Author | Lightnews

Healthwatch Northumberland @healthwatchnland.bsky.social · 12h

Join us on Friday 14 November to hear from Dr Katrina Pears, Research Coordinator for The ME Association. We'll hear about the latest research into ME, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long Covid.
Register for your free place: bit.ly/HWN-ME-association-Nov25

#ME #CFS #Northumberland

A laptop, pen, glasses and coffee cup. Text reads 'Free online event. Friday 14 November, 1pm-2pm'

Healthwatch Northumberland @healthwatchnland.bsky.social · 18h

We’d like to hear your views on the #PharmacyFirst service. By sharing your feedback, you’ll help us to understand people’s awareness of the scheme, and any concerns or suggestions you may have.

Please leave your feedback by 9 November: bit.ly/PharmacyFirst2025

A pharmacist holding a prescription and a box of medication.

1

Healthwatch Northumberland @healthwatchnland.bsky.social · 1d

Free gentle exercise sessions with Rockets Community Foundation at The Launchpad in #Cramlington. Every Wednesday, 9.30am to 11am starting this November. For more information call 07944061331 or email: [email protected]

A flyer for the Rocket Reignite sessions at The Launchpad in Cramlington. Photo of a group of older ladies taking part in an exercise class.

1

Reposted by Healthwatch Northumberland

Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 6d

Many people who provide unpaid care are unaware of their rights. Are you an unpaid carer? Find out more about the help and support you are entitled to. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-10-02/what-support-can-i-get-carer

1 2

Healthwatch Northumberland @healthwatchnland.bsky.social · 2d

We’d like to hear your views on three NHS services designed to help people access care more quickly and conveniently:

• The NHS App
• GP extended access - appointments outside of surgery hours
• Pharmacy First

Please tell us what you think: bit.ly/YourViewsOnNewNHSServices2025

Two white women in their thirties sitting in a healthcare waiting room, smiling and talking. White text on an orange background says: have you used the NHS App, the Pharmacy First Service, or had an out of hours GP appointment? Tell us more and help services improve

Healthwatch Northumberland @healthwatchnland.bsky.social · 5d

WorkWell is a service from the NHS to help those with health problems to stay in/get back to work. Join a workshop to share your views.
If you:
• Have had a fit-note in the last 6 mths (not off on long-term sick)
• Are eligible to work in the UK
Register: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/WorkWellWorkshops/

Graphics showing a brain, a money bag and a medical professional with the text WorkWell Programme

Healthwatch Northumberland @healthwatchnland.bsky.social · 5d

Do you
• live in Northumberland?
• Use, or know someone who uses adult social care services?
Can you spare two hours every couple of months?
If so, we need you ]for our People's Panel!
We chat about experiences - so that those providing services can make improvements.

More: bit.ly/NlandASCPanel

Help shape Adult Social Care Services

We are always looking for volunteers to be part of the Northumberland Adult Social Care People's Panel and make a difference to services

bit.ly

Healthwatch Northumberland @healthwatchnland.bsky.social · 7d

Free boxing sessions for people with Parkinson's at #Newbiggin Boxing Club. Every Monday and Wednesday, 1pm-2pm from Monday 3 November. To find out more call Paul on 07400 964 666.

An advert for boxing sessions at Newbiggin Boxing Club. Text reads 'Keep punching Parkinson's'

Healthwatch Northumberland @healthwatchnland.bsky.social · 12d

Do you have an interest in adult social care services? You can help shape & influence services by joining the People's Panel. Listen to Project Coordinator Derry on why the panel & your input can make a difference to people who receive care .

https://bit.ly/NlandAdultSocialCarePeoplesPanel

Reposted by Healthwatch Northumberland

Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 13d

A second opinion is when you choose to request the expertise of another healthcare professional after you've been given a diagnosis or treatment plan. Did you know you had the right to this? Check out how to request one in our article - https://bit.ly/475gLl1

If you want a second opinion about your care, remember:
- You may need to travel further to attend appointments at a different hospital.
- Consider whether a delay to get a second opinion will affect your wellbeing.
- Requesting a second opinion should not negatively impact your care.

1 3 3

Reposted by Healthwatch Northumberland

Action for Happiness @actionhappiness.bsky.social · 29d

When the world feels uncertain, it's helpful to stay hopeful. Join us for #OptimisticOctober and find ways to keep moving forward and helps others do the same

🗓️ Get your action calendar actionforhappiness.org/optimistic-o...

✅ Join the optimism challenge actionforhappiness.org/october-chal...

2 27 42

Healthwatch Northumberland @healthwatchnland.bsky.social · 19d

We're always looking for volunteers for our Adult Social Care People’s Panel.
If you use social care or simply have an interest the panel is for you.
Meetings are lively, challenging & produce real improvements in services/experience.
More: http://healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk/help-shape-adult...

Help shape Adult Social Care Services

We are always looking for volunteers to be part of the Northumberland Adult Social Care People's Panel and make a difference to services

healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk

Reposted by Healthwatch Northumberland

Arthritis Action @arthritisaction.org.uk · 19d

Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay, and as part of our World Arthritis Day self-management series we're focusing on mental wellbeing. Dr Wendy Holden reminds us that managing arthritis means looking after your mental health as well as your physical health.
www.arthritisaction.org.uk/world-arthritis-day

1 1

Reposted by Healthwatch Northumberland

Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 20d

Just three minutes of your time can make a huge difference to improving services in your area. Let us know what is or isn’t working in our short, confidential survey. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say

Have you recently had a healthcare experience you'd like to share?

We want to hear from you!

2 1

Reposted by Healthwatch Northumberland

Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 22d

Think there is no power in your feedback? Don't believe it can make a difference to services? We want to show you this isn't the case. Check out some recent examples of how your feedback made a difference - www.healthwatch.co.uk/our-impact

Your feedback can lead to change and help make care better for everyone

3

Healthwatch Northumberland @healthwatchnland.bsky.social · 22d

We’d like to hear your views on the #PharmacyFirst service. By sharing your feedback, you’ll help us to understand people’s awareness of the scheme, and any concerns or suggestions you may have.

Please leave your feedback by Friday 31 October: bit.ly/PharmacyFirst2025

Reposted by Healthwatch Northumberland

Coeliac UK @coeliacuk.bsky.social · Sep 28

Looking for gluten free breakfasts for busy mornings? We’ve pulled together recipes you can prep ahead or grab in a hurry – making those early starts a little easier: https://f.mtr.cool/vxbomwicsm

1 2 3

Reposted by Healthwatch Northumberland

Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 28d

Navigating the world of health and social care services can be daunting. We want to help you get the care you need, with helpful, straightforward advice. Take a look at our advice articles - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information

We can help you to find reliable information about health and social care services.

2

Healthwatch Northumberland @healthwatchnland.bsky.social · 27d

October is full of community events for you, plus you're invited to our free online information event: prioritising mental health in the workplace. You can also help shape the NHS WorkWell Programme & have your say on the Pharmacy First service.
View the newsletter: bit.ly/HWNNewsOct25online

Healthwatch Northumberland @healthwatchnland.bsky.social · 27d

Find out more about childhood movement at this free session at #Blyth Market Place on Wednesday 8 October, 10am to 4pm. The Starting2Move team will be on-hand to help with any questions about supporting your child’s movement in early life.

An advert for the Starting2Move session at Blyth Market Place.

Healthwatch Northumberland @healthwatchnland.bsky.social · 28d

Come and speak to us in person at our #HereToHear drop-in sessions in #October. Tell us about #NHS or social care services you have used as a patient or carer, or pick up some information about local services and support. healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk/events

#Northumberland #Healthwatch

A list of Healthwatch Northumberland's Here to Hear drop-in sessions in October. In the top left corner there is a woman wearing a navy scarf and a green coat in a pink circle.

Reposted by Healthwatch Northumberland

Arthritis Action @arthritisaction.org.uk · Sep 29

Keeping active is important for your mental and physical health, especially if you live with #arthritis. As the nights draw in it can make it harder, but making time during the day to go for a walk can really help.

Our Staying Active Guide may help too ow.ly/FzBX50SonoH

Woman in pink trainers running on pavement

1 2

Reposted by Healthwatch Northumberland

Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · Sep 29

Thanks to your feedback, we advocated for NHS England to publish better data to highlight and address inequalities in people's experience of waiting for NHS treatment - https://bit.ly/4nhPO4h

"Understanding who is waiting longer for hospital treatment is the first step to addressing inequalities and making sure everyone has the same access to care."

Louise Ansari, Chief Executive of Healthwatch England

5 4

Reposted by Healthwatch Northumberland

Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · Sep 26

Did you know that pharmacies provide advice and information on minor illnesses and ailments? Find out how they can help you.
https://bit.ly/46s7tyW

Promotional poster by Healthwatch listing conditions that a pharmacy can treat, including sinusitis, earache, yeast infections, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. The text is set against a white background with pink and green decorative swirls.

1 1 2

Healthwatch Northumberland @healthwatchnland.bsky.social · Sep 25

WorkWell is a new service from the NHS in our area. It helps people with health problems to stay in work or get back to work.
The NHS wants your views to help shape this service. Please leave feedback at: bit.ly/WorkWellProgrammeFeedback by 3 November.

Icons of a brain, a money bag and a healthcare professional with the text: WorkWell Programme

1