get involved and have your say - healthwatch york · joseph rowntree foundation’s neighbourhood...

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If you are interested in health and social care services in York, there are plenty of opportunities to engage with the organisations which buy and provide services.

A lot of their meetings are open to the public - anyone can attend a public meeting if they just want to observe and at many of the meetings you can even register to speak if you would like to.

It’s a great way to keep up to date with what’s going on, and have the chance to have your say. Healthwatch York representatives attend most of these meetings, so if you can’t get along to them we can help you keep up to date.

Our representatives write brief reports about the meetings they attend – these reports are published on our website, or you can contact the Healthwatch York office for paper copies.

You can contact the organisations to find out more, but on the right are the details of some of the meetings you might be interested in:

Your way to influence healthand social services in York

Staying healthy this winterYork is beautiful at this time of year, but the cold weather can also bring health problems. Check out our tips on pages 8 to 10 for staying well this winter.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS)NHS Trust Board meets in public every two months. The YAS Trust Board holds its meetings in different parts of Yorkshire to make them more accessible to people who want to attend.

Their first meeting of 2014 is on Tuesday 28th January at 9.45am. It takes place at: The John Smith’s Stadium, Stadium Way, Huddersfield HD1 6PG

To find out more:www.yas.nhs.uk0845 124 1241

The Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is responsible for the planning and purchasing of the majority of health services in the area. Their governing body meets in public every two months.

Their first meeting of 2014 is on Thursday 9th January at 10am. It takes place at: West Offices, Station Rise, York

To find out more:01904 [email protected] www.valeofyorkccg.nhs.uk

Get involved and have your say

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Issue 2Winter 2014

In this issue:

Welcome

2 | Healthwatch York | Winter 2014

Comment from our Chair

As 2013 draws to a close, Healthwatch York has been established for nine months and it has been a busy time for the organisation.

We have been promoting, publicising, developing processes, recruiting volunteers and consulting with the public about what the work plan priorities for Healthwatch York should be. We are now looking ahead to 2014 which we also anticipate will be a busy year.

Following our consultation, we are starting work on the issues people indicated should be the priorities for Healthwatch York:

1. Loneliness

2. Discrimination against disabled people

3. Explaining who’s who and who does what in health and social care

We don’t want to re-invent wheels so we want to find out what work is already going on and how we can add value to it. We’ve already started to look at the excellent work on loneliness which is already being undertaken in York such as the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s neighbourhood approaches to loneliness work in Carr Estate and New Earswick. We want to hear from local organisations who are working to combat loneliness, and from individuals who can tell us what’s happening in their neighbourhood.

We also want to hear from you if you or your family/friends have any experiences of discrimination against disabled people which you are willing to share with us. Any information given to Healthwatch York is dealt with in strictest confidence and personal details are never passed on without permission.

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3 Healthwatch York AssemblyThe second Healthwatch York Assembly took place on 23rd October and was attended by 28 people.

Leadership Group UpdateHealthwatch York now has a complete leadership group and we have recruited volunteers in the two remaining roles.

Staying healthy this winterAlthough winter weather and snow can be fun, it is also associated with an increase in illnesses and injuries. Read our tips for keeping safe this winter.

Do Deaf people face discrimination?Read about our first Report.

Stay safe and well this ChristmasUseful contacts for maintaining good mental health over the festive period.

Busting the jargon…Our New Years Resolution for 2014 is to not use jargon at all and we want you to tell us if we do!

Healthwatch York PartnersThe voluntary and community sector organisations putting people at the heart of health and social care services.

Contact us

Training our volunteersHealthwatch York is able to enter and view all publicly funded health and social care services – usually this will take place as part of a planned programme of work.

Help and adviceBooks on Prescription enables GPs and other health professionals to ‘prescribe’ self-help books.

Winter 2014 | Healthwatch York | 3

The Assembly is not a public meeting, but is attended by representatives from the NHS, City of York Council, Healthwatch York’s Voluntary and Community Sector Partner organisations, Healthwatch York staff and volunteers.

The Assembly aims to provide a forum to share issues and problems openly, with an aim to develop solutions.

• The Healthwatch York draft Report Writing Protocol was presented to the Assembly for comments. This report writing protocol outlines key standards which Healthwatch York will adhere to when compiling reports.

• Our draft report on Access to Health and Social Care Services for Deaf People was also presented to the Assembly for information.

Healthwatch York Assembly

• More information about the report, which is due to be published in December 2013, can be found on page 11. The Assembly agreed that the personal testimonies in the report are very powerful.

• The Assembly divided into groups to discuss the issues on the current Healthwatch work plan, and provide information about what’s already happening throughout York. Our work plan items are: loneliness; discrimination against disabled people; who’s who in health and social care.

Notes from the Assembly are published on the Healthwatch York website, paper copies are available from the Healthwatch York office. The next Assembly will take place in January.

The second Healthwatch York Assembly took place on Wednesday 23rd October and was attended by 28 people.

Healthwatch York


York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The Trust’s Board of Directors meet every month, either in York or in Scarborough. The Council of Governors meets four times a year.

For more information:[email protected] (Board of Directors) or [email protected] (Governors)01904 631313www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk

Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust provides specialist mental health and learning disability services in the York area.

The Trust’s Board of Directors meets monthly and all Council of Governors meetings are open to the public.

For more information:0113 30 55000www.leedsandyorkpft.nhs.uk [email protected]

City of York Council Meeting dates for all the Council meetings are published on the council’s website: www.york.gov.uk. Agendas and other papers are available on the website, at libraries and from the Council office.

The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee holds the people who make decisions about health and social care to account. The committee meets monthly. The first meeting of 2014 is on: 15th January 5.30pm-7.30pm at West Offices

The Health and Wellbeing Board is set up to improve integrated working between local health care, social care and public health.The board meets every 2-3 months. The first meeting of 2014 is on: 29th January 4.30pm - 6.30pm at West Offices

Get involved and have your say µContinued from the front page

John Clark Chair, Healthwatch York

Partnership is important and we will be working with other organisations who are looking at who’s who and who does what in health and social care. We want to make sure that information is communicated in ways which are accessible and understandable to everyone.

It has, I think, been a productive nine months despite having to set up new organisational infrastructures and establish new relationships. It is a tribute to staff, volunteers and partners that so much has been achieved. We look forward now to building on what has been achieved during 2013.

Comment from our Chair µContinued from page 2

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Meet the staff teamSiân BalsomHealthwatch Manager [email protected]

Barbara HiltonProject and Volunteer Development Officer [email protected]

Carol PackInformation Officer [email protected]

Helen PatchingProject Support Officer Helen is now on adoption leave. She will be away until September

2014 and we are currently recruiting for someone to cover for her. We all wish her well with the new addition to her family!

Healthwatch York


Leadership group update

John ClarkChair

Lesley PrattMarketing & Communications, Vice Chair

Graham CollettContract delivery, York CVS trustee, Healthwatch Champion

Lizzy FergusonPatient and Public Engagement lead

Sam LeeFinance lead

Virginia HattonVolunteer lead

Meet the leadership group

Healthwatch York now has a complete leadership group. We have recruited volunteers in the two remaining roles.

Sam Lee is our finance lead. Sam is a recent graduate in Business Studies from Sheffield Hallam University, where he excelled in finance based modules.

Virginia Hatton is our volunteer lead. Virginia has worked as a volunteer manager, and also has experience of being a volunteer herself in a variety of settings.

The leadership group brings together people with a wide variety of skills and a wealth of experience. They are all committed to ensuring that Healthwatch York gives the local community a stronger voice and the chance to influence health and social care services.

The leadership group is a strategic advisory group which supports the staff team to deliver the Healthwatch York contract. The group oversees Healthwatch York’s strategic direction, monitors progress against work plans and oversees the delivery of Healthwatch York in line with our contract.

Healthwatch York is a project of York CVS and the York CVS board of trustees have ultimate responsibility for it.

Our contract delivery lead Graham Collett is now a trustee of York CVS and will provide a vital link between Healthwatch York and the York CVS board of trustees.

The Healthwatch York manager and a representative of the York CVS senior management team are also members of the leadership group.

The leadership group currently meets every six weeks and their meetings are open to the public. Their first meeting in 2014 is on Monday 13th January 4pm-6pm at the Priory Street Centre.

The BOP scheme aims to improve an individual’s wellbeing. It enables GPs and other health professionals to ‘prescribe’ self-help books that may help with a range of commonly experienced problems, including depression, anxiety and stress. The books are available to borrow free of charge from your local library.


How does it work? ÆYou are given a book prescription by your GP or health professional ÆTake this to your local library, where staff will help you find the book ÆThe BOP books can be obtained at any library in York, including the mobile libraries and home library service ÆIf you are not already a member of the library you can join immediately using the Book Prescription as ID and take the book/s home

Help and advice

Books on Prescription

ÆBooks are issued for 3 weeks and can be easily renewed if no-one is waiting for them. You can do this by visiting your library or online at www.york.gov.uk/libraries

ÆThe recommended books are on display in 7 libraries in York: Acomb; Dunnington; Huntington; Strensall; Sycamore House Reading Cafe; Tang Hall; and York

Healthwatch York, in partnership with an organisation called Healthcare Publications, has developed the Health & Social Care Support Directory 2013-14.

The Directory provides local residents with information and contact details for a range of Health & Social Care services in York, including GP surgeries, residential care and pharmacies. As well as information on local services, the new Directory offers advice and guidance on issues such as independent living and being a carer.

The Health & Social Care Support Directory will be available in January 2014. You will be able to view it online at the Healthwatch York website: www.healthwatchyork.co.uk or contact us if you would like a paper copy.


Stroke Association helplineThe Stroke Association provides a stroke helpline and information service for anyone affected by stroke.

The helpline team can listen and talk through your situation. They can give you information about stroke, make practical suggestions, explore the options available to you, and tell you about the people and services that can provide you and your family with further support after a stroke.

You can find out more about the stroke helpline on their website and by watching their short films: www.stroke.org.uk/support/helpline

The Stroke Helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, on 0303 3033 100. You can also email the service at [email protected]

Do you want more choice and control over your own support?Connect to Support could be for you. It’s a website to help you find the support you need in York. For more information visit: www.connecttosupport.org/york

New group for carers of people with mental ill health Organisations in York are coming together to support a new group for carers of people with mental ill health. The group will enable unpaid carers to meet other carers in a similar situation to themselves, share information and take a break from caring. They will also have the opportunity to have their views fed back to local decision makers.

The group will be co-ordinated by York Carers’ Centre, The York Fellowship (Rethink) and York Mind. The group would like to welcome any unpaid carers who care for someone with a mental health condition.

For further information contact: Sharron Smith on: 01904 715490 email: [email protected]

On the spot health advice from your local pharmacy!Your local pharmacy (chemist) is a great place to go for help and advice. You can speak to a pharmacist for advice on how to treat lots of minor injuries and common complaints such as coughs, colds, bites, stings, aches and pains.

They can also provide advice with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking.

Whitworths Pharmacy on Melrosegate have set up a Healthwatch information table. As well as giving out information and advice, staff can let people know about Healthwatch York and give people the chance to have their say about their experiences of health and social care services.

Help and advice

Can self-help books really help?Yes! There is good evidence from previous schemes and from NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) that books can help people with emotional problems.

The self-help books have been selected by health professionals. They are high quality and they have been tried and tested, and found to be useful by others.

Speak to your GP or other health professional about Books on Prescription - self-help books can help!

Health and Wellbeing


Staying healthy this winter

Although winter weather and snow can be fun, it is also associated with an increase in illnesses and injuries.

There’s more to feeling ‘under the weather’ than most people realise. Cold and wintry conditions can cause severe illness and, in the worst cases, people can die. The cold weather, combined with low levels of sunlight after the clocks go back, means that many of us can feel in poor health.

However, with some simple precautions, most people can be prepared for the cold weather and prevent much of the misery that is often associated with winter weather.

Key tips include:

Eat wellEating regular meals will help to keep your energy levels up during winter:• Have plenty of hot food and drinks. • Plan your meals and keep your diet as varied

as possible. Aim to include your daily five portions of fruit and veg. Remember that tinned and frozen fruit and vegetables count towards your five a day.

• Stock up on tinned and frozen foods so that you don’t have to go out too much when it’s cold or icy.

We’re all more likely to feel the chill in winter, but cold weather can lead to very serious health problems, such as heart attacks, strokes or pneumonia, and sometimes the cold weather can even kill – especially if you have a long-term health condition or are 65 or over.

Keep your home warm Your main living room should be between 18°-21°C (65°-70°F) and the rest of the house at a minimum of 16°C (61°F).

You can also use a hot-water bottle or electric blanket (but not both at the same time) to keep warm while you’re in bed.

Wrap up warm, inside and outLayer your clothing to stay warm and wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside. If possible, stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems.

Check on older neighbours or relatives to make sure they’re safe and wellMake sure they’re warm enough, especially at night, and have stocks of food and medicines so they don’t need to go out during very cold weather.

If you’re worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, contact:

City of York Council on 01904 551550 or Age UK helpline on 0800 00 99 66

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Who can you contact if you need help at Xmas or during the rest of the year? ¶We've got some useful contacts overleaf.

You may be able to claim financial and practical help with heating your home - a tax free payment of between £100 and £300 to help pay heating bills for people born on or before 5 January 1952.

This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’. Most payments are made automatically for people who get the State Pension or another social security benefit (not housing benefit, Council Tax Reduction or Child benefit).

If you qualify but don’t get paid automatically, you’ll need to make a claim. To make a claim, get advice or report a change of circumstances call the Winter Fuel Payments helpline:

08459 15 15 15Textphone: 0845 601 5613Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm

For independent, expert advice on saving energy in your home contact Yorkshire Energy Partnership. They can help with energy efficiency advice, and insulation and heating grants.

01904 545 020 - Mon to Fri 9am to 5pmadvice@energypartnership.org.ukwww.yorkshireenergypartnership.org.uk

A new partnership has been launched between Yorkshire Energy Partnership and the City of York Council dedicated to helping residents of York lower their fuel bills.

For more information or advice, call Rosie Hughes, Home Energy Co-ordinator

01904 555188 or [email protected]

Find out more from these websites:www.gov.uk Help is available on how to keep warm. There are a number of schemes designed to provide support, including money off bills and assistance with central heating and insulation.

www.nhs.uk NHS Choices can give you advice on how to stay warm and well over winter.

www.ageuk.org.uk/get-involved/spread-the-warmth Spread the Warmth is an Age UK campaign to stop older people suffering and dying needlessly in winter.

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Keep busy – Don’t make Christmas the be all and end all. Do the things you always enjoy, like walking or going to the cinema.

Volunteer - There’s a huge feeling of satisfaction from volunteering and many charities and organisations need help at Christmas.

Get up and exercise – It reduces stress and the serotonin your body creates gives your mood a lift.

Keep healthy – All that eating and drinking makes us lethargic. Eat plenty of fruit and veg and it will make you feel more energetic.

If you're feeling out of touch with people, Christmas can be a good opportunity to reconnect. There's nothing better than catching up with someone face-to-face, but that's not always possible.Give them a call, drop them a note or chat to them online instead. Keep the lines of communication open - it's good for you!


Have a happy and healthy holiday Christmas is traditionally a time for celebration. But for some people the festive season can intensify mental health difficulties.

This year the problem is likely to be even worse, with the economic downturn leading to Christmas money worries for many.

So while many people will be looking forward to having time off work, for some the impact of Christmas is increased stress, family conflict or alcohol misuse. For others it is loneliness and isolation from friends and family. For people who have suffered bereavement the feeling of loss and sadness can be especially poignant at Christmas.

Over the holiday period, we all need to look after our mental health and look out for our relations, friends and neighbours. Here are some tips:



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Stay safe and well this ChristmasLeeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust provides specialist mental health and learning disability services to people within Leeds, York, Selby, Tadcaster, Easingwold and parts of North Yorkshire.

Service users are at the heart of our organisation. We strive to provide the best possible care and support, working closely with related organisations to provide effective, accessible and modern mental health and learning disability services. Our core purpose is to improve the mental health and well-being of the people who use our services.

If, like many people, you can sometimes find Christmas stressful or upsetting, don’t worry: you are not alone. There are people you can talk to when other services are closed. Most operate on a 24 hour basis.

NHS Direct - 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for health advice and general information.

Freephone: 111 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Samaritans - Confidential and non-judgemental emotional support whenever you need someone to talk to. 24 hours, seven days a week.

08457 90 90 90 or [email protected] www.samaritans.org

Saneline - An out-of-hours telephone helpline offering practical information, crisis care and emotional support to anybody affected by mental health problems.

0845 767 8000. Available 6pm - 11pm www.sane.org.uk

Connect Helpline - For anyone who is in a crisis, feeling anxious, lonely, angry or depressed - or just needs someone to talk to.

0808 800 12 12 Open 6pm-10.30pm every night of the year.

Drinkline is a national alcohol helpline providing counselling, support, advice and information. 24 hours, seven days a week.

0800 917 8282

FRANK campaign helplineProvides advice about drugs and information on local services. The service can take calls in over 120 languages. 365 days a year, 24 hours a day

0800 776600

Age UK Advice Line offers free information line for older people. Open 8am-7pm, every day of the year.

0800 169 6565

Mainstay works with people in York and North Yorkshire with mental health issues to motivate and encourage them to reach their goals.

01904 623801 www.mainstay-yorks.org.uk

Elefriends (Mind)Elefriends is a supportive online community where you can be yourself. We all know what it's like to struggle sometimes, but now there's a safe place to listen, share and be heard.

Sign up at www.elefriends.org.uk

If you are experiencing anxiety, depression or other common problems, you may decide you would like to get some support.

You can refer yourself to the NHS Primary Care Mental Health Service to learn new ways of coping. It is available for people over 17, with no upper age limit.

0113 843 4388 (Line open Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 4pm, not open on Bank Holidays).

For a full directory of local services visit: www.mentalhealthleeds.info

Leeds and York PartnershipNHS Foundation Trust


News

Do Deaf people face discrimination?Read Healthwatch York’s first report

Healthwatch York became aware that Deaf people and their families are a group of people who are likely to experience difficulties accessing health and social care services.

In May 2013 a Healthwatch York volunteer Community Champion attended one of the City of York Council Community Facilitators drop in sessions at the library. A group of Deaf people attended the session and reported that they had experienced problems accessing local health services.

We wanted to find out more about these problems and whether other Deaf people had similar experiences. Working with York Independent Living Network (YILN), Healthwatch York held a public meeting for Deaf people

At the meeting twenty five members of the Deaf community in York told us about their experiences of using health and social care services. We found out:

• There is a lack of understanding that BSL is a Deaf person’s first language. Deaf people often receive standard letters in high level English which they may struggle to understand.

• There is lack of awareness of the difference between profoundly or severely deaf people and those with some degree of hearing loss. There is also a lack of awareness of the different communication methods (people who sign and people who do not).

• There is frustration and anger that these issues have been raised through a range of channels for a number of years with no subsequent action.

• The recent changes to the health service have made things worse, with less access to face-to-face interpreters and greater reliance on technology than before.

Our report makes recommendations to the organisations who organise and provide health and social care services. Deaf people are not asking for special treatment, just equal treatment. Issues with communication and interpreters can mean that Deaf people are unable to be fully involved in decisions about their care.

You can read the report on the Healthwatch York website: www.healthwatchyork.co.uk or contact the office if you would like a paper copy.

Healthwatch York is able to enter and view all publicly funded health and social care services – usually this will take place as part of a planned programme of work.

Authorised volunteers can go into health and social care premises to see and hear for themselves how services are provided. This means that they can collect the views of service users, carers and relatives at the point of service delivery.

Healthwatch York has now trained five volunteers to be Enter and View visitors. These volunteers will be able to take part in any visits arranged by Healthwatch York in the future.

Training Healthwatch York volunteers

Healthwatch York


CCGClinical Commissioning GroupCCGs are responsible for the planning and purchasing of the majority of health services including hospital care, mental health and community services. For York, the CCG is the NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group.

CQC The Care Quality CommissionThe independent regulator of all health and social care services in England.

CYCCity of York Council

DPHDirector of Public HealthFollowing the Health & Social Care Act of 2012, public health is the responsibility of local councils.

The DPH is the principal advisor on all health matters to elected councillors and officers.

GMCGeneral Medical CouncilOrganisation which registers doctors in the UK

Our New Years Resolution!

Busting the jargon…Our New Years Resolution for 2014 is to not use jargon at all and we want you to tell us if we do!

But just in case, here’s a ‘cut down’ version of the Healthwatch York jargon buster. The full version is on our website, or you can contact us if you need a paper copy.

Health and social care has more than its fair share of jargon, acronyms and abbreviations. Healthwatch York always encourages organisations to use Plain English and to avoid jargon or acronyms. However, sometimes we do so ourselves, and we rely on our volunteers and members of the public to tell us when we forget!

HWBHealth & Wellbeing BoardThis is a group of people from different organisations including City of York Council, York Teaching Hospital, NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group, Leeds & York Partnership Trust, the police, the voluntary sector, and HealthWatch York.

They work together to make improvements to the health and wellbeing of York residents. They are responsible for delivering the Health & Wellbeing Strategy for York.

HWE Healthwatch EnglandThis is the independent consumer champion for health and social care in England. Healthwatch England is the national voice for Local Healthwatch groups.

JSNA Joint Strategic Needs AssessmentA report bringing together information on current and future health and wellbeing needs in York. This is used to help make decisions regarding future strategies and plans. It is updated regularly.

LGBTLesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender

LHWLocal HealthwatchFor York this is Healthwatch York

LTCLong term conditions(as in people with LTC) such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, multiple sclerosis.


Healthwatch York

LYPFTLeeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation TrustThe trust provides specialist mental health and learning disability services to people within Leeds, York, Selby, Tadcaster, Easingwold and parts of North Yorkshire.

NCTNational Childbirth Trust or Neighbourhood Care TeamsDepending on context

NHSNational Health Service

OOHOut of hoursOutside normal surgery hours you can still phone your GP surgery, but you’ll usually be directed to an out of hours service.

The out of hours period is from 6.30pm to 8.00am on weekdays and all day at weekends and on bank holidays.

PALSPatient Advice and Liaison ServiceOffers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters. They provide a point of contact for patients, their families and their carers.

PHEPublic Health England Public Health England has been established to protect and improve the nation’s health and wellbeing, and to reduce inequalities. It was created under the Health & Social Care Act 2012.

PPEPatient and public engagementEffective patient and public involvement is the ability for people to be able to influence the services that affect their lives.

PPIPatient and public involvementEngaging patients and the public in the commissioning and provision of services is recognised as best practice and is also a statutory requirement under the Health and Social Care Act (2012).

TLAThree letter acronymThere are far too many of these in health and social care!

VCSVoluntary & community sector

YorOKThe Partnership Board looking at issues affecting children, young people and families. For more information visit: www.yor-ok.org.uk


Our Partners

Healthwatch York PartnersHealthwatch York recognises the valuable contribution that other agencies, particularly voluntary and community sector organisations, make to putting people at the heart of our health and social care services in York.

Contact the Healthwatch York team to find out more about our Partner Programme – we’re looking forward to working with you.

Age UK

Alzheimer's Society

CANDI (Children and Inclusion)

IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services)

Independent Living Scheme

MS Society - York & District Branch

National Osteoporosis Society: York Support Group

Friends of St Nicholas Fields

Get Cycling CiC

North Yorkshire and York Neurological Alliance

Priory Street Nursery

Royal Voluntary Service - Leeds & York Hub

York Older Peoples Assembly

York & District Citizens Advice Bureau

York & District Pain Management Support Group

We want to work with partners in a way which benefits everyone and we have invited voluntary and community organisations in York to join our Healthwatch Partner Programme. So far the following organisations have signed up as Healthwatch York partners:

York Advocacy

York Carers Centre

York Carers' Forum

York LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Forum

York Wheels

Young Carers Revolution

YUMI (York Unifying Multicultural Initiative)

Healthwatch York noticeboardHealthwatch York Assembly meetingFor Healthwatch York volunteers and partners – the next Assembly meeting is in January, at the Priory Street Centre. Please contact the Healthwatch York office for further information.

Leadership group meetingFrom January 2014 the Healthwatch York Leadership group meetings will be held in public. The first two meetings of 2014 will take place at the Priory Street Centre on:

Monday 13th January — 4pm-6pmMonday 24th February — 4pm-6pm

CANDI and Healthwatch York joint event - Monday 3rd February – 9.30am – 1pm Novotel, Fishergate

Look out for the Spring edition of our newsletter at the end of March 2014.


Partners SpotlightWe feature at least one of our partners in every issue of our newsletter. In this issue, the spotlight is on York Carers Centre, and Young Carers Revolution.

York Carers CentreYork Carers Centre is an independent organisation that helps unpaid carers in York find the support they need.

They give free help to carers living, or caring for someone who lives, in York. Support can be given over the phone, at the office, or we can arrange to see carers at home or in another suitable place.

York Young Carers work with young people aged 8 to 18 years who are helping to look after someone at home. They might be helping look after a brother or sister, parent or grandparent with an illness, disability, mental health problem or a problem with alcohol/ drugs.

They offer:

• Groups where young carers have the chance to chat, play games and chill out with people who understand what it’s like to be a young carer

• Trips and activities for young carers to have a break

• One to one support. This allows young carers to talk about any issues they have as a result of being a young carer

• Help for the young carer and their family to access services and explain the role or carer to school so that they understand the pressures of a young carer

Young Carers RevolutionYoung Carers Revolution is a group of young carers who speak out about the issues that affect them and let those in power know what needs to be changed to make a real difference

They have created a DVD and media campaign to show how being a young carer impacts on their life.

To find out more, visit the Carers Centre website: www.yorkcarerscentre and follow the Young Carers links:

If you are a young carer, if you work with young carers, or if you are a parent and want to know more, get in touch with York Carers Centre.

York Carers Centre17 Priory StreetYork YO1 6ET

01904 715490 [email protected] www.yorkcarerscentre.co.uk

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PARK&RIDEWhite Line No. 3Askham Bar -Railway Station

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We are here

What is Healthwatch York?Healthwatch York is the new way to influence local health and social care services – hospitals, care homes, GP surgeries, home care services and others.

Healthwatch York will help you and your family get the best out of your local health and social care services. You can be involved in shaping these services according to what your community wants or needs.

We want to put you at the heart of health and social care services in York. We will;

• Provide information about local services to make sure you know how to access the help you need

• Signpost you to independent complaints advocacy if you need support to complain about a service you’ve received

• Listen to your views about local services and make sure these are taken into account when services are planned and delivered. We want to know what is working well, and what isn’t

Healthwatch gives us the opportunity to create a health and care system that really meets our needs.

Healthwatch EnglandAs well as operating locally, Healthwatch plays a role at national level.

Local Healthwatch passes on information and recommendations to Healthwatch England. Healthwatch England takes evidence from local Healthwatch and uses it to create a strong picture of what matters most to consumers up and down the country.

About Healthwatch York

Contact us:

Freepost RTEG-BLES-RRYJHealthwatch York15 Priory StreetYork YO1 6ET

Phone us on: 01904 621133Mobile: 077 7959 7361 – use this if you would like to leave us a text or voicemail messageEmail us: [email protected] us on Twitter: @healthwatchyorkLike us on FacebookVisit: www.healthwatchyork.co.uk

York CVSHealthwatch York is a project at York CVS. York CVS works with voluntary and community groups in York. York CVS aims to help these groups do their best for their communities, and people who take part in their activities or use their services.

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