Healthwatch Redbridge celebrates the power of local voices at AGM and Community Network Fair
On Tuesday, 4th November, Healthwatch Redbridge marked another year of championing the voices of local people at our Annual General Meeting (AGM). Followed by our Community Network Fair at Redbridge Town Hall, our AGM brought together professional partners from the local authority and health and social care sector.
In the midst of an evolving health and social care environment, Healthwatch Redbridge have stayed focused on our purpose of putting the needs and voices of local people at the heart of everything we do.
Healthwatch Redbridge Chair, Gita Malhotra said:
"We know that the context we’re working in is not easy. The wider determinants of health, the cost of living, isolation, and debt continue to affect people’s health and wellbeing. Access to services that are culturally competent and responsive to the needs of our diverse communities remains a real challenge.
But my goodness — Redbridge has such strength and such heart. The assets we have in our local communities, in our voluntary sector, and among our partners across health and care are truly remarkable. And Healthwatch Redbridge is proud to be part of that network of people and organisations making a difference every single day."
Women’s Health Project
The AGM was an opportunity to reflect on the work of our Women’s Health Project and call on our partners across systems to adopt our recommendations to improve care for local women.
Split into three phases, the project has seen us examine women’s experiences of cervical screening, breast screening and perimenopause and menopause.
Across these phases, we visited local community settings to deliver culturally sensitive information sessions to over 500 women that tackle stigma and address misinformation.
By fostering open conversations and acting as a trusted source of information, we offer women in Redbridge the tools and knowledge they need to make informed choices about their health and care.
Through this outreach, we met Lucy, who, with Healthwatch Redbridge’s encouragement, felt more confident to speak to a nurse about her fears and advocate for accommodations that would make her more comfortable.
“[The nurse] spoke kindly and reassured me she would do everything possible to make it as easy as she could. I am now going to make the appointment.” - Lucy
Speaking to local women from diverse communities across the borough, we have heard how strongly a sense of personal support is valued. Lucy’s story is just one among many that highlights the importance of an empathetic, considerate and responsive health and care system.
Joining us to share her experience as a practitioner, Dr. Sangeetha Pazhanisami reflected on her role as the Women’s Health Lead in Redbridge and her success in achieving record-high cervical screening rates in her practice.
Reminding us of the importance of cervical screening in cancer prevention, Dr. Pazhanisami emphasised the value of the human story behind data. Understanding the patient’s perspective, their fears and hesitations, is key to making meaningful improvements to services.
Gita Malhotra said:
“Each story and statistic reminds us why Healthwatch Redbridge exists: to make sure that every person in our borough can get the care, respect, and support they deserve.”
The AGM was followed by the annual Healthwatch Redbridge Community Network Fair. Connecting local people directly with the services that exist to support them, the Fair brought together over 20 organisations and groups from across the borough.
Each year, the Fair is a strong display of Redbridge’s community spirit, an opportunity to network, be connected and understand people’s needs, right in the heart of the borough.
This year, Fair-goers had the chance to catch up with their winter vaccines, join in with a chair-based exercise session and get direct support to manage their health using the NHS app.
Stallholders told us they valued the inclusivity of the Fair and the chance to connect with organisations across the sector:
“The Healthwatch Redbridge Community Network Fair was a brilliant example of inclusive engagement. It gave us the chance to connect meaningfully with the public, showcase culturally relevant resources, and spark conversations that matter. The energy, diversity, and collaboration on display made it a truly impactful event.”
Thank you to everyone who joined at the AGM and Community Network Fair and to everyone who makes this event so special, year on year. As we look ahead, we are as committed as ever to tackling health inequalities and improving care for everyone across Redbridge.
