News and reports

Loneliness in Herefordshire: Listening to Local Voices

Loneliness is a quiet but widespread issue affecting people of all ages across Herefordshire, from busy city streets to rural communities. This research, led by the Herefordshire Together Collaborative—including General Practice, the Local Authority, Public Health, and Healthwatch Herefordshire—set out to better understand the lived experiences of those feeling isolated. By listening to personal stories and perspectives, the project highlights the reality of loneliness in our county and explores how it differs from social isolation.
Only by truly hearing these voices can we begin to shape meaningful, lasting solutions.

Read all about the project work, activity, impact and engagement of the Healthwatch Team.

Healthwatch Herefordshire heard from 213 women, aged between 25 and 79, living in towns, villages, and rural communities across Herefordshire. The stories they shared highlight just how varied—and often difficult—the menopause journey can be.

Read all about the project work, activity, impact and engagement of the Healthwatch Team.

Healthwatch engaged with communities to understand what community-based provision or activities do, or would, support them to manage their long-term health conditions and frailty (in particular Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Heart Failure and Respiratory conditions).

An increase in feedback to Healthwatch Herefordshire about the realities of being a carer in Herefordshire led us to conduct some research into the lives of carers.

Healthwatch engaged Herefordshire communities to raise awareness of health and social care research and promote how people can get involved.

Read all about the project work, activity, impact and engagement of the Healthwatch Team.

Hear Our Voices is a way for people with a learning disability and their supporters to get together in a relaxed environment. These events bring together people who like speaking up and explore ways that they can make a difference and help build confidence, connections and skills.

The Research Engagement Network 2 (REN2) project seeks to establish a health, wellbeing and care participation function and resource for Herefordshire. This interim report provides an overview of the Phase 1 REN2 activities and presents the findings from the focus groups involved, emphasizing the value and importance of co-production and public participation.

Healthwatch Herefordshire were commissioned by Taurus Healthcare in May 2024 to carry out a 6-week public consultation on a proposed change to the urgent out of hours GP service in regards to moving the service to a new location in Autumn 2024. This report details the findings of that consultation.

Welcome to this year's Annual Report for 2023-2024 which provides an overview of our work and highlights some of our key projects and the impact of our work over the past year.