Following the expected closure of Workplace, we are pleased to show you the new platform Workvivo, which we are calling Healthwatch Online Community.

This session will be a live demonstration and walkthrough of the platform. Highlighting what’s the same and what’s new to ensure everyone can find what they are looking for. It will also provide information and links to the platform's mobile app.

Followed by a Q&A session to answer any queries you might have about the new platform.

There has been a lot of interest in AI and discussion about how different Healthwatch are using it in their work. 

This meeting is an opportunity to hear from two Healthwatch about their own approach and the policies they have developed. You will also hear from Healthwatch England about our approach and be able to bring your own ideas, questions and challenges to discuss with your peers.   

Canva templates and assets

Useful templates and assets to help you with your digital and traditional marketing activities.
""

Upcoming changes to Facebook Workplace in 2025

As we've previously shared with you, Facebook parent company Meta is retiring Facebook Workplace. We've now selected a replacement platform that closely mirrors Workplace’s functionality, offers a smooth transition with minimal disruption, and aligns with Meta’s timetable.
person speaking to Healthwatch representative at event

You should find the new platform familiar and easy to use and we’re aiming to go live with it in July.

To begin with, we’ll simplify the number of groups to keep things clear and manageable. We’ll listen to feedback from the Healthwatch network and can adjust these groups as needed. Importantly, all content from the past two years on Workplace will be carried over, so you’ll still be able to refer to previous discussions.

We’re also working to make it easier for you to access Healthwatch England policy updates and to ask questions or message others quickly and easily.

There’s no action needed from you just yet and no need to request a WorkVivo login.

We’ll be in touch soon with details on how to access the new platform. Before launch, we’ll offer several opportunities to preview the platform and share your thoughts. Once live, a dedicated user area will be available where you can ask queries and give feedback directly.

In the meantime, please continue to submit requests for new Workplace accounts via this short form: Tell us if you would like access to Workplace? | Healthwatch Network

We know local Healthwatch want to be able to produce their own easy read materials, as part of the Healthwatch commitment to accessibility and inclusion. We have invested in training from Easy Read UK who have already worked with local Healthwatch and receive good feedback.

This training is delivered in two parts and you MUST be able to attend both of the following sessions to take part.

Session one – 10/9 from 9.30am to 1pm

Session two – 24/9 from 1pm to 2.30pm

We know local Healthwatch want to be able to produce their own easy read materials, as part of the Healthwatch commitment to accessibility and inclusion. We have invested in training from Easy Read UK who have already worked with local Healthwatch and receive good feedback.

This training is delivered in two parts and you MUST be able to attend both of the following sessions to take part.

Session one – 11/6 from 9.30am to 1pm

Session two – 25/6 from 1pm to 2.30pm

Many of you requested support with income generation in the 2024 learning needs survey.

This session is an opportunity to explore fundraising opportunities outside of your core Healthwatch contract and to delve deeper into income generation. It is for people with more income generation experience than the ‘Bidding Basics’ session.

It will help you identify how to find new income generation opportunities and make the right bid decisions for your Healthwatch. You will explore how to break into new markets and work in partnership to develop your future sustainability.

Many of you requested support with income generation in the 2024 learning needs survey.

This session is an introduction to bid writing. It will help you understand the bidding process and how to get your Healthwatch bid ready. It will help you gain the skills and confidence to plan a successful bid process, and you will take away hints and tips for writing a winning bid.

Type of event

This is in interactive session with active participation. It will include presentations, information sharing and interactive activities.

This session will be led by Healthwatch Bucks for staff and volunteers who answer phone calls from the public. You will find out how to structure your conversation to best help the caller and to support your wellbeing.

This is an entry level course, which can be followed by sessions on how to manage difficult calls and understanding safeguarding and risk. 

Progress has been made to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals (who make up approximately 1.8 million people) in the UK. Yet we know that growing up LGBTQ+ in an intolerant society, experiencing prejudice and rejection, can exacerbate health inequalities and have a negative impact on health outcomes compared to the general population.

This session will help you understand health inequalities impacting the LGBTQ+ community and help you with inclusive language and understanding to support your engagement activities with LGBTQ+ communities.