1. Do you need help getting to hospital?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what support is available to help you travel to your hospital appointments.

  2. 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.

  3. Organ Donation Week

    Blog -

    This week (7th - 13th September) is the NHS's Organ Donation Week - find out more about organ donation and new changes to laws in England.

  4. Hidden disabilities: what do the sunflower lanyards mean?

    Advice and Information -

    You may have noticed someone wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, which is commonly displayed using a green lanyard patterned with sunflowers. This article will give you more information on the sunflowers and let you know who's entitled to one.

  5. Get involved with our project on digital exclusion

    News -

    If you’re a member of one of the groups at greater risk of digital exclusion, or know someone else who is, we want to hear your experiences.

  6. Have you used continence services in the Wigan Borough?

    News -

    Healthwatch Wigan and Leigh wants to hear about people’s experience of using continence services in the Wigan Borough and we want to hear from you.

  7. Avoiding falls - elderly fall prevention

    Advice and Information -

    Falling as we get older is quite common, and although most falls don't cause serious injury they can leave us feeling quite distressed. The good news is there are lots of things you can do to stay steady on your feet.

  8. 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.

  9. Changing a trans person's name and gender marker on NHS systems

    Advice and Information -

    Patients may request to change gender on their patient record at any time and do not need to have undergone any form of gender reassignment treatment in order to do so.

  10. Difficulties accessing NHS Dental Services in Greater Manchester: a joint report

    Report -

    During the COVID pandemic people across Greater Manchester have told their local Healthwatch that they were experiencing difficulties accessing NHS dental services.

  11. Are you or your loved ones waiting for hospital care? Share you views

    News -

    Millions of people have had their treatment delayed by the pandemic – are you one of them? We want to know if you’re getting the advice, information and support you need while you wait.

  12. What to expect when waiting for care

    Advice and Information -

    Waiting for planned medical care or surgery can be a frustrating time. That’s why it’s so important that while you wait, you get regular, clear and accessible updates so that you can plan your next steps.

  13. Experiences of Using NHS 111 Snapshot Survey

    Report -

    An engagement outcome report on people's experiences of using NHS 111 from the Wigan Borough CCG.

  14. World Menopause Day - Bone Health

    Blog -

    Monday 18th October 2021 marks World Menopause, a day that raises awareness of the menopause, and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing. This year's theme is bone health.

  15. Movember - Men's Health Awareness Month!

    Blog -

    The three biggest issues facing men are mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. This Movember is a time to know the facts about men's health and create services that work for men.

  16. 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:

  17. Advice and Information

    Advice and Information -

    Information and advice around health and social care

  18. Annual Report 2022-23

    Report -

    Together we’re making health and social care better

  19. How to access Mental Health support if you have gender, sexuality or relationship diversity

    Advice and Information -

    Mental health problems are more common among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people. if you are struggling, feeling alone or need a little help, then check out our guide on how you can get the support.

  20. 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.

  21. International Woman's Month Celebration

    Advice and Information -

    Our friends at Ekhaya.UK are celebrating International Women's Month with an empowering day filled with inspiring talks, interactive workshops, and engaging activities.

    We love their tagline: "Invest in women. Accelerate progress"!

  22. Cost of living remains barrier to health for the most vulnerable

    Blog -

    The cost of living remains a barrier to health, particularly for people on low incomes, and those requiring dental care.

  23. The Accessible Information Standard - What you can expect from services

    Advice and Information -

    A year ago the Accessible Information Standard came into force. It requires any organisation providing NHS or social care to communicate in a way that everybody can understand. Here's a reminder of what you should expect.