Healthwatch Reading

13/11/2025

📢Language matters because everyone deserves to be understood.

When people can’t communicate properly with health and social care professionals, their safety and wellbeing are at risk.

Our latest We Discovered, We Did report reveals that language barriers are still preventing people in Reading from getting the care they need; from missed appointments to serious misunderstandings about treatment.

We’ve listened to local voices, spoken to communities, and worked with local health services to push for change.

Click the image below to read more about what we discovered and what’s changing, along with our recommendations and responses from Reading Council and local health services ⬇️

When people can’t understand or be understood by health and social care professionals, their safety and well-being are put at risk. Back in 2022, the Lost for Words report (in collaboration with different Healthwatch, and the previous Healthwatch Reading team) highlighted how language barriers wer...

11/11/2025

No appointment needed, just walk-in 👇

Eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine? It's time to top up your protection. Vaccine clinic at Newdays Pharmacy, Coley Park, Reading, RG1 6DJ on:
📅 Wednesday and Friday
⏰ 9am - 1pm
👉 No appointment needed, just walk-in.

Find details and more local clinics here: https://ow.ly/Vbr050XnREj

10/11/2025

🌺 Remembrance Sunday 🌺
Lest we forget

10/11/2025

We might associate winter illnesses with the sniffles, but norovirus, known as the winter vomiting bug, also spreads at this time of year. Our blog post explains what to do if you come down with a case. 🤢🦠
🔗 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/10/23/norovirus-what-to-do-if-you-catch-it-and-helping-to-stop-the-spread/

22/10/2025

🎉Join us in congratulating Alice Kunjappy Clifton, our Healthwatch Reading Lead, who has been selected to join the NHS Race and Health Observatory (RHO) Stakeholder Engagement Advisory Group.

Find out all the details and what Alice has to say on this role ⬇️

Alice Kunjappy-Clifton, Healthwatch Reading and Healthwatch Wokingham Borough Lead has been appointed to the NHS Race and Health Observatory (RHO) Stakeholder Engagement Advisory Group.This group brings together individuals from across the NHS and wider communities tosupport the Observatory’s miss...

20/10/2025

Happy Diwali to all celebrating across Reading and Berkshire🎆🎉

14/10/2025

Have you used the NHS App? Tell us what you think!

The Government wants the NHS App to be the “front door” to all NHS services by 2028, but what about people who can't or don’t use it?

We have teamed up with our friends Healthwatch Wokingham Borough and want to hear from everyone, whether you use the NHS App all the time, have tried it once or twice, or never used it at all.

You can read about our project and complete the anonymous survey here: https://sholink.to/Rdg

Prefer to fill out a paper survey?
Contact us if you’d like a paper copy for yourself or to give to someone else
📞 Call: 0118 214 5579
📧 Email: info@healthwatchreading.co.uk

We’re also out and about in the community speaking with local people so if you see us, come say hello and share your views!

Let’s make sure no one is left behind as health services go digital.
Your voice really does make a difference.

Our NHS app survey is now open. Share your feedback with us today!The Government’s 10-year NHS plan aims to improve healthcare access through technology and digital tools. By 2028, the NHS App is planned to be 'a full front door to the entire NHS.'Whilst this may be good news for some people, we a...

17/07/2025

Our annual report for 2024/2025 is now live!
We celebrate the hard work of our small but mighty team and our incredible volunteers, who contributed over 900 volunteer hours supporting our project work and community engagement efforts.

We supported more than 1600 people across Reading and published 3 reports with recommendations to improve children’s oral health, GP access and young women’s sexual health and wellbeing.

Read more about our work and impact ➡️ https://www.healthwatchreading.co.uk/post/healthwatch-reading-annual-report-2024-25

16/07/2025

Fantastic start to our annual report launch here in Winnersh! We're here to celebrate the team, our volunteers and all the work we have completed this year. Excited to be presenting with our friends too!

We're talking about GP Access, dentistry, health inequalities and more!

We're delighted to have service providers, community members and key decision makers here with us.

We have speakers throughout the day, including (but not the full list) NHS Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

You can read our annual report here 👇
https://www.healthwatchreading.co.uk/post/healthwatch-reading-annual-report-2024-25

14/07/2025

On Friday, 27th June 2025, the UK Government announced plans to close down Healthwatch, which came as a surprise. Click below to read our latest statement on this news as we wait for further details on the closure ⬇️

On Friday, 27th June 2025, the UK Government announced plans to close down Healthwatch. This news may come as a surprise, and we would like to share our initial response below.

29/04/2025

Talking about death isn't easy but it’s one of the most important conversations we can have.

As part of Dying Matters Week (5–11 May) Reading Council is hosting a free community event, with our support, to explore what it really means to die well.

Whether you're facing a terminal illness, caring for someone who is, or simply want to better understand death and end-of-life care - this event is open to all residents and communities.

🗓️ Wednesday 7th May: 10:00am-12:00pm
📍 Reading Biscuit Factory
🆓 No need to register - just turn up on the day.

👉 Can’t attend? We still want to hear from you. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts by completing the Council's survey to help shape and improve services: bit.ly/42xYADu

For full event details 👉 bit.ly/42QkGQl

Dying Matters

24/12/2024

🌟We have local health information and advice for you over the festive season.

🦷 Urgent Dental Care – Information if you need out-of-hours emergency dental treatment.

💊 Pharmacy Hours – Find opening times for local pharmacies across Reading.

🤝 Community Support – Access local organisations ready to assist you this Christmas.

📋 Helpful Advice – Essential tips and resources to get you through the holidays.

Click below for the details ⬇️

Our phone line and office will be closed from Monday 23rd December and repon on Monday 6th Jan at 10am.We will not answer phone calls or emails until the team returns to the office but don't forget you can still share your views and experiences with us via email: info@healthwatchreading.co.uk or usi...