 This month, we have been busy out and about and behind the scenes. Recently, we wrapped up our Disability Voices Phase 2 project, which is now heading into the analysis stage with the report due to be published in the coming months📃 Amongst our engagement work out and about across Lancashire, we are proud to be supporting an ongoing petition designed to protect independent patient voices after the Government announced its decision to abolish Healthwatch in the future. Scroll to find out more👇 Supporting the petition to protect the patient voice. The announcement to abolish Healthwatch has understandably caused concern, and we're truly grateful for every message, kind word, and expression of support we've received. Many of you have told us how vital it is to have a local independent voice for patients, families and carers, and people who draw on social care. We agree. While the Healthwatch name will disappear, our commitment to our communities, especially those who are underrepresented, remains stronger than ever. A national petition is calling on the government to: Revisit the decision to keep a local independent service for patient voice. Co-design a future service with the public. Invest in and strengthen independent advocacy. If this matters to you, please feel free to sign and share it Out and about across Lancashire. In August our focus has been on collecting your experiences using health and social care services and signposting you to the right organisations to support. We've spent some time in the sun at Chorley Fun Day, Ribble Valley Family Hub event in Clitheroe and supproted Cancer Research on their Cancer Awareness Roadshow which continues into September. Our engagement. In this ‘Our Engagement’ report, Emmy visited Ormskirk District General Hospital to speak to patients. Overall, Emmy found that patients were happy with their experiences of care at the hospital. Patients commented on how quickly they are seen and how friendly the staff are. However, some commented that more could be done to better assist British Sign Language patients at the hospital. Our Voice in Health and Social Care task and finish group meeting. Since the completion of the 'Our Voice In Health and Social Care (BSL Users)' project we have been working with our partners in order to see through the recommendations that were made in the report. Read more about our Task and Finish groups initial meeting back in July in his new article. Our upcoming project. We will soon be launching our 'Ageing Well' project, which investigates the needs, knowledge and expectations of individuals without immediate family or an immediate support network as they prepare to age. Many people in Lancashire do not have a family support network. This includes people who have had children pass away, those who care for children with additional needs, those unable to have children for medical reasons, people who have chosen not to have children due to socio-economic factors, LGBTQ+ communities, people who have grown up in care and those who have been long-term carers for elderly parents. Lancashire has a growing population of older people, and whilst there may be a longer life expectancy, many people are living in poor health from a younger age. There is an anticipated increase on the demand for social care services and the NHS, with services already stretched to capacity and limited funding available. This project will involve a county-wide survey, lived experience focus groups and engaging with the public at various events and community groups. Keep an eye out on our social media channels, and for future newsletters to get involved and share your views. Find us in September Getting out and meeting our local community is crucial to amplifying their voices. Discover all of the events we will be attending in September 2025. Come down for a chat and friendly advice👋 Discover our September Events  "Every voice counts when it comes to shaping the future of services and improving them"
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