News and reports

Healthwatch continues to work closely with community hubs and libraries across our area to deliver our Enhanced Engagement Service, ensuring people can access health information, support, and guidance in trusted, accessible spaces. Last week, we visited Redcar Central Library, taking our information stand directly into the heart of the community.

On Friday, Joe joined members of the local visually Impaired group at Redcar Library, ran by Going4Independance. This organisation supports people to feel empowered to live independently and safely. They offer a range of services including support, advice, information and social activities.

On Monday Gill spent time at Wellbeing Plus in Redcar, a dedicated local charity supporting residents who suffer from long term health conditions, supporting them through creative activities, peer connection, and wellbeing-focused sessions.

As part of Tees Valley Rural Action’s Village Hall Week, Healthwatch attended Carlin How Jubilee Hall yesterday to speak with local residents about their experiences of health and care services.

Joe visited Lingdale village hall this morning as part of Tees Vallery Rural Actions – Village Hall Week running from 17th – 19th March across the East Cleveland area.

On Tuesday afternoon, Gaynor visited South Bank Library during their weekly seated chair‑based exercise group, offering free blood pressure checks as part of our ongoing community outreach work.

On 30 April, Healthwatch South Tees, in partnership with Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency (MVDA), brought together a wide range of organisations for a collaborative event focused on strengthening community connections and improving how we work together across South Tees.

Our original plan for 2025/26 was to deliver one large project across both Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland, focused on developing a mental health resource to help people understand and navigate what is often a confusing local mental health landscape.

Following concerns raised regarding accessibility and awareness of toilet facilities at James Cook University Hospital (JCUH), actions have now been implemented that are already having a positive impact on patient and carer experience

Over recent months, all 14 Healthwatch across the North East and North Cumbria have been out in communities listening to people’s real experiences of accessing their GP, using the NHS App, and trying Pharmacy First.

Joe and Gaynor visited the Loftus Club to speak with members of the public attending The Bread and Butter Thing—a UK charity that brings affordable, nutritious food to low-income families while helping reduce food waste. The session provided an important opportunity to gather feedback from East Cleveland residents about local health services and the challenges they face.

Recently, Healthwatch South Tees, Together Teesside, and Tees Community Dental Service joined forces to deliver an informal health drop‑in session at a women’s refuge in Middlesbrough.
The goal was clear: to make accessing health support as easy, comfortable, and stigma‑free as possible for residents who may otherwise face significant barriers to seeking help.