News and reports

Volunteers’ Week returns this year after reaching its 40th anniversary last year. From 2 to 8 June 2025, here at Healthwatch Stockport, we will join thousands of charities and voluntary organisations in recognising the contribution volunteers make across the UK.

The Government has promised to put in place a 10-Year Health Plan to fix the NHS in England. We have outlined the four things that matter most to you and how they should shape the 10-Year Plan.

Following your feedback, we have been working with Royal Mail and a coalition of NHS and patient organisations to ensure vital NHS communications are delivered on time.

The Government is planning a national commission to reform social care, while the Health and Social Care Select Committee gathers evidence to report on the cost of delays to adult social care reform. Ahead of these reports, we have reviewed our evidence on social care, and Healthwatch leaders across England share their ideas for change.

People seeking help with drug and alcohol addiction need individualised care to stand the best chance of a sustained recovery. Read our latest insight report.

Today is World Hearing Day - we’re raising awareness of our research into local NHS Hearing services, supporting residents and tagging in some amazing organisations who are available for extra advice and information.

Smokers and vape users can struggle to access stop-smoking services and education. Their feedback reveals poor promotion, long waits, and inflexible support and outlines steps that could help more people kick the habit.  

With NHS data showing that over 12 million people have been vaccinated since last October, we look at what patients think about the experience.

In the UK, approximately 1.5 million people have a learning disability. Many people with learning disabilities find it difficult to learn, develop new skills, understand information and interact with other people. Therefore, accessing the support they need to live as independently as possible is crucial.

The NHS offers support for people on low incomes to help with care costs. We look at how easy it is to access this help and how it can be improved.

Communities across England have made it clear that NHS dentistry needs to be fixed – so it’s affordable and accessible. Read more about Healthwatch England's evidence and what changes we’re calling for the NHS and Government to make.

Do you use or need continence care (services and products)? Or, do you look after someone who does? Share your experiences to help improve local care.