Locality Community Voice Report

Healthwatch Tower Hamlets undertook research on local residents’ views about health, wellbeing and the future design of health and social care services. They spoke to 346 people at four street market events across the borough in May 2019, focusing on prevention, primary care, personalisation and healthier neighbourhoods.

Residents generally viewed Tower Hamlets as a positive place to live, although air pollution was identified as the biggest barrier to staying healthy and physically active, followed by concerns about safety. Walking was the most popular form of exercise across all age groups, and people supported initiatives such as cleaner parks, community walking groups and family activities to encourage more physical activity. Many residents also highlighted the need for more green spaces, youth activities, affordable exercise opportunities and action to tackle anti-social behaviour and environmental issues. 

Most respondents supported the idea of health and wellbeing hubs that bring together multiple services under one roof, particularly mental health support, social care, pharmacies, children's services and healthy living programmes. A majority said they would use a GP app, especially to access test results, although older people were less likely to use digital services. Residents also prioritised spending on hospital and GP services and generally felt that services should do more to work together and provide personalised support. 

People who felt services were not personalised often described poor communication, difficulties accessing appointments and a lack of coordinated support when facing complex health or social care needs. Older residents generally felt Tower Hamlets was a good place to live but called for better transport, improved domiciliary care, more information about available support and stronger social care provision. The report concluded that local people should play a central role in the co-design of future services and that community feedback should continue to inform health and care planning across the borough.