18. What should you expect from home care services?

    Advice and Information -

    The number of people being cared for in their own homes is increasing but what should you expect from home care services?

  19. Quarterly Report: October - December 2019

    Report -

    Throughout the year we look at the issues that are important to you. We are currently in quarter three, this quarter focuses on information collected from October to December 2019

  20. New COVID-19 restrictions affecting Wigan & Leigh

    News -

    An outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified in parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire, and West Yorkshire. The government and relevant local authorities are acting together to control the spread of the virus.

  21. Living with a long term condition during the coronavirus - Report

    Report -

    In response to COVID-19, we are aware that health and social care services have had to drastically change the support they offer the public.

  22. Our response to the coronavirus outbreak - Report

    Report -

    As the COVID-19 cases climbed, our number one priority was to protect our people: our staff and our volunteers. In line with guidance from Healthwatch England, this meant postponing all our planned public events and engagement activities.

  23. Coronavirus - Changes to shielding

    Advice and Information -

    From 1 August, the government will pause shielding unless the transmission of COVID-19 in the community starts to rise significantly.

  24. Discharge from hospital project - Patients & carers

    News -

    Have you or someone you care for recently been discharged from hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic?

  25. New look for GP practices

    News -

    Here's what your GP practice will now look like due to COVID-19 safety measures

  26. What you need to know when visiting a care home (new guidance for COVID-19)

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look at what the guidance around visiting your loved ones in care homes means in practice.

  27. How the new NHS COVID-19 app offers better data privacy

    Blog -

    The NHS has just released a revamped COVID-19 contact-tracing app for testing. We look at how it addresses many of the concerns people have when it comes to their data privacy and security.

  28. Getting the most out of the virtual health and care experience

    Advice and Information -

    Want to know how to get the most out of virtual health and care appointments for both patients and health care professionals? We've put together some tips.

  29. Local lockdown restriction update & COVID-19 bulletin

    News -

    After Greater Manchester leaders urged the government to review the regional Covid-19 restrictions, on 20th August, Wigan Borough was removed from the local lockdown and residents will now need to follow national rules.

  30. How to communicate better with people with hearing loss

    Advice and Information -

    COVID-19 poses a unique challenge for health and social care professionals when talking to someone with hearing loss. Here are some important tips to help you communicate effectively.

  31. Guidance for managing funerals during COVID-19

    Advice and Information -

    While funerals with physical attendance from mourners can still continue, it's important that those attending following the government rules and guidelines.

  32. Coronavirus Factsheet - Getting Tested

    Advice and Information -

    If you have symptoms of the coronavirus (COVID-19) or have been asked to get tested in Wigan & Leigh, here's what you need to do.

  33. Coronavirus Testing Project - Test & Trace

    News -

    Take part in our latest COVID-19 project and share your experiences of coronavirus testing, being asked to self isolate, and more.

  34. Care home experiences during COVID-19 project

    News -

    Have you or a loved one been living in a Wigan Borough care home during the COVID-19 pandemic? We'd like to hear your experiences.

  35. What's the difference between social distancing, self-isolation and shielding?

    Advice and Information -

    Self-isolation, social distancing and shielding have been introduced by the Government to help you and your loved ones stay safe from COVID-19. Find out what they mean in practice and what applies to you.

  36. New COVID alert levels: Greater Manchester moves to 'VERY HIGH'

    News -

    The government introduced a new set of local COVID alert levels last week, bringing localised restrictions - but what does 'Very High' mean for Wigan & Leigh?

  37. Public services: lessons from coronavirus

    Blog -

    We're delighted to share this amazing story about the experiences of one of our brilliant volunteers, Debra Baxter.

  38. New national COVID lockdown: information

    Advice and Information -

    From Thursday 5th November, there will be new COVID-19 restrictions affecting England. Find out more.

  39. COVID-19 Christmas Bubble

    Advice and Information -

    On 25th December, you can create a Christmas bubble with another two households, creating a bubble of three households overall.

  40. COVID-19 Vaccination Information

    Advice and Information -

    Find out more about getting the coronavirus vaccine in the Borough.

  41. Frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine

    News -

    Both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines are now available. Both vaccines have been shown to be safe and offer high levels of protection. Here are some answers to your frequently asked questions regarding the vaccine:

  42. The Healthwatch Wigan and Leigh team is working from home

    Blog -

    Following an official Government announcement on Monday 16th March 2020, the Healthwatch Wigan and Leigh team will be working remotely until further notice.

  43. COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Update

    News -

    From Saturday 6th March, patients aged 56 – 59 (in priority group 8) will receive a letter from NHS England inviting them to book an appointment at one of the local nationally run vaccine clinics.

  44. Managing your mental health as lockdown eases

    Advice and Information -

    The current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may cause you to feel worried, anxious, or scared. Read our tips to looking after your wellbeing.

  45. Easing of COVID-19 restrictions - Monday 19th July 2021

    News -

    As of July 19th 2021, most legal restrictions preventing the spread of COVID-19 are being lifted in England.

  46. NHS Covid Pass - what is it and how do I get it?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what the NHS Covid Pass is, and how to demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at events and venues in England.