Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent

09/09/2026

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with FASD grow up to be adults with FASD, meaning some level of support may always be needed. Everyone can play a part in providing that support.

01/09/2026

September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month and The Eve Appeal are getting Painfully Aware. All month long they will sharing information on the pain-related symptoms of the five gynae cancers, information and tips on how to advocate for yourself when speaking to a doctor about pain, and a pain diary to help you track your symptoms.

You can find out more on eveappeal.org.uk/pain

21/08/2026

Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent would like to thank The Strasser Foundation for their very generous support of our workshop on ADHD and Autism. Thank you!
The event was facilitated by Steve Mitchell from the Inter Theatre Company and brought together parents & carers, those with lived experience, NHS, council, and voluntary sector representatives.
Thank you to everyone who took part - especially our 'willing' volunteers!
PEGiS. Parent Engagement Group in Stoke
Stoke-on-Trent City Council
North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board
VAST
Healthwatch England

11/08/2026

Are you a Stoke-on-Trent resident with experience of Continuing Health Care?
Has the care you received recently been reviewed?
If so, please tell us your story at https://www.healthwatchstokeontrent.co.uk/share-your-views
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board
Stoke-on-Trent City Council

10/08/2026

Do you have experience of Continuing Health Care (CHC)?
If so, we'd really like to hear about it. Please go to our website:
https://www.healthwatchstokeontrent.co.uk/share-your-views and tick the Continuing Health Care (CHC) box.
Earlier this year, the Nuffield Trust reviewed the NHS savings plan and it stated "CHC savings involve both reducing the numbers of people found eligible for CHC as well as reducing the intensity and extent of services and expenditure items included in CHC care packages."
Papers published by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, claim they have seen a cost pressure of around £2.25m related to existing CHC packages' eligibility being challenged by the Integrated Care Board and the package of care being funded by the Local Authority.
Tell us of your experience.
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board
Stoke-on-Trent City Council

10/08/2026

On a day when the abolition of Healthwatch is in the news, we publish another case study. This story reflects an issue that came to light whilst researching our report into children's ADHD & Autism services, "If you start with kind, you've won", and that is schools locking toilets. The NHS acknowledges that using the toilet more often is a symptom of anxiety in children and young people. This story tells of the lasting impact of not allowing children access to the toilet during lessons.

When their child started High School, this parent expected the usual challenges of moving from primary school to year seven. Instead, a single incident during their first few weeks had a lasting impact on their child’s mental health, education and wellbeing for years to come.

04/08/2026

We've published our latest case study today, which shares the experience of one family who spent many years trying to understand why everyday life felt more difficult than it needed to be.
We are grateful to everyone who shares their story with us; if you feel others could benefit from knowing they are not alone, please get in touch, contact details are on our website.
https://www.healthwatchstokeontrent.co.uk/news/2026-08-04/we-spent-years-searching-answers
Healthwatch England
Stoke-on-Trent City Council
North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust

Over time, three members of the family received neurodevelopmental diagnoses or entered diagnostic pathways. Looking back, they believe many of the challenges they experienced throughout education, healthcare, employment, finances and everyday life were connected to needs that had gone unrecognised....

30/07/2026

SimonFogell Ecs and Clare Trenchard were delighted to welcome the Chair of Healthwatch England, Professor David Croisdale-Appleby, to Stoke-on-Trent yesterday. Thank you to those who took the time to share their experiences of health and care services and to our partner organisations, who talked of the collaboration happening across the city. Thanks to Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce for hosting us.

16/07/2026

Thank you for all your support on such an important topic. To read our report go to https://www.healthwatchstokeontrent.co.uk/report/2026-06-16/if-you-start-kind-youve-won

13/07/2026

More tickets released due to popular demand!
Having almost sold out, we've had a little re-jig of the room and released another 20 places at our workshop exploring themes associated with children and young people's Autism and ADHD.
If you've been thinking of coming, but not yet booked a place, we recommend you do.

The Bridge Centre, Birches Head, 23rd July, 1pm - 3.30pm

An immersive workshop with theatrical interludes exploring issues for children & young people with Autism & ADHD in Stoke-on-Trent