Last Friday, Friends Meeting House proudly hosted the Healthwatch in Greater Manchester Showcase Conference; Listening for Change bringing together a diverse group of Healthwatch organisations, system partners, and community voices to celebrate our collective impact and work plans for the future of health and social care in Greater Manchester.
A Day of Collaboration and Inspiration
The event provided a platform for networking, collaboration, and sharing best practices across our network. Delegates from across Greater Manchester joined us to discuss the pressing health and social care challenges facing our communities and explore solutions which include listening to those who use services. From insightful speakers to engaging workshops, the day was a resounding success.
Key Highlights
- Keynote Speakers: We heard from Louise Ansari (CEO, Healthwatch England), Mark Fisher (Chief Executive, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care), Warren Heppolette (Chief Officer – Strategy & Innovation, NHS GM), alongside Healthwatch Trafford and HW in GM’s Chair Heather Etheridge. They all shared their perspectives on collaboration, inclusivity, and the importance of lived experience in shaping local and regional services.
- Lived Experience Speakers: Hearing from those who are using services share their own stories and experiences of navigating the health and social care system.
- Interactive Workshops: Topics included looking at best practice and barriers to including lived experience and tackling health inequalities, equipping attendees with actionable strategies to enhance their work.
- Showcasing Success: Our network members presented inspiring case studies, and research projects including the recent ‘Pathway to CAMHS’ project demonstrating the tangible difference Healthwatch is making in people’s lives.
Showcasing Local Healthwatch Successes
The day also provided an opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the work being undertaken by local Healthwatch teams across GM:
- Healthwatch Bury shared findings from their prescriptions project.
- Healthwatch Rochdale have recently completed a two phased report ‘Menopause Matters‘
- Healthwatch Manchester have completed work around Defibrillators, Accident & Emergency and Wheelchair Access.
- Healthwatch Tameside have shared their findings about experiences of Healthcare by Ethnic Minorities
- Healthwatch Trafford shared insights from leading the GM work and report ‘Pathways to CAMHS’. They have also recently completed a report on vaping.
Thank You to Our Attendees and Partners
We are grateful to everyone who joined us. Your contributions, feedback, and shared commitment to improving health and social care inspire us to continue striving for excellence.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the success of this year’s event, we remain committed to amplifying community voices and ensuring health and social care services work for everyone. Together, we can achieve more.
Stay tuned for updates and join us in making a difference!