1. Where can I go for support for my mental health as a parent?

    Advice and Information -

    It's so important that you feel supported as a new parent. Read the article below to find out where you can go to get the help you need.

  2. Someone I love has died - where can I find support

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving.

  3. What is domestic abuse and how can I get support?

    Advice and Information -

    If you are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse, or are worried about someone who might be, find out where you can go for advice and help.

  4. Getting the most out of the virtual health and care experience

    Advice and Information -

    With more and more appointments happening online, we've put together some tips on how to get the most out of the virtual health and care appointments both for patients and health and care professionals.

  5. What should I expect after being referred for mental health support?

    Advice and Information -

    Your mental wellness is as important as your physical health but seeking help can be daunting. Here's what to expect when you seek support for your mental health.

  6. Loneliness and social isolation in young people report released

    News -

    In March 2022 HWG and HWN launched a survey to gather young people’s views and general experiences of loneliness and social isolation.

  7. Advice and support for under 25s in Gateshead

    Advice and Information -

    Advice and support for isolated young people under 25 in Gateshead

  8. Experiences of mental health services in Newcastle and Gateshead

    Report -

    Throughout the autumn and winter of 2018 we gathered the views and experiences of groups and communities on mental health services in Newcastle and Gateshead.

    We worked with several local organisations, which carried out research on our behalf. You can read all the ‘mini reports’ that contributed to this main report at www.healthwatchnewcastle.org.uk/mental-health-mini-reports

  9. Eight ways to make a difference

    Report -

    In 2019—2020 we focused on children and young people’s mental health services. Via a survey, focus group and one to one interviews, we heard from 239 people (103 children and young people and 136 parents and carers).

    Our main findings were that children, young people and their parents and carers do not have a full understanding of what a self-referral is and how to make one.

  10. Kooth response to Eight ways to make a difference

    Report -

    Following on from the report Xenzone, the company who manages and operates the service Kooth gave some information and a response to the report, highlighting their learning and approach moving forwards to promote Kooth across both Newcastle and Gateshead

  11. Where can I go to get help for my health out of hours?

    Advice and Information -

    Health issues unfortunately don't leave us alone at the weekend and people are often in need of medical assistance out of hours. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed.

  12. What is Monkeypox and who can get a vaccine?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out the signs and symptoms of monkeypox, what to do if you think you have it and who is eligible for a vaccine.

  13. Healthwatch Gateshead and Newcastle October online forum

    Blog -

    Our monthly forums are a chance for anyone and everyone to learn more about health and social care services in our area. We aim to keep you updated with any changes to services in particular, and health and social care in general. This is for sharing, so while we have a lot to say, we also want to hear your views and feedback, and answer your questions.

  14. NHS dentistry myth busting

    Advice and Information -

    Healthwatch in the North East have acted on feedback from local people. Together, we have produced a ‘myth busting’ booklet to dispel the most common rumours about NHS dentistry.

    The leaflet gives the facts about what it means to be registered with a practice, why you may be offered a private appointment and what is emergency care?

    Download the NHS dentistry myth busting booklet

  15. Patient safety incident reporting

    News -

    Did you know members of the public can now report patient safety incidents directly to the NHS’s National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS)?

  16. Lost in translation

    Report -

    In early 2020 we worked with The Gateshead Housing Company. We gathered experiences of their service users on accessing Arabic interpreting and translation services for health appointments in Gateshead.

  17. Healthwatch Participation in Practice Award 2019-2022 interim report

    Report -

    It has been a contractual requirement for each GP practice since April 2016 to have an active and involved Patient Participation Group (PPG).

    We wanted to create a best practice award for PPGs aims to increase and improve the involvement of patients in their GP practice. Several GP practices in Newcastle and Gateshead participated in our pilot from autumn 2019 to February 2021. This interim report outlines what we did.