2024-03-31-accounts

Healthwatch Camden Annual Report & Accounts 2023/24

Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustees’ Report and Unaudited Financial Statements – year ended 31[st] March 2024

Here to make care better

Healthwatch Camden exists to make care better for residents of the London Borough of Camden. This reports documents how the organisation used its resources in 2023/24 to pursue its objectives.

Reference and administrative detail

Status : Charitable Incorporated Organisation Charity Registration No : 1152552

Chief Executive Officer : Stephen Heard

Registered Office : 85-87 Bayham Street, Camden, London, NW1 0AG

The Charity's governing document is its constitution dated 21 June 2013

Trustees : Louise Jones (chair), Philippa Robinson (vice chair), Paul Webley, Keith Morgan (retired, June 2024), John Hoar, Jiten Raval. Tracey McDermott (Appointed July 2023).

Independent examiner : Shruti Soni Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants, 117a St John’s Hill, Sevenoaks TN13 3PE

The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 This Trustees Report and the associated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with guidance for preparing Charity Accounts and Reports presented in “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice” and are therefore in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (effective 1 January 2019) – (Charities SORP FRS 102).

1

Charitable objects

The advancement of health and the relief of those in need by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability or financial hardship by: a) providing information and advice to the general public about local health and social care services b) making the views and experiences of members of the general public known to health and social care providers and commissioners c) enabling local people to have a voice in the development, delivery, improvement and equality of access to local health and care services and facilities and d) providing training and the development of skills for volunteers and the wider community in understanding scrutinizing, reviewing and monitoring local health and care services and facilities.

Our role and remit

Run by and for local people, our role is to ensure that Camden people have a strong VOICE in local health and social care services; that they know about the CHOICES they can make in these services; and that local people’s views lead to positive CHANGE in services.

Our remit derives from the key functions and powers of a local Healthwatch organisation, as set out in the 2012 Health and Social Care Act. These are:

• to provide information and advice to the public about local health and care services;

• to make the views and experiences of members of the general public known to health and social care providers and commissioners;

• to enable local people to have a voice in the development, delivery, improvement and equality of access to local health and social care services and facilities;

• to provide support for our volunteers and the wider community in understanding and monitoring local health and social care services and facilities.

Activities, achievements and performance

See Appendix: Annual report on activity for information about the charities activities this year.

Structure, governance and management

Healthwatch Camden is a small organisation with 3.3 staff (3.3 full time equivalent) led by Chief Executive, Stephen Heard. Staff have expertise in gathering and reporting people’s experiences and views. They reach out to different communities of interest and work with local voluntary organisations to make sure we are hearing from as wide a group of people as possible. Staff have skills in influencing local service providers, and in making alliances to achieve change. Staff are also able to gather information about services and share it via our website and social media, as well as responding to queries by telephone or email.

We benefit from additional expertise by working with community organisations who, for example, assist with interviews in a variety of languages. Some expertise is gained through the use of associates - freelance workers - who contribute to specific projects.

2

Structure, governance, and management (cont.)

We also have a number of active volunteers. Volunteers help us to gather and to disseminate information. Some are trained for specific roles such as ‘PLACE’ assessments (patient led assessment of the care environment, which takes place in hospitals annually) or to do formal visits to local care services using Healthwatch ‘enter and view’ powers. We are grateful for the volunteer support organizations in Camden that help us to find suitable volunteers.

The organisation is governed by a board of trustees. This year one trustee was recruited. There are currently seven trustees. Trustees are appointed for a term of three years and may serve two terms consecutively. Trustees are recruited through a mix of open advertising and personal recommendations and all are interviewed. The board reflects a range of skills and experience. All trustees must have a connection with Camden as residents, service users, workers or students. New trustees are provided with an induction briefing. All trustees receive a regular update from the Chief Executive on current issues.

Trustees met formally four times this year. Two of our meetings are held in public each year. In addition, trustees and staff hold an annual ‘away-day’ to review progress and plan future work. Trustees have also met virtually as required. There are no standing committees, however the board sets up ad hoc task groups from time to time, and different trustees provide oversight and expertise to specific areas of work. This includes oversight of financial management, review of operating policies, staff issues and strategic planning.

Maintaining independence

It is essential to our role that we are independent, so that we may provide unbiased insight and recommendations. Trustees are mindful of their role as representatives of the public interest and both trustees and staff follow the ‘Nolan Principles’ of conduct in public life. Our role requires us to be well connected with local stakeholders, and to act as a ‘critical friend’ to the health and social care system. So we always strive to keep a balance between maintaining close and constructive relationships and being demonstrably independent.

Financial review

The total income for 2023/24 was £222,189 as compared to £208,239 in 2022/23 of which £219,010 (2023: £206,500) was restricted. Total expenditure for 2023/24 was £200,156 as compared to £189,633 in 2022/23 of which £193,771 (2023: £184,305) was restricted. As a result, the net income in 2023/24 Increased to £22,033 from £18,606 in 2022/23. Unrestricted funds as of 31 March 2024 stood at £116,258 (2023: £119,464) of which general funds were £34,258 (2023: £37,464) and the remaining £82,000 (2023: £82,000) were designated.

The CEO and Board of Trustees are reviewing the organization’s activities to find a way of delivering the service within budget. A new sustainability strategy will also be developed. Trustees regularly review our spending plans, to make sure we are making the best of our Resources.”

3

Reserves policy

Trustees reviewed our reserves policy in December 2022. Current policy is to maintain a reserve of not less than six months’ running costs. This is being achieved; our current designated reserve is £82,000. Trustees also aim to create a reserve for development costs, from surplus unrestricted funds. All other funds are available to be used in-year to further the objectives of the charity.

Risk statement

Healthwatch Camden has a risk register, reviewed at least annually. Its biggest risks remain financial. We have legal functions as a local Healthwatch organisation and trustees are mindful that we may not be able to fulfil these if our core income drops any further. We have the ability to refer funding concerns to Healthwatch England, who may intervene on our behalf with our main funders, the London Borough of Camden.

As a small charity with limited technical financial knowledge we had identified a general risk of loss due to fraud; our move to appoint a qualified independent financial service has helped to minimise this risk by creating a further layer of oversight.

Trustees consider that all general operational risks are being well managed and present a low risk overall. Trustees are satisfied that risk management in use is proportionate and sufficient.

Public benefit statement

Public benefit statement The Trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust's aims and objectives and in planning its future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that have been set.

4

Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

a) select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; b) observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; c) make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; d) state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

e) prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Trust will continue in operation.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Trust's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Trust and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Trust and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities

This report was approved by the Trustees on 4/12/24 and signed on their behalf by:

Signed: _____ Trustee:

Name: _Louise Jones___ Date: 10/12//24

5

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Healthwatch Camden

I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024 as set out on pages 8 to 20.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

• accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

• the accounts do not accord with those records; or

• the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Suadé Sone 11/12/2024 Signed _____ Date:

Shruti Soni FCCA FCIE

Shruti Soni Ltd ●Chartered Certified Accountants 117a St. John's Hill Sevenoaks TN13 3PE

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Annual Accounts

HEALTHWATCH CAMDEN Statement of financial activities (incorporating an Incon￿ and exwKliture account) For the year ended 31 March 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total Note Income from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Health advice, infomiation and research Investments 202,160 202,160 187,OC#) 187,0(M) 2,T26 453 16,850 19,576 453 19,5th) 21,000 239 239 Total Income 3,179 219,010 222,189 1,739 206.5(N) 208,239 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activitie5 Health a¢fvice. information and r￿arch 1,910 1.910 1,780 1,780 6,385 191,861 198,246 5.328 182,S25 187,853 Total expendlture 6.385 193.771 200,156 5.328 184.305 189.633 Net Income l (expendlture) before net gains / {losses) on (3.206) 25,239 22,033 13.589) 22,195 18,606 Net Income l (expendlture) for the year (3.206) 25,239 22,033 13.589) 22.195 18,606 Transfers between funds 10,345 110,3451 Net movement In funds (3,206) 25,239 22.033 6,756 11.850 18,606 Reconciliation of fund5: Total funds brought forward 119.464 47.668 167,132 112.708 35.818 148.526 Total funds carrled forward 16 116.258 72,907 189.165 119,464 47,668 167.132 All of the above reuAts are deflved from contlNlng activotles. There were ￿ txher recognlsed galns or Lomes other than those slated above. Ilovements In ful￿ a￿ dtsclosed In Note 16 to the flnanctsl $￿tert￿nts.

189,165 4/12/24

00/11/24 10/12/24 board ON vssANd

Louise Jones - Chair a

Louise Jones, Chair

9

HEALTHWATCH CAMDEN For the I Ilarth 2024 11 8•%1$ ol sYep¥•i aTrlard wlKAe th the UK 1rets1￿ IFRS 1021 lefferthy i Jarw 20191 . IChanDe5 SORP FRS 1021. tre FinMKwI StarKlard applKalAe Irew IFAS 1021 tr Act 2(¢6. Healthwatch Cath N a chantth i￿r￿s￿le￿ rey5tered wnth Chanty rewstratx 1152552. Its 85.87 Stfert. Caffthn. l￿kn. 14W1 CbiG. Tr aC¢fAXrt$ art wewieo ￿ GBP 1 £1. Fdky w rKe. sta1wr￿ts ho￿ be￿ wepared w we a fairf ¢wed the Chani I£co￿lS Rep￿s1 RegAatw& 2(IX cfjly io rewred to ¥d fair ￿. Tr thpartwe has foitty￿rI4 the and Rer•Yt•)4 by Chant￿. ol Pxc•Tnthi￿ P(attKe arolKat4e t• AeWic oi Ire￿￿ IFRS 1021 ￿%￿￿ (ffi 16 My 2011J ratkn thon ￿ Acc(wtwry a￿1 Chrt￿. b} p￿1￿ b￿￿1¢ thtlty Tr (￿n1￿ble ctyrp¥ry tr del￿1￿ ol • bwfit ¢￿ty FRS 102. dl Incom• •) Interost recelv•bl* 0￿￿￿. rrnlty r•XlfutKffj ol th? ￿Lerat pa￿ ty payatrAe bar&. 10

HEALTHWATCH CAMDEN F¢Y the l March 2024 f) Fund •c(o￿¢th Il Expendirwt dassi1)￿ uler the lot10￿ actmty Iwdw¥gS: volthtary c4)rttnbAbtrd to it. as tmeu as tht cost of ary xtivtrts wrth a F4WFAXe Resowces expenthd are allocatod to tt> p￿t￿￿ activity re tht cost relates th"rectiy to that actwity. lkn¥¢er. costs of the central luxtw)n. IS •FpytKA￿ the baws of estimated Aall tyme attnLwtèble to exh xtmty. C05t ol raiswry 1> Oper41th1 •ses JI Ilxed assets aCt￿t￿ ¢>) thè baM"s ol the use of the ￿lated assets ￿ tlthe ctMt￿. Assets ¥e fty hTrpalmwit rf will be slby4vn ￿ • re5eThY in b•l•Ke s￿. s expecied knfe. The devecul￿ raies in ￿e are as fOll(r￿S. 11

HEALTHWATCH CAMDEN li Cash at and th h￿d Cash at b￿k WKI cash in hwhj rKludes cash aThl 5trwt rern) hryhty IYJKI irfvÈnwbts a sly￿1 motlrrty of rlyee (ff I￿$ fr(rfn the dare ol K<pj5rtI￿ (Y openM4 0( xc(tht. (ath bdaKes excw lthJ5 behalf of ser¥Ke itsets. ctedlio￿ ¥J ore recwtsed the ch¥lty has a (￿18atI¢￿ reSLltirry frcrfn a past e•Wt thal 11 result in tsan5fff of to a third a￿1 to 5etde (￿l￿tK￿ w be estimaied r￿￿y. (Trdrtffj KI ¥e Thymally at tlr srttlement arTXffit aftff all(￿￿ trade dtsclymts The has fin¥￿1 xsets ¥1 Ikw￿l11 lubilit)es of a k￿d that twrfy as basK fina￿￿1 1r&thmT￿. Baslc financ￿1 iffj1ruN￿ts afe imtsally reco￿tsed at thewtly meaysed at thwr settien)ent tttest methfyj. n) T Tr charity is an ex•mM th¥ity within rrwnr8 of schethje 3 of CharitV kt 2011 ar#1 15 C4Y6idtted to pus tt tesu set Para8raFth I ScWtAe 6 FinarKe Act 2010 aTrJ tswel￿e n rets the ddwrKm d a thanutle 2 kncome from th)natlons acles 2024 Totsl 2023 Total 187.LKI) 187.000 187.(IXI Lcrfthi Catalyit The Trhxpital Sèurday Fw 202,1 202.160 187.L 12

HEALTHWATCH CAMDEN h 2024 J Inc<Mne from dwltable xilvltses IQZ4 Trtal Total Health athe, Informatlon and researth NCL CCG . (￿MUnItY Corrtttors NHS awar•ss G4npa H&iiihwatch Islirqt 11.250 11.250 1.250 2.n6 2.726 250 Toul th)ntabie attivit 2.726 16.850 19.576 21,C( 01 tr* total Iriffi chantatle aCtmt￿ of £21.1￿) ￿ 2023. LI.￿ was ￿¥estr￿ted and LI9.5￿ was 4 frtyn Investinffits 1024 2U23 Total Bank mtefest 453 453 239 453 453 239 13

HEALTHWATCM CAMDEM f•r th• wAl•d JI I•Arch 2024 OwtlJblt actl￿tY C¢ ol tsdvicr. 2024 Trrt SLifl <rnts Ilkn IX.499 IJT.499 ?J2.KKI 751 12.6n 127 7.7JJ 12Y 7.7JJ 1.172 7.510 J.OJ4 1.727 5.331 Jn g.JJ• 1.372 &JJ2 174$ 10.14) i.J 21 10.410 2.09) XK+.I 142.ogji 1ts.6JJ Yl.JJ7 1.910 19•.246 X•). 156 14

HEALTHWATCH CAMDEN For the ofided JI lch 2024 lar 202) Chj.. Iljtyle J£lip Stsll a4ts Iltrte 71 121.176 2.6% 6.6a) IJII¢L) 751 751 9.419 loard ExFTues 7,510 7,510 J,oJ4 J.OJ4 725 2.727 2.717 Aert YAY¥<e 1726 1726 •,JJ2 i.)31 10.24J 1fr.24J 14J,YA 12.951 Jl.591 119.6JJ 632 iJl.59Ji 113.58Jl J16 IJ6 lJ.417 •xpffthff• 2Q2J 1.710 117.15J 119.6JJ toui ex￿l￿t tht ytw. £1gJ.771 wa% le￿￿ted 1201J: LI14.)￿￿ 4r41 £6.M5 * 1202J..(5.)281. 15

HEALThWATCH CAI•DEN Fof thè ar efthd 3114vch 2024 2024 2024 125.85J 7.170 3.776 122.132 i.J43 1.325 137.499 132.&)0 Tr￿let￿ yw 12023: P thliy IiIAiee teceltrtd wofasltywi ( txkn seThKeJ y4p15t4J to the th¥Ky12023.. Cfili. OJibry Ile 1202J: nlil. 2024 16

HEALTHWATCH CAAIDEN h 2024 There e r•J le￿Ied wty to dtsciede fc 12023: 10 T￿￿¢1￿￿ I l flx•d Tolal C•Jt LY vakbltlon lo.￿3 2.518 10.8gJ 2.51• ttheeftddtreyew 10.34$ 10.34S 1.159 c￿ty* (ty Ai the ehyl yew 1.907 1.907 Attheswtc4tro) 548 2024 16.065 2.629 1.6 18.694 17

HEALTHWATCH CAMDEN For il er•ded 31 IAwch 2024 2024 2023 Tfthdt cied¢ys 4.665 2.832 617 3.697 ACCI￿￿$ 2.8J6 19.2C 15.Z5C• 27. 347 25.224 r•T•re 1£8.KQi ¥#1 LKL Awwress Fmojttt ICl0.4XlI to ￿ ud i(x ntxl fki•K 20225. 2024 2023 15.250 115.150 19.2C 15.25C• 19.X 15.250 1.907 187.258 J2.J51 Ilrt as rt JI IAvch 20Z4 34. 258 12.C 72,907 189.165 T4ryltle IIAed wets 36.916 166.584 Mt as*4ts as at 31 IAvch 202J )7.464 47.661 167.132 18

HEALThWATCH c￿ADEN For lh• •r 4m¢knd Jl IA•rch 2024 cfflkni OJl4olrq At 1 ••M ffxxM¢eJ & & 202J At Ji Tr￿le 2024 47.0 187.CO) 1170.6911 13.5161 13.5161 63.9TI The trts¥Jai Fw 602 11.250 47.668 219.010 119J.771 72,907 lknmtrkt•d Otsiwated 82.(¢1) 82.C Cffi•ral fw )7.464 3.179 16.J85 34.258 119.464 3. 179 16.3851 116.258 167. 132 222.189 12CI). 1561 189.165 At Ji 2023 ¥te￿￿ted Lo)O)n &)iwh ol CwThden Clmthn Glv laltlwalch Erryland I￿ . A&E wo)ea IKL CCG . Post cO￿D fesewth KL CCG . C¢nyrnmily JO.J58 117.clxi {159.3451 12.662 (10.J451 7.668 11.1961 15.CWI 35.818 I￿).9)> 1184.3051 110. 3451 47.668 Oesiwaied CmtiniffKy feJer•e 57.C¢L) 82.1 57.th 25.( 57.(ts) G•rnr•l fw 55.7 1.739 15.3281 114.655 37.464 112,7C15 15,328 10.345 119.464 T•l•l 14Y 148.526 208.239 1189.6131 167.132 19

HEALTHWATCH CAMIIEM Fori ended 31 2024 fifth Ltsxkn C4mdeh ts W Ctytr <osts d ctye servtes by (hwl¢y tAthh we: IKL CCG . CwaT•Ay CfnY¢tm Thts ts • fmled ty tr KB tAlh We l• ff¢U brteets ¥41 y(ws to 1•Ot Iwweress ol ￿•11￿￿ L4ts)d wes%we byxlkes wd IIINt lth th&￿IblS a(Cell￿￿ reqJYeff￿s Vduntrri Yrtetn Ruu￿￿ . Ut•llty 4 rxe8r•Thw ftx bxh #Kewr4 fty to Tr4Mle¢ w¢estricted dtwttllilth to be ID Cwi•x pdky Is r•i kns ttwltyl co 20

The value of listening

Healthwatch Camden Annual Report 2023-2024

Contents

Message from our Chair	3
About us	4
Year in review	5
Collaborative working	6
Specialist outreach	7
Engaging with all communities	8
-Giving young people a voice	9
-Endometriosis	11
Hearing from all communities	13
Advice and Information	15
Volunteering	18
Finance and future priorities	20
Statutory statements	22

"Over the last year, local Healthwatch have shown what happens when people speak up about their care, and services listen. They are helping the NHS unlock the power of people's views and experiences, especially those facing the most serious health inequalities."

Louise Ansari, Chief Executive at Healthwatch England

22

Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

Message from our Chair

“ Despite the widely publicised challenges faced by the NHS, at Healthwatch Camden our focus is steadily on what we can do to make a difference.

Raising awareness of treatable conditions, particularly amongst under-represented groups, will always be a key area of our work. This is absolutely critical, because catching serious conditions early, like cancer and heart disease, saves lives .

This year we have been into the local libraries of Camden carrying out blood pressure checks as well as sharing public health information in key public spaces, particularly concerning Cancer Awareness.

Women’s health, so often overlooked, has been another focus. We have held six clinician and expert-led events on Endometriosis focusing on women whose first language is not English. Finally, this year sees the publication of three important reports into Youth Health, focusing on Vaping, Mental Health and Sexual Health.

As we move forward, I want you to know how dedicated the HWC team are to listening to what patients say and bringing about change for the better .”

“Raising awareness of treatable conditions…is absolutely critical, because catching serious conditions early, like cancer and heart disease, saves lives”

Dr Louise Jones, Healthwatch Camden Chair

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Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

About us

Healthwatch Camden is your local health and social care champion.

We make sure NHS leaders and decision-makers hear your voice and use your feedback to improve care. We can also help you to find reliable and trustworthy information and advice.

Our vision

A world where we can all get the health and care we need.

Our mission

To make sure people’s experiences help make health and care better.

Our values are:

• Listening to people and making sure their voices are heard.

• Including everyone in the conversation – especially those who don’t always have their voice heard.

• Analysing different people’s experiences to learn how to improve care.

• Acting on feedback and driving change.

• Partnering with care providers, Government, and the voluntary sector – serving as the public’s independent advocate.

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Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

Year in review

Reaching out:

480 people

shared their experiences of health and social care services with us, helping to raise awareness of issues and improve care. 1560 people —< came to us for clear advice and information about topics such as mental health and the cost-of-living crisis.

Making a difference to care:

We published

3 reports

about the improvements people would like to see in health and social care services.

Our most popular report was

Youth Health: Vaping

which highlighted the struggles young people face around the use of vapes.

Health and social care that works for you:

We’re lucky to have

23

outstanding volunteers who gave up 96 days to make care better for our community.

We’re funded by our local authority. In 2023 - 24 we received

£187K

which is the same as the previous year.

We currently employ

5 staff

who help us carry out our work.

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Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

Collaborative working

At Healthwatch Camden we focus on working together with others to address local issues

For our Endometriosis campaign, we were able to effectively reach women whose first language was not English. We worked closely with the following women’s groups:

• BWA Surma Centre

• Camden Chinese Community Centre

• Umoja Health Forum

• Camden Disability Action

• St Pancras and Somerstown Living Centre

We work closely with Camden Council’s Mobile Health Bus which enables

us to reach communities who can be harder to connect with

Recent activities include sharing public health information including on our two current campaigns on Endometriosis and Cancer Awareness, as well as carrying out blood pressure checks.

The King’s Cross Living Centre is our primary partner providing specialist support as well as a physical venue. We draw upon their expertise in providing health and wellbeing services to the local ethnic communities.

We work frequently with the North Central London Cancer Alliance and were recently chosen as the only organisation across Camden to deliver a cancer awareness campaign to under-represented groups.

26

Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

Specialist Outreach

We also have a specialist outreach lead at Healthwatch Camden who undertakes numerous visits to community organisations of all sizes and descriptions

The purpose of these visits are muti faceted:

• Build relationships with specific communities

• Understand the complex health needs of their members and feed these back to those in commissioning

• Understand and report back on how housing, schooling and other factors impact on health

• Assist in carrying out health services such as diabetes and blood pressure checks

Healthwatch Camden at a local health awareness event

Groups engaged with include Camden’s

• food banks

• sports centres

• youth clubs

• community gardens

• ethnic and religious community organisations

• council and housing association estate resident group

Euston Food Bank was one of the organisations we have visited

Our printed magazine containing important local health information went out into the community

Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

27

Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

Engaging with all communities

Services can’t make improvements without hearing your views. That’s why, over the last year, we have made listening to feedback from all areas of the community a priority. This allows us to understand the full picture, feed back to services and help them improve.

28

Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

Giving Young People a Voice

Over the COVID epidemic, we saw rates of mental illness amongst young people aged 13-24 rise to unprecedentedly high levels across the country. In Camden it was no different, with one in five young people suffering from a mental illness. Local mental health services struggled to meet demand and waiting lists rose to 18months plus.

It was in this environment that we commissioned a series of research reports into Youth Health – focusing on three key areas: Mental Health, Sexual Health and Vaping. All too often children and young people have little or no voice. We wanted to make sure we listened to how young people really felt, and to use what they told us to advocate on their behalf.

We found that:

• Just under half of all young people now use vapes, with many unaware of that they contain nicotine

• 70% of young people reported being unaware of sexual health resources

• The majority of respondents did not know where to go to get mental health support

Our recommendations include :

• We recommend specialist services to provide friendly and welcoming hubs at their premises, accessible for all young people

• The Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) training programme is provided in more schools and to encourage long term retention of leads

• • urgent demand for long-term research into the health impact of e- cigarette use and nicotine addiction on children and young people

• monitoring the range of e-cigarette products available in the market following the ban

• integrating access to sexual health services into RSE lessons, echoing the successful example of Bracknell Forest Council[3 ] where lessons are delivered by trained workers (NHS and VCS services), backed up with a sexual health drop-in and one-on-one information service following the lesson.

Follow up

• We will be watching and following up with Camden Council, local schools and service providers to ensure these recommendations are adopted.

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Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

Youth Report Impact

We have received very positive responses to the Youth Reports from schools, the North Central London ICB and local providers. We have also received excellent media coverage. The London paper, the Camden New Journal ran the following articles.

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Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

Endometriosis: reaching the right women through a multi-disciplined approach

Tackling health inequalities in the community requires innovation and integration between private, public and VCSE sectors, and this project is an excellent example of how we work to achieve this at Healthwatch Camden.

We have worked with a number of women’s groups, women’s charities, both local and national, as well as local schools, NHS clinicians and local women’s health leads to achieve this.

Key Facts

• 1 in 10 women in the UK are affected

• Only diagnosed in a handful of cases with the vast majority of women suffering in silence

• Accentuated in communities where it may not always be easy to talk about menstruation

Tailored Sessions

Together with our partners we devised 6 specialised sessions for women in the community who might be experiencing symptoms of Endometriosis, want to know more about the disease, or are currently trying to obtain a diagnosis. Our report on the findings of this project will be published later in the year.

• These support sessions were led by those with lived experience of endometriosis, GPs, clinicians or other health practitioners.

• We worked with our partner groups to create a warm, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere in the groups where women felt listened to, able to ask questions, and formed discussion groups after each session

Jayanti De, the yoga instructor, who gave a class on yoga for pain relief management.

Home made food, made by our Living Centre manager, was served at the event, which helped to create a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

We were able to find such a specialised instructor through our partnership with the local charity, Women and Health.

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Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

Endometriosis Campaign

A Few Key facts about the sessions

• A total of over 55 women attended the events, the majority of whom did not have English as a first language

• 3 different area-specific NHS clinicians participated

• We worked with 5 different local community women’s group

• 1 charity sector experts (Endo UK) and 1 private sector hormonal consultant also gave specialised advice

• 2 yoga instructors ran specialised pelvic pain relief yoga sessions for the groups

• 6 question and answer sessions took place with a specialist speaker. Many of the attendees have had very negative experiences of the NHS so this was an important part of the journey to begin to establish a more positive relationship and to help build confidence for the women themselves to become advocates for their own health

• 6 home-made meals or cakes made and served

“I’m so grateful to have had the chance to meet other women who are going through the same thing”

“I just feel so much less alone…less isolated after coming”

Women who attended our Endometriosis events

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Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

Hearing from all communities

Over the past year, we have worked hard to make sure we hear from everyone within our local area. We consider it important to reach out to the communities we hear from less frequently to gather their feedback and make sure their voice is heard, and services meet their needs.

This year we have reached different communities by:

• working with local community groups to set up specialised clinician led workshops and talks:

• for the Chinese community focusing on the important of screening for bowel cancer

• for women who have English as a second language and who suffer from Endometriosis

• to work with under-represented groups to raise awareness of cancer symptoms

• carrying out blood pressure checks for a wide variety of people who drop into local Camden libraries, as well as other local venues

• disseminating public health information and answering health enquiries aboard the Camden Mobile Health bus and at local food banks

• carrying out an ambitious programme of in-person visits to local community organisations , focusing on relationship building and listening to health concerns

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Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

Advice and information

If you feel lost and don’t know where to turn, Healthwatch is here for you. In times of worry or stress, we can provide confidential support and free information to help you understand your options and get the help you need. Whether it’s finding an NHS dentist, making a complaint or choosing a good care home for a loved one – you can count on us.

This year we’ve helped people by:

• Providing information people can trust

• Supporting people who are in a state of disconnect with mainstream services

• Digital pods: making it easier for people to say what they think

• Helping people to become more empowered

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Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

Supporting people who are in a state of disconnect with mainstream services

A woman approached us asking for information about where she could get help for her school age daughter who was experiencing destabilising mental health episodes of rage and depression.

The mother’s experience of the local area’s CAMHS had not been positive, and she had decided not to approach that service again, so the daughter was effectively not receiving any care or treatment.

We referred her to several local and national voluntary sector organisations specialising in youth mental health, who provide help and support, many with short or no wait times.

The mother left us feeling a lot more positive about the future for her daughter and her family.

Making it easier to say what you think

This year we have planned and budgeted for the introduction into the borough of two digital feedback pods. These will go into key healthcare and social settings that will provide ways for local people to give their opinions quickly and easily, without needing to engage in a lengthy hardcopy survey.

The digital feedback pods will be introduced initially into the King’s Cross Living Centre but they will also accompany our outreach visits, workshops, as well as have the option of going into local GP Dentist surgeries.

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Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

Empowering patients

A older man came to see us, who had recently suffered a heart attack who was asking for information about how to go back to see his consultant, as he was feeling unwell. We explained he could do this via his GP (or through emergency services if urgent) and discussed with him whether he felt comfortable to do so. We also explained to him that if he feel comfortable for whatever reason with this current GP, then he could request to see a different GP. He said ‘I did not know that’ and he seemed more reassured about his rights and how to get the help he needed in the future. He also asked where he could go to get some money advice. We referred him to the money management service which is offered at the King’s Cross Living Centre, where we are based.

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Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

Volunteering

Thank you so much to all our volunteers, we could not do what we do without you!

This year our volunteers:

• Took blood pressure checks at Camden libraries

• Helped to answer health enquiries aboard the Camden Mobile Health Bus

• Listened and made a note of how people feel about their health and social care

• Supported clinician-led events on Endometriosis

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Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

My name is Annie Chen and have found my work as a Community Connector at Healthwatch Camden incredibly fulfilling. Engaging with the local community, conducting blood pressure measurements, and educating residents about hypertension has been a hands-on learning opportunity that has enriched both my academic studies in Biotech and Pharmaceutical Management and my personal growth.

By supporting events like the Endometriosis workshop and cancer awareness campaigns, I have witnessed firsthand the positive influence of empowering individuals to prioritize their health. Also, gathering feedback from patients has allowed me to identify key barriers to healthcare access. It has all been really worthwhile.

Annie

My name is Ziman Wu, and I have been working as a research and engagement volunteer with Healthwatch Camden since August 2023.

I have been involved in several community events, where I helped to take blood pressure checks. We helped local people gain awareness of their blood pressure level, the health risks and possible causes of low / high bp, and also the services to turn to.

Ziman

Through this work, I developed stronger interpersonal and communication skills, as well as new knowledge and skills in different areas, such as endometriosis, blood pressure, young people’s mental health, etc. By being part of the Healthwatch Camden team, I believe there would be many more things that I can achieve in the future.

Do you feel inspired?

We are always on the lookout for new volunteers, so please get in touch today.

© OT www.healthwatchcamden.co.uk 0207 383 2402 [e-mail]

Healthwatch [insert local Healthwatch name] – Annual Report 2023 - 2024 Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

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Finance and future priorities

To help us carry out our work we receive funding from our local authority under the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

Our income and expenditure

Our income and expenditure
Income		Expenditure
Annual grant from Government	£187,000
Total income	£222,189	Total expenditure	£200,156

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Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

Additional income is broken down by:

• £15,160 received from London Catalyst for work on the Endometriosis project.

• £12,000 received from the North Central London Cancer Alliance for work on the cancer awareness campaign to be delivered between 2024 and 2025, of this £1600 was recognized as income in 2024.

Next steps

Over the next year, we will keep reaching out to every part of society, especially people in the most deprived areas, so that those in power hear their views and experiences.

We will also work together with partners and our local Integrated Care System to help develop an NHS culture where, at every level, staff strive to listen and learn from patients to make care better.

Our top three priorities for the next year are:

1. Produce a high level report on the findings of our Endometriosis work.

2. Work with groups with disabilities and groups whose first language is not English to promote higher levels of cancer awareness and how important it is to listen to your body

3. To reach out and listen to the concerns of residents at estate action days, living centre events and at local health bus visits

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Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

Statutory statements

Healthwatch Camden 85-87 Bayham Street NW1 0AG

Healthwatch Camden uses the Healthwatch Trademark when undertaking our statutory activities as covered by the licence agreement.

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Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

The way we work

Involvement of volunteers and lay people in our governance

and decision-making

Our Healthwatch Board consists of six members who work on a voluntary basis to provide direction, oversight and scrutiny of our activities. Our Board ensures that decisions about priority areas of work reflect the concerns and interests of our diverse local community.

Throughout 2023/24, the Board met four times and made decisions on matters such as the introduction of the digital feedback pods, and applying for renewed Healthy Hearts funding (which was successful).

We ensure wider public involvement in deciding our work priorities.

Methods and systems used across the year to obtain people’s experiences

We use a wide range of approaches to ensure that as many people as possible can provide us with insight into their experience of using services. During 2023/24, we have been available by phone, and email, provided a web form on our website and through social media, as well as attending meetings of community groups and forums.

We ensure that this annual report is made available to as many members of the public and partner organisations as possible. We will publish it on our website.

Responses to recommendations

We had 0 providers who did not respond to requests for information or recommendations. There were no issues or recommendations escalated by us to Healthwatch England Committee, so no resulting reviews or investigations.

Taking people’s experiences to decision-makers

We ensure that people who can make decisions about services hear about the insights and experiences that have been shared with us. In our local authority area, for example, we take information to the Health and Wellbeing Board, and Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee.

We also take insight and experiences to decision-makers in the North Central London ICB. For example, we work alongside Barnet, Enfield, Haringey and Islington, sitting on the Primary Care

Contracting Committee, the Community Development Committee and the Quality and Safety

Committee. We also share our data with Healthwatch England to help address health and care issues at a national level.

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Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

Healthwatch representatives

Healthwatch Camden is represented on the Camden Health and Wellbeing Board by Stephen Heard, Chief Executive.

Healthwatch Camden is represented on North Central London Integrated Care Partnerships by Healthwatch Enfield.

2023 – 2024 Outcomes

==> picture [478 x 243] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Project/activity Outcomes achieved
Healthy Hearts We have carried out 500+ blood pressure checks
Endometriosis Project We carried out 6 Events attended by over 55 women
Building relationships in the community We have carried out 30 number of visits to community
organisations
Youth Health research, reports and recommendations Three well received reports on Mental Health, Sexual Health
and Vaping published; recommendations presented to the
North Central London ICB, in addition to Camden Council, and
local schools.
Cancer awareness campaign We have been awarded funding to increase awareness of
common signs of Cancer, working with the North Central
London Cancer Alliance.
----- End of picture text -----

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Healthwatch Camden – Annual Report 2023 - 2024

Healthwatch Camden 85-87 Bayham Street London NW1 0AG ® www.healthwatchcamden.co.uk & 0207 383 2407 [e-mail] @healthwatchcam @healthwatchcamden @healthwatchcamden