Healthwatch Suffolk

07/09/2026

Want to keep up to date with anything new from us?

👉If so, make sure to sign up to our mailing list here: https://mailchi.mp/375976114b50/knowing-works

By signing up, we will be able to send you a couple of updates each month about our work, and how you can support us.

Thank you for your support!

03/09/2026

Are you a parent, carer, or guardian in Suffolk? If so, you may be interested in our latest project.

We're exploring people’s experiences of using Family Hubs and asking about the support people want from future Best Start Family Hubs.

🗣You can share your feedback here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/t/beststartfamilyhubs/

Your feedback will shape the new service, which will build on the current Family Hubs service.

You do not need to have used a Family Hub before to take part because it’s also a chance to share how you feel about being a local parent, carer, or guardian.

More information about the survey is available on the Knowing Works website at https://knowingworks.co.uk/bsfvsurvey/

You can also check out where we have been over the last few months! We have had some lovely welcomes from EPIC Dad, Bridge the Gap, Ipswich Community Media and many more!

02/09/2026

September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month. During the month, charities raise awareness of gynaecological cancers, which includes: ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer and vulvar cancer. You can find out more here: https://ovarian.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/gynae-cancer-awareness-month/

We at Healthwatch Suffolk are currently exploring people's experiences of getting help for gynaecological or period pain in .

This includes experiences of treatment, care, or support for pain related to the reproductive organs (such as pelvic or ovarian pain, endometriosis, or fibroids, as well as period pain and cramps).

👉It's quick and easy to take part, and you can be anonymous. Please visit: https://healthwatchsuffolk.co.uk/gynaepain/ 💚

02/09/2026

A Dementia Awareness Roadshow will be taking place on Wednesday, 9th September, 10am – 1pm at the Rendlesham Community Centre, Walnut Tree Avenue, Rendlesham. Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 2GG

The event is free and open to everyone and it aims to raise awareness as well as providing guidance for those who are living with Dementia and memory concerns.

There will be the opportunity to chat with a variety of services for information, advice, guidance on support groups, care options, benefits and legal advice.

If you would like more details about the event email: [email protected]

02/09/2026

01/09/2026

This Gynae Cancer Awareness Month we are getting Painfully Aware.

We all get pain from time to time but some types of unexplained pain can be a symptom of a gynaecological cancer. It’s more likely to be something less serious than cancer, but it’s important to get checked as picking up any gynaecological cancers early can help offer more treatment options and gives the best possible chance of successful treatment.

The types of pain that can be a symptom of a gynaecological cancer are:
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Lower back pain
• Periods that are more painful than is normal for you
• Pain during s*x
• Vulval or vaginal pain or discomfort.

Pain is not considered normal and needs to get checked by a doctor when it is so bad it affects your daily life and stops you doing normal activities, if the pain is new and unusual for you, if it severe, or isn’t helped by medication.

If you have been having unexplained pain for three weeks or more it’s important to go and get checked by a doctor.

We know that it can sometimes be difficult to get your pain taken seriously and to get the tests and investigations you need. When speaking to a doctor about your pain, they will want to get a picture of your symptoms, and they will try pick up on any patterns.

Keeping a pain diary can help you and your doctor understand more about your pain, spot any patterns and decide what tests you might need. It will help find out what is causing your pain and the best way to manage it.

Find out more and download our pain diary at:
EveAppeal.org.uk/Pain

27/08/2026

Have your say on the future of Suffolk’s Healthy Child Programme.

We’re consulting on proposed changes to School Nursing, Health Visiting and support for young parents - helping services continue to focus on prevention, early help and safeguarding, while making sure families can access the right support from the wider network of services when they need it.

If you use, deliver or work alongside these services, please take the opportunity to have your say.

The consultation closes on 18 October 2026.

Find out more and share your views: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/hcs-consultation

Comments on this post have been turned off - please share your views through the formal consultation.

26/08/2026

Bridge for Heroes are looking to understand the needs of the local Armed Forces Community and identify what support, activities, and services would be most beneficial.

👉You can share your views by completing the Armed Forces Community Needs Assessment. You can access this through the QR code below, or by following this link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=8p80A3t3Z0ic9PIoeNsD6gru8mkRFlVIqxd95fWsZlVUNFE2WkpOOFA5VkxNNFpWTFM1NlAyRU1RVC4u

Don't forget, you can also help us to increase awareness of, and access to, the support services available to veterans and their families across Suffolk. More information can be found here: https://knowingworks.co.uk/veteransproject/ 🗣

25/08/2026

It's just under one month until we launch the latest 'Focus on Survivors' report with Survivors In Transition.

👉 You can join the online launch on Tuesday 22 September 2026. Full details are found here: https://knowingworks.co.uk/focusonsurvivors-launch/.

The launch is open to professionals, commissioners, policymakers, researchers, voluntary sector organisations and anyone with an interest in improving responses to survivors of child s*xual abuse.

This report is the UK’s only comprehensive comparison of adult survivors’ experiences of child s*xual abuse over the past decade. We'll be sharing key findings and reflecting on the implications for policy, services, and commissioning.

We hope to see you there.

Healthwatch England Women's Aid The Survivors Trust

25/08/2026

Can you help to shape future NHS Dental Services in Norfolk and Suffolk?

The Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board is looking to understand where dental services are needed most across Norfolk and Suffolk. They are keen to understand how access can be improved to ensure fairness and equality for all, and what can be done to support healthy mouths, teeth and gums.

👉You can find out more here: https://healthwatchsuffolk.co.uk/news/you-can-help-to-shape-future-nhs-dental-services-in-norfolk-and-suffolk/