#SpeakUp: The Link Community

The Link Community used a Healthwatch Sheffield Speak Up grant to gather the experiences of 30 local residents aged between 18 and 92 about health and social care services. Through informal interviews, group discussions and filmed conversations, the project explored people's experiences of GP practices, hospitals, mental health services and the role of community support. 

Participants were generally satisfied with their GP services, but older people felt that doctors and nurses did not always give them enough time or attention. Many older respondents were reluctant to return to their GP with ongoing concerns because they did not want to be seen as a nuisance or a burden. They also reported feeling uncomfortable asking questions during appointments, believing that healthcare professionals were too busy to respond fully. Similar concerns were raised about hospital care, with some participants feeling that older people were not always treated with sufficient dignity, respect or consideration.

People with experience of mental health services reported difficulties accessing support and concerns about reductions in available services. Two young participants described the transition from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to adult services as particularly difficult, stating that they did not feel adequately supported and believed young people should receive earlier intervention and faster access to help. They also felt schools should play a greater role in identifying and supporting mental health needs. 

A strong theme throughout the project was the importance of community support networks. Participants emphasised the value of family, friends and local organisations such as The Link Community in helping them maintain their wellbeing and navigate health and social care systems. The report concluded that community hubs play an increasingly important role as public services become more stretched and recommended further work to demonstrate the positive impact of local support networks on people's health and wellbeing.