Annual Report 2025-26

We were delighted to receive positive feedback from Healthwatch England on our Annual Report, recognising the impact Healthwatch Herefordshire continues to make for local people and communities.

Healthwatch England highlighted our consistent ability to demonstrate the difference our work makes and commended our commitment to tackling health inequalities by reaching people whose voices are too often unheard. They recognised our work with people experiencing homelessness, those living with severe mental illness, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, neurodivergent people, and residents living in areas of deprivation, as well as our Community Cancer Champions programme, which empowers local people to raise awareness and encourage earlier diagnosis within their own communities.

The feedback also acknowledged the positive improvements our work has helped influence, including greater investment in community-based alternatives to reduce pressure on emergency departments, enhanced support for people with severe mental illness, and initiatives to improve childhood vaccination uptake.

Healthwatch England concluded by recognising the dedication and commitment of our staff, volunteers and Board members, whose collective efforts continue to ensure the voices of people across Herefordshire help shape better health and care services.