Healthwatch Kirklees & Calderdale

Want to make a difference? Join us as Community Engagement & Outreach Volunteers!
Find out more and complete out Volunteer Expression of Interest form on our website today:https://healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com/volunteer/

Want to make a real difference in you community? Become a Community Engagement & Outreach Volunteer!
Find out more:https://healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com/volunteer/

The question 'what is period poverty?'. Underneath is a graphic of key imagery of female menstrual health. There is an outline of a woman with her uterus highlighted. Around her is pictures of contraceptives, period products like tampons, pads, and cups, there is also bras and pants.

Text saying 'period poverty refers to the inability to afford and access menstrual products, sanitation, hygiene, as well as education and awareness to manage menstrual health'. Underneath this text is a picture of a pad, on top of the pad is a red feather.

Text saying 'more than 1 in 5 women and people who menstruate in the UK struggle to afford period products. Share your experience in our survey (link in caption and bio) to help improve local support for those facing period poverty'. Underneath this text is a picture of three different sized menstrual cups, sizing from smallest to biggest.

You can also share your feedback by calling, emailing, or through our website! Healthwatch Kirklees phone number is 01924 450379. And their email is info@healthwatchkirklees.co.uk. Healthwatch Calderdale phone number is 01422 412141. And their email is info@healthwatchcalderdale.co.uk. Their joint website is www.healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com.

Have you, or someone you know, ever struggled to get period products?
By filling in our short, anonymous survey, you can help us have a better understanding of people experiences and help inform kind, more effective local support.
Share your feedback: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PeriodPovertyEM

It's Student Volunteer Week!
Hear from Amaya about volunteering with us.
Interested? Visit our website: https://healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com/volunteer/

Have you used your local pharmacy for treatment or health advice, or been referred there by your GP?
We're collecting feedback on how Pharmacy First is working across Kirklees & Calderdale - and your experience matters

Take our survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PF-soicals

#PharmacyFirst

Your experience matters. Share your views on period poverty and help improve local support. Live in Kirklees or Calderdale? Complete our survey and share your thoughts. The survey is anonymous and only takes 5 minutes. On this graphic is a young woman holding menstrual products such as a pad, tampon, and menstrual cup.

Have you, or someone you know, ever struggled to get period products? 💜
You’re not alone. Period poverty affects more people than we think.
Share your feedback today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PeriodPoverty

Healthwatch Kirklees and Healthwatch Calderdale ask, 'have you taken your child to the pharmacy for earache? Were they given any advice or medication?'. Next to this question is a mother with her son, talking to a pharmacist in a pharmacy. The son is holding his ear and is pulling a face of discomfort.

You may have then accessed Pharmacy First. This is a service where you can speak to a pharmacist who can assess, treat, and even prescribe medicines (including antibiotics) for a range of minor conditions - all without needing a GP appointment! Next to this is an image of a pharmacist handing over medication to the mother and the boy with earache.

If this has happened to you, and you have used Pharmacy First, we'd like to hear about your experience. You can share feedback by completing the survey linked in the caption above. All feedback goes to making care more accessible for everyone.

You can also share your feedback by calling, emailing, or through our website! Healthwatch Kirklees phone number is 01924 450379. And their email is info@healthwatchkirklees.co.uk. Healthwatch Calderdale phone number is 01422 412141. And their email is info@healthwatchcalderdale.co.uk. Their joint website is www.healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com.

Has a pharmacist advices or treated you child's earache?
You may have used Pharmacy First.
We want to learn from your real expereinces - what worked well and what could be better.
Share your feedback through our survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PF-soicals

Feedback on The Space at Field Lane, gathered by Healthwatch Calderdale. The feedback states "The Space at Field Lane is a wonderful place, my mum came her on her own initially and now she has friends. It’s doing so much to prevent isolation, provide a place for the community and help people get together. I really appreciate what they do here (The Space at Field Lane) as it’s given me a chance to get out of the house where I’d be alone, have a lovely lunch and chat to some new people. And they staff are brilliant also". Above the feedback are two speech marks so signify that it is a quote.

Some positive feedback on The Space at Field Lane
Find out what they offer & how to get involved: https://www.thespaceatfieldlane.org.uk/

Share feedback on local services: https://healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com/your-views/

The front of a building that holds a pharmacy. The store sign says 'Pharmacy, have you used Pharmacy First'. Underneath the image of the store, is text that says "We want to hear your feedback on Pharmacy First. Share your thoughts and experiences today to help shape better care for everyone, link to the survey is in the caption". And beside the text is the Healthwatch Kirklees and Calderdale logo.

Pharmacy First is changing how we access NHS care - but is it working for you? Tell us what's helpful, what's difficult, and how it can be improved. Share your views: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PF-soicals

Healthwatch Kirklees and Healthwatch Calderdale want you to share your feedback on NHS 111. Whether it was helpful, frustrating, or somewhere in between - they want to hear about it! On the graphic, there is an image of someone calling up NHS 111 on their phone.

Have you used NHS 111?
We want to hear about your experience - what worked, what didn't, and how it made you feel.
Share your story on our website: https://healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com/
Or give us a call, email, or leave a comment below

Healthwatch Kirklees and Healthwatch Calderdale asks "do you know what happens when you call 111?". Underneath this question is an arm holding up a phone. On the screen of the phone shows that it is calling the number 111.

NHS 111 is there to help you get the right advice and treatment, fast. Underneath this text is an image of a man on the phone. Presumably, he is calling 111.

When you call, you're not just getting a call handler. More than half of the people who contact NHS 111 speak directly to a trained clinician, including nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and paramedics.

We want to hear your NHS 111 experiences. Head to our website, give us a call or email, or leave a comment and share your feedback to better care for everyone. The links and information is in the caption.

Have you used NHS 111 recently? With demand rising, we we want to hear about your experience. Was help quick, clear, and reassuring? Did it guide you to the right care?
Share your feedback: https://healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com/

Healthwatch Kirklees and Healthwatch Calderdale asks 'has your health and social care referral ever been lost, delayed, or been rejected?'. Underneath the questions is an image of a hand hold up a card that says 'referrals' on it.

Has your health and social care referral ever been lost, delayed, or been rejected?

Let us know in the comments, email, or call. Or fill out the form on our website: https://healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com/your-views/

#ReferralBlackHole #PatientVoice #NHSReferral #Referral #GPReferral

Are you waiting on a GP referral? You are not alone. 1 in 7 patients end up stuck in a referral 'black hole' due to delays, lost forms, or rejections. Your story matters - tell us your experience so we can push for better care. Underneath this text, is an image of a medical professional filling out a form. The form is presumed to be a referral form.

Your referral experience matters.
Delays, confusion, or great support - we want to hear it.
Was your referral life-changing or list in the system?
Share your story (good or bad): https://healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com
You can also call, email, or comment

Healthwatch Kirklees and Healthwatch Calderdale asks "are you waiting on a health and social care referral?". Underneath this question is a young adult sitting and waiting with his head in his hands.

According to the British Medical Association, NHS waiting lists are at a record high. There are 7.39 million cases, which means about 6.25 million people are waiting to get treatment.

Healthwatch Kirklees and Healthwatch Calderdale want to hear your health and social care referral experiences. Head to their website, give them a call, or email, or leave a comment and share your feedback to better care for everyone.

Healthwatch Kirklees phone number is 01924 450379, and email is info@healthwatchkirklees.co.uk. Healthwatch Calderdales phone number 01422 412141, and email is info@healthwatchcalderdale.co.uk. The website is www.healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com

Ever felt your referral vanished into a “black hole”?
Or did you get support that made a real difference?

We’re gathering feedback to help improve care.
Share your story:
https://healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com/your-views/

#ReferralBlackHole #PatientVoice #NHSReferral #Referral #GPReferral

Happy new year from Healthwatch Kirklees and Healthwatch Calderdale.

Happy new year from Healthwatch Kirklees and Healthwatch Calderdale! 🎇🎉

Merry Christmas from Healthwatch Kirklees and Healthwatch Calderdale. There is a graphic of a bird sitting on a holly bush singing.

Merry Christmas from Healthwatch Kirklees and Healthwatch Calderdale! 💙🎄

A christmas post saying "It's time to wrap up for Christmas. Closure dates - closing tomorrow (24th of December) and re-opening 5th of January". On the graphic is a christmas present and fairy lights.

We are now closed for the holiday period 🎉
Thank you for such an amazing 2025 and we will see you in 2026 🫡

Make sure over the festive period, you check pharmacy opening times. In this graphic, there is an image of a pharmacy with an elf inside.

Check your local pharmacy opening time to make sure you get your medication over the festive period🎄
You can check on the NHS - Find a pharmacy page - https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

A close up image of an owl ornament on a chirstmas tree. The tree is lit up with multicolour lights and around the owl are other ornaments like a sparkly star and red hearts.

Your Christmas tree isn't the only thing that should shine - your voice should too. Share your health and care experience with Healthwatch this festive season - https://healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com/ 🎄💙

Healthwatch Kirklees and Healthwatch Calderdale asks "do you know where to get help over the holidays? For medical help out of hours or on a bank holiday, call NHS 111 or visit them online. For emergencies, dial 999. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For mental health support call The Samaritans on 116 123 - their helpline is always open."

Do you know where to get help over the holidays? 🎄❄️
If you are after more health and social care information, get in touch! You can find our contact details on our website 💙 https://healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com/

An image of christmas decorations on a table. One decoration is of a felt reindeer. The other is of a christmas tree made of sticks with fairy lights on.

As Christmas decorations go up and the season gets brighter, we're here to keep you health and wellbeing at the heart of it. Healthwatch is listening - share your experiences and help shape better local health & social care this winter 💙 https://healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com/

Healthwatch Kirklees and Healthwatch Calderdale wishes you a Merry Christmas. This post is a message to say that they will be closed from 24th of December and will reopen on 5th of January.

We're closed from 24 Dec and reopen 5 Jan 💙🎄 If you want to share feedback on health & social care services or need advice, head to our website and get in touch 🎅https://healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com/

A picture of a christmas wreath on a front door. The wreath is filled with foliage, leaves, and berries.

A Christmas wreath symbolises care and connection - and so do we. This festive season, Healthwatch is here to listen and make sure your voice improves local health & social care. Share your experience of get info via our website 💙 https://healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com/

Healthwatch Kirklees and Healthwatch Calderdale's Christmas post about looking after your mental health this Christmas. It says "Loneliness is common this time of year. Take steps to protect your own wellbeing as well as looking after people you love". On the image are graphics of holly, as well as small hangings of snowflakes and Christmas trees.

Look after your mental health this Christmas 🎄
Loneliness is common, so care for yourself and check in our others. If you need health & social care info or want to share feedback in Kirklees or Calderdale, visit our website 💙 https://healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com/

Petition: Review decision to abolish independent local Healthwatch We are asking the government to: • Revisit its decision to abolish local independent services that speak up for the public • Consult with the public to codesign a service which meets their needs and s...

Sign our national petition calling on the government to protect the independence of local voices in health and care. We ask for your support: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/73...

At Healthwatch Kirklees and Calderdale, we are sad to share the news that Healthwatch is to be closed down. However, we remain committed to supporting our community and championing those whose voices are often unheard in Kirklees and Calderdale💙

"This is clearly a sad day for our staff, volunteers and everyone associated with Healthwatch who have proudly supported people and communities to speak up about their experiences of health and social care. Over the past 12 years, we've helped millions of people raise concerns, access vital advice and influence real change in the services they rely on. By championing the voices of local communities, we've helped drive countless improvements across the NHS and social care - successes I understand the government recognises. Our focus is now on ensuring a smooth transition of our function to the NHS and government, so that the voices and patients and the public continue to be heard." Quote from Louise Ansari, Chief Exceutive at Healthwatch England.

Our Chief Executive Louise Ansari responds to news that #Healthwatch is to be closed down.

"This is clearly a sad day for our staff, volunteers, and everyone associated with Healthwatch who have proudly supported people and communities to speak up about their experiences of health and social care."

A pink graphic with a list of mental health helplines for Mental Health Awareness Week. It includes: Mind: 0300 102 1234 (Open 9am–6pm weekdays) Samaritans: 116 123 (Always open) Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): 0800 58 58 58 (Open 5pm–midnight) If you're in Wales, CALL: 0800 132 737 (Always open) If you're under 25, The Mix: Text THEMIX to 85258 (Always open) Text at the bottom says: "Share and save this post."

Mental Health Awareness Week has begun 💙

If you’re needing a little support, here’s who to call ☎️ 

Please share far and wide! #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

Three seperate images from the Overgate Hospice Hub. One image is of a rainbow bookmark on a table. Another is a selfie, our engagement officer took in front of the building. And the other image is of a banner promoting the Overgate Hospice Hub.

On Monday, we joined Overgate Hospice at The Shay to hear your views on health & care 💬
Great feedback on the Hospice and the Hub’s support across Calderdale 💙
We helped someone with the NHS App, ran bookmark art & joined a fun chair dance with Bamford Belles & Beaus!

We have a new website! Head to our new page to leave feedback on local health and social care services. www.healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com

Exciting News! We’ve just launched our brand-new website! 🎉
Visit our new site to find out what we can do to help you and leave feedback on local health and social care services! 💙
www.healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com