What we do

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Healthwatch Newcastle is an independent, not-for-profit organisation. We help people of all ages and from all backgrounds have their say about social care and health services in Newcastle upon Tyne. This includes every part of the community, including amplifying the voice of those people who sometimes struggle to be heard.

We work to make sure that the people who plan and run social care and health services are listening to their service users. When people’s voices can be heard, we can make positive change. Together, we can create services that cater to what real people actually need and want.

Get information on social care and health services

We offer free, confidential and independent information about social care and health services in Newcastle. Call Freephone 0808 178 9282  or text 0755 105 2751. We can answer your calls between 9 and 4, Monday to Friday.

What we do

We help local social care and health services become the best they can be by:

• Working with local people and organisations to investigate issues.
• Reaching out to people and communities that struggle to be heard, because everyone’s voice matters.
• Supporting people to be involved in making decisions about the future of local services.
• Training people to become Healthwatch Champions (volunteers) to promote Healthwatch Newcastle in their communities.

Our statutory powers

Healthwatch Newcastle is one of 153 Healthwatch groups in England. Each local authority is linked to a Healthwatch for their area. We have statutory powers under the Health and Social Care Act 2022, including the ability to:

• Request information from commissioners and service providers (they have to respond within 20 days).
• Visit publicly-funded health or social care services to see how they are working (known as ‘enter and view’).
• Represent the views of the public on the Newcastle Wellbeing For Life Board.

Our shard values

Everything we do is driven by our shared values:

• Equity: Including everyone. Embracing inclusivity and compassion, establishing profound connections with the communities we serve, and empowering them.
• Collaboration: Partnering with care providers, Government, and the voluntary sector – serving as the public’s independent advocate. Nurturing both internal and external relationships, fostering transparent communication, and partnering to amplify our impact.
• Independence: Listening to people and making sure their voices are heard. Championing the public's agenda, serving as purposeful and critical allies to decision-makers.
• Honesty: We always speak the truth. Operating with unyielding integrity and honesty, fearlessly advocating truth to those in power.
• Impact: Acting on feedback and driving change. Pursuing ambitious endeavours to effect meaningful change for individuals and communities while remaining accountable and holding others accountable.