News and reports

As we uncover the story of sickle cell this Black History Month, we draw attention to the very real, lived experiences of those living with sickle cell and their fight for care. By sharing the story of Effia, a Greenwich resident of Ghanian heritage living with sickle cell, we confront the uncomfortable truths of the sickle cell narrative.

Black History Month is an opportunity to not only celebrate the contributions of Black people to British society but also to confront injustices. Telling the story of sickle cell as part of Black History Month reclaims a narrative that has often been ignored or hidden. Sickle cell is not just about illness; it's about survival and resilience.

Over the course of multiple projects conducted between October 2023 and April 2024, we heard from women across Greenwich about their experiences with cervical and breast screening. These conversations suggest a system that too often places the burden of overcoming barriers on individuals, rather than designing services that meet people where they are.

Mia Mikala Ofori, an outreach volunteer at Healthwatch Greenwich, shares her journey with making a difference in her local community and growing her confidence while working with our team.

Healthwatch Greenwich volunteer Sadeko Samson shares his journey of discovering passion and making a difference through volunteering.

Lauren Lencovich, a communications volunteer at Healthwatch Greenwich, shares her journey and aspiration to delve into the impact of social media on shaping health behaviours within our community.

With a record number of patients stuck in A&E, Healthwatch England CEO Louise Ansari wants to see a longer-term plan to improve conditions in which people wait for life-saving care. This should include real-time monitoring and reporting on patient experience.

As the UK marks Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, Healthwatch Greenwich chief executive Joy Beishon highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and accessibility to cervical screening, particularly among Black and ethnic minority women in the UK.

This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. Our new blog brings together some of the key challenges people have shared about cervical screening with local Healthwatch and outlines the steps we are taking nationally to address those.

As 2024 begins, Louise Ansari, CEO at Healthwatch England, highlights some of the projects that made a difference for patients last year while showing the vital role of local action. We need to hear more of such examples in the new year.

Healthwatch Greenwich volunteer Jocelyn Foxworth reflects on a transformative summer of volunteering.

This South Asian Heritage Month, Healthwatch Greenwich celebrates an inspirational story of a small Nepalese community group that teaches, trains, and empowers Nepali elderly women. Our Communication Officer, Chandan visits ‘Feel Better’ event.