Annual Report 2024-25

Summary
In this annual report, we look back on how our work has made an impact in health and social care. Highlights from the year include:

Amplifying Children & Young People’s Voices on Mental Health:

• Over 450 children, young people and parents shared their experiences.
• Findings informed the design of a borough-wide wellbeing website and a Young Healthwatch podcast now featured in the Hillingdon 16+ education prospectus.
• Recommendations shaped local strategies for early intervention and service accessibility for LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, and ethnic minority youth.

Strengthening Access to Primary Care:

• Conducted borough-wide engagement to understand barriers in GP and primary care access, focusing on seldom-heard groups.
• Insights shared with the Integrated Care Board, Health & Social Care Select Committee, and Safeguarding Adults Board to improve care coordination.

Volunteer Power Making a Real Difference:

• 28 volunteers contributed over 200 volunteer days, leading hospital PLACE assessments, community surveys, and outreach events.
• Their dedication ensured people’s experiences directly shaped local health and social care improvements.

A Legacy of Impact Since 2012:

• From COVID-19 vaccine confidence research to the “Safely Home” hospital discharge report, Healthwatch Hillingdon’s work has influenced NHS and local authority practices for over a decade.
• As the organisation concludes its journey in 2025, it leaves behind a strong foundation for future community voice in health and care.