Let's hear it for women's health and wellbeing: key findings
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Healthwatch Calderdale and Healthwatch Kirklees wanted to to find out what women in their communities are currently doing to look after their health and wellbeing and how confident they feel doing so. During October and November 2023, they heard from 665 women aged 16+, from all walks of life and ethnic backgrounds, and from every postcode area in Kirklees and Calderdale.
Most women in Kirklees and Calderdale said the following things were important to them to help them feel healthy:
- Staying active
- Looking after their physical and mental health
- Eating healthily
- Being free from pain.
Two in five said that improved access to services would help them manage their health and wellbeing better.
Self care options preferred by women included:
- over the counter medication
- Yoga, mindfulness, acupuncture or herbal remedies
Women often highlighted that due to pressures such as caring responsibilities, pressures at home, and pressures at their jobs, they never have time for themselves, causing their needs to take a backseat.
26% of the women Healthwatch spoke to said that engaging in de-stressing activities played a significant role in maintaining their health. Only 9% indicated a willingness to seek professional help or therapy, suggesting a potential gap in access or confidence in existing healthcare services.
Women felt the following would help them improve their health:
- Access to quality health services without waiting times or judgement.
- Affordable and accessible childcare services.
- Affordable or free dietary advice that is constructive and supportive of weight management.
- Affordable, community-based exercise options
- Female-only services with female practitioners or specialists in women's health.
- Support and ideas to help manage home, work and wellbeing.
- Free access to occupational, grief and/or wellbeing counselling options. Anxiety, stress, and depression therapy.
- More reliable and trustworthy information on the internet regarding symptoms and services. More communication on how to book services online.
- Knowing where to find information about support available.