More ways to have your say on health and social care services in Wolverhampton.

Healthwatch Wolverhampton have launched a brand-new online engagement platform, providing the public with more opportunities to feedback, share ideas and influence decisions on health and social care topics that matter to them.

Whilst face to face engagement for the organisation is currently suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this platform gives members of the public an opportunity to continue to have their voices heard. The site was launched at Healthwatch Wolverhampton’s 8th Birthday event on 1April 2021, where they celebrated previous successes and exciting future projects. The new platform was well received by all those attending.

Participants will be able to join virtual forums and discussions on various topics. They will be able to ‘like’, rate or reply to other comments. Participants will also be able to take part in quick polls, mapping exercises and follow newsfeed updates as a more interactive way of sharing their health and social care experiences.

The site will also be used by the organisation to strengthen their partnership working. Stakeholders of Healthwatch Wolverhampton will be able to register to take part and can also be part of a ‘Who’s Listening’ function making them visible to other participants.

Tracy Cresswell, Healthwatch Wolverhampton Manager said; “It is a great opportunity for the residents of Wolverhampton to be part of this.  It is an exciting way to engage with the public, partners and professionals.”

“I would urge people to attend one of the webinar sessions that are put on by us and to become a member and user of the new platform.”

To support the role out of the platform, Zoom webinar sessions will be held to help people learn how to use the platform. These will take place on Monday 19 April and Thursday 22 April. Members of the public will be able to book on to these events by contacting a member of the team on 0800 470 1944 or info@healthwatchwolverhampton.co.uk.

The platform is part of a wider Healthwatch England pilot and is being tested by several other Healthwatch across the country until the end of the summer. Another platform is also being tested and the two are being compared. This platform will be available to use beyond the pilot should it be successful.