Community Research and Support 2025- 6

Healthwatch Islington hosted 26 health Information workshops for residents from communities experiencing health inequalities. These events took place in community settings, were delivered by clinicians, health professionals, and Healthwatch staff and emphasised prevention and empowering participants to take charge of their own health. The project gives these residents information and support that it is difficult for them to access in other ways. This was the second year of this model of community research and partners noticed that many residents were becoming more assertive and arriving at the workshops forearmed with a list of questions they wanted to put to the presenters. 

493 residents attended the workshops. Each workshop covered a specific topic. These included cancer awareness (breast, lung, and bowel), diabetes, menopause, mental health, sickle cell disease, neurodiversity and learning disabilities, autism and immunisations, sexual health and contraception, and rights and entitlements to health services. 

100% of participants found the workshop information helpful (462) or partially helpful (31)

 As a result of attending the cancer information workshops: - 53 of 59 participants changed their mind about attending breast screening appointments - 29 of 41 participants changed their mind about using the bowel cancer test kit - 41 of 77 participants said they would definitely take part in the lung cancer screening programme and another 30 were much more likely (13) or quite a lot more likely to do so (17) 

107 of the 121 women who attended a menopause workshop said they had gained either a lot more (87) or quite a lot more (20) understanding of the support available when going through peri/menopause. 

Overall, participants gave very favourable feedback on the workshops. They particularly valued the opportunity to hear directly from clinicians. 

When Healthwatch interviewed clinicians at the end of the project, many said that taking part had reenergised them in their work. Not only that, the conversations had given them greater insight into the needs of these communities and this was informing their ongoing practice. 

Added value

There was a lack of awareness of the health risks associated with shisha smoking. This raised a broader issue for the Lung Screening Service who felt there needed to be better understanding at a system level of how GPs are recording shisha use on patient records. As a result of taking part in the project, the service are now looking at the issue nationally. 

Staff and volunteers from Healthwatch partner organisations are better equipped to support clients. They have gained new knowledge and skills, and the confidence to discuss sensitive topics and make informed decisions. They also have useful materials and professional contacts to draw on, meaning it is easier to make appropriate referrals when needed.