The ways in which people can participate in shaping local health and social care services in England is changing. From 1st April 2013, a new local consumer champion – local Healthwatch will be set up in every city and county council in the country. These groups will have the power to hold local services to account.
There is a great deal of confusion as to how these local organisations will work and how effective they might be, but the one thing that is clear is that in order to work at all, they need to have local people involved.
If you are still not sure this is for you why not go along to one of a series of free workshops and training sessions being organised by Healthwatch-Communities Involved. It is hoped that these events will inspire and give people the skills and knowledge to build their confidence to get involved in a way that best suits them.
For more information go to http://healthwatch-ci.co.uk/ and sign up to a regional event near you.