Healthwatch Redbridge leads award winning project to raise involvement for deaf people

Working with 13 local healthwatch; Healthwatch Redbridge developed and supported the involvement of profoundly deaf people who use British Sign Language (BSL). The project also worked closely with the British Deaf Association, a user led organisation that supported the engagement to reach deaf people and involve them in a series of training sessions to train to become volunteer representatives.

Last night this work was recognised for its innovative and creative approach to involving a seldom heard group of people who wanted to have their views heard on health and social care services.

The project won the awards for Working Together with other local Healthwatch and in Diversity and Inclusion.

Cathy Turland, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Redbridge said: 

"I am absolutely delighted that this important work has been recognised not just for its creativity but also for its involvement of underrepresented groups. Deaf people have told us that for a long time they have felt unheard. Now they tell us they have a voice."

“All the Healthwatch involved in this project are thrilled to have won two awards this year. The 13 local Healthwatch who carried out this piece of work have worked extremely hard and it really shows the incredible success a collaborative working approach can achieve. We would also like to acknowledge the help received from our partners at the British Deaf Association for their guidance and support."

“Through working in this way we have enabled successful Enter and View visits by members of the deaf community and ensured that the voice of deaf people in our communities will be taken into consideration when considering improvement to services. Huge thanks go to our volunteers, without whom this would not have been possible.”

Anna Bradley, Chair of Healthwatch England, said: 

"We had a very high standard of award entries for our awards this year, so all 13 winning local Healthwatch should be extremely proud of their success in not one but two awards - for Making a Difference with Local Healthwatch and Making a Difference in Diversity & Inclusion."

"The collaborative work they have done training deaf volunteers for Enter and View and ensuring deaf people across London have a say on their health and social care services is truly inspirational. It shows the importance of involving and informing all people, including those with seldom heard voices, in discussions about their health and social care - and is a shining example of how the right approach to doing this can bring about a sustainable impact and long-term change."

The project is now evolving to seek further funding to develop more resources to support underrepresented people to become involved and have their say about health and social care services.