Healthwatch Derbyshire

03/11/2026

November is men’s mental health awareness month! If you know someone who is suffering, or even yourself, do not hesitate to get support.

Further information and support can be found here: https://bit.ly/3Etfx62
https://bit.ly/3OZoo6V

Men’s health has its own unique complexities which are related to the biological and physiological differences in form and anatomy and further informed by societal attitudes in relation to Gender roles.

02/11/2026

Patients and visitors are advised that Chesterfield Royal Hospital's Main Entrance will be temporarily closed from Tuesday 3 November until Friday 6 November while improvement works take place.

During this time, please use one of the following alternative entrances:
✅ A&E entrance (to the left of the Main Entrance)
✅ Suite One entrance (doors to the right of the Main Entrance)

Both entrances provide accessible entrances to the hospital, although the A&E entrance may be the most convenient option for wheelchair users and those requiring step-free access.

Temporary signage and diversions will be in place to help direct visitors throughout the duration of the works.

29/10/2026

The Government has announced that plans to abolish Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch organisations will now not go ahead - this means you still have an independent place to turn to in Derbyshire with any concerns you have around your health and care services.

https://bit.ly/4eyMakg

The decision to keep Healthwatch happened because people spoke up – proof of the power of public voice! Thank you to everyone in Derbyshire who backed us and believes in the work that we do.

We’ll share more details of any changes and improvements in the coming weeks. Whatever happens, we will continue to be your champion for independent public voice across Derbyshire - in short, our work continues as normal.

We will keep on listening to your experiences and sharing what we learn with the people who plan and run health and care services to make things better for everyone.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗗𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘆𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗲!

28/10/2026

Dronfield Community Get2Together is happening on Saturday 31st October from 10am til 2pm at Dronfield Active Sports Hall S18 1PD

Our engagement officer, Kath, will be attending so come have a chat and join in all the fun!

Details: https://bit.ly/4jx9qCD

26/10/2026

With winter arriving, and costs increasing, there are steps you can take to keep your home warm without turning up the heat:

❄️ Draw your curtains at dusk
❄️ Keep doors closed to block out draughts
❄️ Have regular warm drinks and try to have at least one hot meal a day if possible.

Get more advice to in winter here: https://bit.ly/4i6keET

23/10/2026

Come and join us at the Healthy You Festival - Open to all ages • Free entry • No booking required!

Come say hi to our engagement officer, Sharon, between 11am & 3pm on Thursday 29th October 2026

Kirk Hallam Community Centre, Kenilworth Drive, Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston, DE7 4EX

20/10/2026

📣 We want to hear from you!

Your experiences matter, and they can help improve health and care services across Derbyshire.

Whether it’s good, bad, or somewhere in-between, your feedback gives local services the insight they need to make positive changes.

Tell us what you think here:
https://bit.ly/3ZkxM7S

19/10/2026

If you're worried about money and the cost of living, Citizens Advice are here to help. Their advisors can help with a wide range of issues such advising on energy bills, benefits, debt and money issues, housing, access to grants, schemes and other support.

Visit https://bit.ly/45tpJW8 or call their freephone Adviceline on 0808 278 7954 open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm.

15/10/2026

Some health and care services can be used without seeing a GP first. This is called self-referral.

We are surveying people's experiences with these self-referral services.

Read the news article on our website.

News story from HEalthwatch Derbyshire - We want to hear from you on self-referral services. Read now.

14/10/2026

Are you blind or partially sighted and living in England? RNIB wants to hear about your experiences of accessing healthcare information and communications.

This could include appointment letters, test results, medication information, messages from healthcare services and digital services such as the NHS App. Whether your experiences have been positive, challenging or mixed, your feedback matters.

The survey takes around 10–15 minutes. Your feedback will support RNIB’s work to improve access to healthcare information and communications.

Take part: https://bit.ly/3TUXW1o

Please share this post with other blind and partially sighted people living in England. Closing date: Tuesday 20 October 2026.