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Sharing your story: diagnosis of chronic kidney disease

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Sharing your story: diagnosis of chronic kidney disease

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What and why?

Kidney Care UK are wanting to hear about people's experiences of their diagnosis of chronic kidney disease.

Too many people are finding out they have chronic kidney disease after their initial diagnosis was first recorded, robbing them of time when they could have been making lifestyle changes to help protect and maintain their kidney function.

They have already heard from over 1,300 people who shared their diagnosis experiences in October through their patient survey. We’ve just published the findings of this in our Falling through the G-App report.

They want to ensure people are not finding out they have chronic kidney disease by accident and they want people to be given the right information, advice and support to understand what their new diagnosis means for them.

Who?

If you’ve had a poor experience of diagnosis, or feel your CKD was not taken seriously by a healthcare professional, they want to hear from you.

How to get involved:

Using WhatsApp, please record a brief voice note about your diagnosis experience and send to Kidney Care UK on 07591 952555.

If you do not have WhatsApp, please share your story using this form instead.

They will share these messages with policy and decision makers, politicians, and feature them in their marketing, communications and fundraising materials (including their website, social media, emails and reports).

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Exploring the influence of alcohol on people’s experiences of accessing and receiving support for bipolar disorder - Lancaster University

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Exploring the influence of alcohol on people’s experiences of accessing and receiving support for bipolar disorder - Lancaster University

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Researchers at Lancaster University are conducting interviews to explore how alcohol use may influence people’s experiences of accessing and receiving support for bipolar disorder. They hope to use this information to make recommendations to improve mental health support for bipolar, for people who also experience alcohol problems.

Adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder who report current or previous co-occurring alcohol problems, who have sought or accessed mental health services for bipolar disorder, are eligible for involvement. No formal alcohol-related diagnosis is required, and you also do not need to have received treatment for bipolar disorder from mental health services, as exploring alcohol use as a barrier to treatment access (including instances where people are unable to access treatment) is an important focus of the study.

Interviews will take up to an hour, and no further commitment is required. The study is part of a PhD project investigating co-occurring bipolar and alcohol use, which is not survivor-led but involves significant input from a paid lived experience advisory panel. As compensation for your time, you will receive £25.

If you are interested in being involved, please contact Lauren Halsall: l.halsall@lancaster.ac.uk.

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What and why?

Carers Leeds have launched their annual unpaid carers survey. They want to hear from carers about their health and well being, money and work, social life, and access to services. Your feedback helps shape what they do and influences support for carers across the city.

It should take no more than 20 minutes to complete the survey.

Who?

People who are, or have recently been, an unpaid carer in Leeds.

How to get involved?

Fill in the annual carers survey by 30th January 2026.

Full link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JFTMW99

More information:

https://www.carersleeds.org.uk/news/have-your-say-2025-unpaid-carers-survey/

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Become a VCSE sector advocate in health and care

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Become a VCSE sector advocate in health and care

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What and why?

The VCS alliance is looking for passionate individuals working within Bradford District and Craven in the VCSE Sector to take part in this opportunity for personal growth and development, and to make a real impact on the Health and Care sector .

Becoming an advocate with the VCS Alliance means you will…

Gain insight into how the local Health and Care System works

Use your expertise and experience to inform and influence the Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership

Ensure that our sector is used to its best effect

And get support by joining the existing peer-network of VCSE advocates and leaders, as well as a personal development programme and training organised by the VCSA!

Who?

They are particularly looking for leaders from marginalised communities and those who work with:

LGBTQ+ communities

Physical Disability, all ages

Learning Disability, autism, and neurodiversity, all ages

Roma Communities

Gypsy or Traveller communities

Craven communities

Homelessness or rough sleeper communities

How to get involved:

There will be online information/Q and A sessions about the Advocate roles on

6th of Jan 10:00-11:00

8th of Jan 11:30-12:30

13th of Jan 1:00 - 2:00

To join these sessions or ask any questions, please email the sector voice lead Nadine: Nadine@thevcsalliance.org.uk

Deadline for applications: 16 January 2026

Support offered:

They will support you to become a confident advocate for the whole VCSE sector – and give you the opportunity to network and meet others working for similar goals.

You will also be financially reimbursed for your time!

More information:

Visit the VCSE advocate webpage

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What and why?

Adult Social Care want to work with you to make our services the best they can be.

You’ll look at important plans, strategies, documents, commissioning and work on longer term projects.  Your views will directly shape how we work in Adult Social Care.

Who?

People living in Wakefield who:

has lived experience of using Adult Social Care Services;

or is a carer for someone who uses them.

How to get involved:

Contact Michelle Poucher for an informal conversation mpoucher@wakefield.gov.uk

Support Offered:

We pay for travel expenses and use a reward scheme called Citizen Coin.

We can discuss and aim to support any individual needs with people.

More information:

Visit the Making it Real webpage or contact Michelle to find out more.

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What and why?

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust wants to understand people’s experiences with injectable medicines used to manage cholesterol, diabetes and weight. The aim is to explore facilitators and barriers to the use of the following injectables:

GLP-1 receptor agonists: Ozempic (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), Victoza/Saxenda (liraglutide)

PCSK9 inhibitors: Repatha (evolocumab), Praluent (alirocumab)

Leqvio (inclisiran): pending cardiovascular outcome data 2026

Who?

People who take these formulation medicine

People who have taken these formulation medicines or have been offered them in the past

Health professionals

How to get involved:

Patient survey: Patient experience with injectable form of therapies for heart-related conditions

Healthcare professional survey: Experience with injectable therapies with cardiovascular benefit - healthcare professionals

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What and why?

NHS England are recruiting people to their Patient and Public Voice (PPV) panels. They play a crucial role in specialised services and are represented throughout the boards/committees/groups to ensure that the views of patients, carers and the public are at the heart of all they do.

There are currently opportunities in areas such as rare diseases, hepatobiliary and pancreas, HIV, genomics and congenital heart disease.

Who?

There are several opportunities available, and each is wanting to reach different types of people. Read the description on each opportunity for more information.

How to get involved?

Read more about the opportunities and the application process on the website. NHS England - Specialised commissioning patient and public voice (PPV) partner roles

Support offered?

If you require the recruitment information in another format, please get in touch: england.voice-crg@nhs.net

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Help improve wheelchair services in Calderdale and Kirklees

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Help improve wheelchair services in Calderdale and Kirklees

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What and why?

Ross Care provide clinical assessments, posture and mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, repair and maintenance.

NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), who are responsible for planning and buying the service, want to know what is working well and what could be better. They are working with Disability Partnership Calderdale, PCAN, Healthwatch Kirklees, Healthwatch Calderdale and Ross Care who have helped the ICB design a survey and online events where people can give their views.

Feedback will help the ICB;

Understand what is good and where changes can be made.

Make sure the service is fair and gives good value.

Help people get the support they need, when they need it.

Make things better for everyone who uses a wheelchair or mobility equipment.

Who?

·      People who use the wheelchair service in Calderdale and Kirklees provided by Ross Care.

·      People who care for someone who uses the wheelchair service in Calderdale and Kirklees provided by Ross Care.

How to get involved?

Please fill in the survey about wheelchair services by Monday 5 January 2026.

You can also join an online listening event on Monday 8 December, 1pm-3pm or Wednesday 10 December, 6pm-8pm to learn about the service, ask questions, and share your ideas for making things better. Register for these listening events.

If you are a club or group with members who are using the wheelchair service provided by Ross Care in Calderdale or Kirklees and would like to invite the ICB to your next meeting to hear your views please contact wyicb-kirk.engagement@nhs.net

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What and why?

The NHS Yorkshire and Humber Dental Commissioning team is conducting a short survey to better understand people’s experiences with NHS urgent dental care. Your feedback will help them to improve quality and access to dental services across the Yorkshire and Humber region. All responses submitted will be anonymous.

Who?

Anyone who is using or not using dental services in West Yorkshire which includes Bradford District, Craven, Calderdale, Leeds, Kirklees and Wakefield District.

How to get involved?

Fill in the urgent dental care survey and share with others.

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Films about lived experience of early onset Type 2 Diabetes

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Films about lived experience of early onset Type 2 Diabetes

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What and why?

West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and Digibete would like to create some films with people about their experiences of living with early onset Type 2 diabetes. Early onset is defined as type 2 diabetes diagnosed between the ages of 19-39 years.

The aim of the videos is to improve understanding of early onset type 2 diabetes and support people to feel more knowledgeable and confident to attend their diabetes reviews and manage their diabetes independently.

Who?

They are looking for people who meet all of the following criteria:

·      19–39-years old

·      living with early onset type 2 diabetes

·      living in West Yorkshire (this includes Bradford District, Craven, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield District)

This also includes carers of people who meet the above criteria, but they would prefer where possible to speak to people directly about their own experiences.

They are particularly keen to involve people from Black and Asian communities and those who are living in lower income areas.

How to get involved?

Anyone willing to be filmed would be required to attend a venue in Leeds for about 1.5 hours per person. The dates for filming are not fixed; however, there is an aim to complete the filming before Christmas 2025 if possible.

Those interested are asked to contact Rob Julian at  rob@digibete.org to find out more about the venue and to discuss availability for filming.

Support offered?

·      Rob at Digibete is happy to talk to people over the phone and explain the ask in more detail, to help people understand what is expected, time scales for delivery and address any questions one may have.

·      Digibete can make reasonable adjustments for those who need these.

·      Reimbursement for time and travel is available for those who would like to accept this in recognition of people giving their time and experiences to support this work

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What and why?

Mental health crisis support is now available to anyone across West Yorkshire by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health crisis option.

The West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership is keen to hear about your experience of accessing mental health crisis support using NHS 111 and other crisis support services. Your answers will help us to identify future improvements that could be made to the service.

Who?

They want to hear from people who have been in mental health crisis who have:

Called NHS 111 option 2 for support to understand your experiences of this service

Not called NHS 111 option 2 for support to understand what the barriers were

Support offered:

If you need any help filling in this survey, or would like it in an alternative format, please call 01924 317 659 or email: wyicb-wak.wrhreception@nhs.net

How to get involved:

Fill out the NHS 111 mental health survey

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What and why?

Healthwatch Kirklees and Calderdale are asking patients and staff to share their experiences, preferences, and any barriers they have faced with digital access to GP services. Your voice can help share fair, effective, and inclusive GP services for the future.

Your feedback will help them understand:

What’s working well

What needs improvement

How to make sure digital transformation supports everyone and doesn’t worsen health inequalities

Who?

People who have used digital (online) tools to access or provide GP services - like booking appointments, ordering prescriptions, or giving/receiving medical advice online?

Get involved:

Take the survey or give them a call to shape your views.

Public survey

Staff survey

Healthwatch Kirklees: 01924 450 379

Healthwatch Calderdale: 01422 412 141

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Parent Champions at North Halifax Partnership

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Parent Champions at North Halifax Partnership

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Find out more: https://northhalifaxpartnership.org/parent-champions/

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North Halifax Partnership - A better future for all generations

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Parent Champions - North Halifax Partnership

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We are looking for friendly people to get involved in becoming Parent Champions! Are you interested in making a difference? Would you like to help other parents and carers? Do you enjoy meeting new people? If so, this could be the volunteering opportunity for you! Families who access our services are regularly consulted with, and

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Being a Community Champion for South West Yorkshire Partnership

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Being a Community Champion for South West Yorkshire Partnership

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If you are passionate about health services in your local area then why not use your voice and lived experience to help us improve the health and care services in your community.

Who?

They are keen to have a diverse set of people from as many backgrounds as possible, including carers, people from BAME communities, anyone with a disability, and people who identify as LGBT+.​​​​​​​

Find out more:

https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/get-involved/connecting-people/

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Community Champions training for South West Yorkshire Partnership

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Community Champions training for South West Yorkshire Partnership

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Already registered as an Engagement Champion in Calderdale or a Community Voice in Kirklees?

Then we invite you to participate in our two-hour session. By joining we can register you with our Trust too.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at InvolvingPeople@swyt.nhs.uk.

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4915 Connecting people training dates v2

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Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership

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Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership

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What and why? Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnerships (MNVPs) help make sure local people’s are heard when it comes to maternity and neonatal care. Their feedback helps shape and improve services in Kirklees and Calderdale.

There are two MNVPs in our area: one for North Kirklees, and one for Calderdale and Huddersfield.

Who?

Our MNVPs are both led by Amy Libell, a mum of three who has recently used local maternity services.

Amy works with other service users, joining with maternity and neonatal staff, commissioners, councils, third sector organisations and other interested parties to help improve maternity and neonatal care in our area.

How to get involved:

There are a number of different ways to get involved with the MNVP, you could;

Share your experience of pregnancy/birth/postnatal with the MNVP

Attend the MNVP meetings which take place around 4 times a year

Respond to MNVP surveys

Attend MNVP events, such as, review visits of maternity and neonatal areas at the hospital which is called a ’15 Steps Visit’

If you are interested in getting involved or you simply want to share your story, please contact Amy and she will get back to you with more information.

Amy’s email is amy.libell@healthwatchcalderdale.co.uk

You can find out more information on the Maternity Voices Partnerships webpage

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Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership

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Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership

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What and why? Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnerships (MNVPs) help make sure local people’s are heard when it comes to maternity and neonatal care. Their feedback helps shape and improve services in Kirklees and Calderdale.

There are two MNVPs in our area: one for North Kirklees, and one for Calderdale and Huddersfield.

Who?

Our MNVPs are both led by Amy Libell, a mum of three who has recently used local maternity services.

Amy works with other service users, joining with maternity and neonatal staff, commissioners, councils, third sector organisations and other interested parties to help improve maternity and neonatal care in our area.

How to get involved:

There are a number of different ways to get involved with the MNVP, you could;

Share your experience of pregnancy/birth/postnatal with the MNVP

Attend the MNVP meetings which take place around 4 times a year

Respond to MNVP surveys

Attend MNVP events, such as, review visits of maternity and neonatal areas at the hospital which is called a ’15 Steps Visit’

If you are interested in getting involved or you simply want to share your story, please contact Amy and she will get back to you with more information.

Amy’s email is amy.libell@healthwatchcalderdale.co.uk

You can find out more information on the Maternity Voices Partnerships webpage

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What and why?

Yorkshire Ambulance Service has an established Patient Voice group called the Critical Friends Network (CFN). This aims to improve local ambulance services.

Engagement events and meetings are held throughout the year (as a minimum quarterly) and are held in different areas of the region to make sure it is accessible for all members.

Who?

Anyone who is interested in helping to improve ambulance services in Yorkshire.

You can be someone who has used/ uses or wants to use services or a carer for someone.

Patient voice volunteers are asked to act in line with Yorkshire Ambulance’s Values of, Kindness, Respect, Teamwork and Improvement during their work with the group.

Support offered:

Travel expenses will be paid for any events that the CFN members attend, and refreshments will also be provided. Yorkshire Ambulance Service is proud of our Investing in Volunteers accreditation and the support we offer to our volunteers.

How to get involved?

If you would like further information or an application form to join the CFN please contact us at yas.patientexperience@nhs.net

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Group: Patient and public representatives for cancer

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Group: Patient and public representatives for cancer

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What and why?

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is recruiting people with lived experience of cancer to join its expanding Patient and Public Representative Group. As a Patient or Public Representative, you will have the opportunity to share your experience of cancer to help improve cancer services across Humber and North Yorkshire.

Who?

Lived experience could mean either as a patient or the carer of someone with a cancer diagnosis.

How to get involved:

Visit the Cancer Alliance website and download a recruitment pack. To apply, please complete an expression of interest.

Find out more:

For any questions about the opportunity, please contact Emily Johnson, Senior Patient and Public Engagement Coordinator: emily.johnson75@nhs.net.

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Experiences in care homes, nursing homes, or home care services

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Experiences in care homes, nursing homes, or home care services

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What and why?

Healthwatch Calderdale want to hear about experiences of local care homes, nursing homes or home care services. Your feedback—good or bad—matters. It drives change and helps improve services for everyone.

Who?

Anyone with experience of:

a local care home,

a nursing home

or a home care service

How to get involved:

Leave your feedback through the website

Call on 01924 450379

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What and Why?

This is a website for Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership which has current ways in which people can get involved in sharing their experiences and feedback about health and care services.

Who?

Anyone can share their experiences and feedback about health and care services.

How to get involved:

Visit the website for more information about current opportunities

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What and why? If you use GPs and hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, care homes or any other health and care services across the county, Healthwatch North Yorkshire want to hear about experiences. As an independent statutory body, they have the power to make sure those who organise, fund and provide care listen to local feedback and improve standards. They can also help you to find reliable and trustworthy advice and information.

How to get involved:

Tell them your feedback and experiences via their survey

Read more about ways to get involved

Support:

If you want to speak to Healthwatch North Yorkshire to give your feedback, please contact them on:

Telephone: 01423 788 128

Email: hello@hwny.co.uk

Find out more:

Visit their website

Contact Healthwatch North Yorkshire

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What and why?

North Yorkshire Council want to work together with people and communities from across North Yorkshire to enable people to live good lives.

There are lots of different ways to get involved and speak up about what matters to you. Some recent examples include:

creative activities, such as photography, to share your views and ideas

taking part in workshops and events

sharing your ideas and feedback in surveys, focus groups and one-to-one conversations

creating videos

developing training

taking part in interview panels and recruitment activities for new staff

How to get involved:

Register your interest and sign up to our involvement mailing list to find out future opportunities. Email HASengagement@northyorks.gov.uk or call 01609 534916.

More information:

https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/your-council/consultations-and-engagement/current-consultations/get-involved-health-and-adult-services

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Get involved in Health and Adult Services

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Help us make our adult social care and public health services the best they can be.

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Research project: Young people and self-harm

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Research project: Young people and self-harm

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What and why?

EmCASH (Emergency Care After Self-Harm) is a research project aiming to improve emergency care for young people (25 years and under) in England after they self-harm.

It is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and sponsored by the University of Leeds.

They are looking to expand our Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG), who form part of the research team and ensure that young people remain at the heart of the project.

Who?

They are looking for young people (25 years and under) who have experience of mental health challenges and live in England.

How to get involved?

You can get involved by using the “contact us” page on the EmCASH website (www.emcashresearch.co.uk), or by emailing Dan Romeu directly (d.j.romeu@leeds.ac.uk).

Support offered.

As a member of the YPAG, you would receive study updates and opportunities to help – this might be by coming to workshops and contributing to discussions, reviewing documents, and giving feedback, helping to make sense of findings, writing blog posts, or anything else you’d be willing and able to contribute.

You would receive shopping vouchers to thank you for your time. Dan would work with you to identify any support and training needs, which would be offered on an individual basis.

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What and why? Leeds Beckett university want people to join their obesity strategy development group.

Who?

They are looking for people who have lived experience of obesity.

No experience or skills required - anyone can join.

How to get involved:

Join by filling in this form: https://form.jotform.com/220823508100038

Email ObesityInstitute@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Find more information: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/research/obesity-institute/obesity-voices/

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You can share an experience of health care or social care within the last 3 years online.

They read your story and show it on this web site if they can. (Sometimes they can't.)

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Care Opinion is a place where you can share your experience of health or care services, and help make them better for everyone.
At Care Opinion we make it safe and simple to share your story online and see other people's stories too. You can see how stories are leading to change.

We think that by sharing honest experiences of care, we learn to see the world differently. Working together, we can all help make care better.

How Care Opinion works

This short animation explains how Care Opinion works.

Share your own story

You can share your own story on Care Opinion. Say what was good and what could have been better.

When we publish your story on this site, we don't say who you are, and we never share your personal details with anyone else.

Care Opinion is not a part of the health service ans we cannot offer support or advice. We do have a page of useful contacts if you or someone you know needs help

Do you work in the health or care sector?

Over 500 organisations are using Care Opinion to listen to what patients, service users and carers are saying. We work with health and care providers, commissioners, health boards, regulators, professional bodies, educators, researchers and patient groups.
Using Care Opinion in your organisation
Watch this 2-minute video to see how patients and staff feel about Care Opinion in one endoscopy service.

More about our organisation

Care Opinion is a non-profit organisation, based in Sheffield and Stirling. We are funded mainly through subscriptions from health and care organisations.

We have been sharing people's experiences of health and care services online since 2005, and we have built a national and international reputation for our innovative and value-led approach to online feedback.

Care Opinion beyond the UK

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Care Opinion is a place where you can share your experience of health or care services, and help make them better for everyone. At Care Opinion we make it safe and simple to share your story online and see other people's stories too. You can see how stories are leading to change.

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Ask a question to Calderdale Cares Partnership

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Ask a question to Calderdale Cares Partnership

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What and why? You can ask a question to the public meetings of the Partnership Board in Calderdale who make decisions about health and care services in the area.

A specific section called ‘Questions from Members of the Public’ is included on the agenda at the start of every meeting.

Who? Anyone can ask a question.

Get Involved: If you would like to ask a question to the board please submit these in writing at least two days before the meeting date.

Questions can be sent by email to: wyicb-cal.contact@nhs.net or by post to: Calderdale Cares Partnership, 2nd Floor, Westgate House, Westgate, Halifax, HX1 1PW. Please include your contact details so that we can provide you with a response.

More information: calderdalecares.co.uk

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What and why: The Life After Stroke Coproduction Group listens to experiences and ideas of stroke survivors and carers and works with voluntary and NHS services to improve care for stroke survivors.

Who: They are looking to expand our their membership and are interested to hear from people who have:

• Experienced the impact of stroke, either personally or by caring for a loved one. They would be particularly interested to hear from people from underrepresented groups to ensure they have a diverse membership.

• Are a professional whose role involves supporting people post-stroke

When and where: once a month, either online or in-person, at different locations throughout the West Yorkshire and Harrogate region.

How to get involved: For more information, please reach out to Vicky Draper or Matt Spencer by emailing vicky.draper1@nhs.net or matt.spencer4@nhs.net.

More information: https://wyaat.wyhpartnership.co.uk/blogs-1/update-west-yorkshire-integrated-stroke-delivery-network-isdn-world-stroke-day

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Group: Improve mental health services for during and after pregnancy

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Group: Improve mental health services for during and after pregnancy

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What & why: The Perinatal Mental Health Provider Collaborative run a group where people can share their experiences and ideas to help improve mental health services for people who are or have been recently pregnant across Yorkshire and Humber.

Who: They are looking for people who:

Experienced mental health difficulties during pregnancy

Experienced mental health difficulties in the first year following the birth of a child.

Live or use services in Yorkshire and Humber (includes Bradford District and Craven, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield District).

How to get involved: You can share your views by going to regular group meetings.

Contact Roger Mumby to find out more about joining: r.mumby@nhs.net, or call 07765405309

More information: https://www.wypartnership.co.uk/news-and-blog/news/womens-views-golden-thread-running-through-perinatal-mental-health-care

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What and why? Healthy Minds runs a network, which acts as a 'people's voice for suicide prevention in Calderdale'. They meet every 4 months.

Who: The Network is for:

Anyone who cares about preventing suicide,

who may have been personally affected by suicide,

including those on the frontline of crisis response or those who support people affected by suicide.

How to get involved: Book onto our next meeting here, or join the network mailing list here to find out about future events.

Support: To find out more and ask questions, contact Georgia: Georgia@healthymindscalderdale.co.uk

More information: https://www.healthymindscalderdale.co.uk/suicidepreventionnetwork.html

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Kirklees Engagement Opportunities - Kirklees ICB

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Kirklees Engagement Opportunities - Kirklees ICB

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See updates and information about engagement opportunities on the Kirklees Engagement Opportunities page.

Also find updates from partners.

https://www.kirkleeshcp.co.uk/get-involved/engagement-opportunities/

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What and why? Healthwatch Leeds actively gathers views from local people and communities about their experiences of services.

They use these in different ways to influence change. They work together with health and social care partners to identify how they can have the most influence and make the best use of their resources.

How to get involved:

Share your feedback and experiences by getting in touch.

Support:

If you want to speak to Healthwatch Leeds to give your feedback, please contact them on:

Telephone: 0113 898 0035
Textphone: 07717 309 843
Email: info@healthwatchleeds.co.uk

Find out more:

Website: https://healthwatchleeds.co.uk/

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What and why? Healthwatch Calderdale serves as an independent consumer champion for NHS and social care services. They listen to your feedback and experiences if you use these services. By sharing your insights with NHS leaders and other key decision-makers, we work to enhance the quality of care provided.

How to get involved:

Tell us your feedback and experiences via this survey

Support:

If you want to speak to Healthwatch Calderdale to give your feedback, please contact them on:

Telephone: 01422 412 141

Email: info@healthwatchcalderdale.co.uk

Find out more:

About us video

Website: https://healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com/

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What and why: A friendly group of parent representatives and professionals, who work together to help shape, develop and improve maternity services in Leeds. Meet the MVP team here.

How to get involved: Visit our Contact us page to find out more about how you can get involved.

You can also get in touch by emailing us at mnvp@womenshealthmatters.org.uk.

Find out more: https://www.maternityvoices.co.uk/location/leeds/

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What and why? SUN is a group for people to meet and use their experiences to influence service developments at the Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT). All of this helps develop LYPFT's services.

Who? SUN members are people

with lived experience of using mental health or learning disability services

or people who care about someone that does.

When? The SUN meets every month and members can get involved in different projects that help develop better mental health or learning disability services at LYPFT.

How to get involved: Email the patient experience team on patientexperience.lypft@nhs.net

Find out more: https://www.leedsandyorkpft.nhs.uk/get-involved/service-user-network/

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What and why?

We connect the voices of local people across West Yorkshire to the region’s senior decision makers in healthcare. This is an exciting way for you to work with the NHS in West Yorkshire to shape decisions about how local healthcare is planned and delivered. What we learn from speaking to people, we feed directly back to those who can make changes. We want you to be West Yorkshire Voice.

How to get involved?

Sign up as an individual

Sign up as a group

More information:

Visit the website

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Ask a question to Kirklees District Health and Care Partnership Committee

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Ask a question to Kirklees District Health and Care Partnership Committee

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Kirklees ICB Committee meetings are held in public every three months.

Asking a question:

Anyone can attend a meeting held in public.

There will be an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions at each of these meetings. The committee will respond to questions raised on the day; however, if possible, please e-mail your question(s) in advance to WYICB-KIRK.corporatemeetings@nhs.net.

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Involving You Network - Leeds Health and Care Partnership

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Involving You Network - Leeds Health and Care Partnership

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Our Involving You Network gives you the opportunity to receive regular updates and information about health and care in your area, as well as offering you the chance to give your views and opinions.

Join here: https://wyhcp.tractivity.co.uk/ExternalFormViewer/Form.aspx?ExternalFormID=1

You don’t need to be ‘online’ to be a part of our network. If you would rather speak to someone about joining the network and receiving quarterly updates (every three months) in the post you can call us on 0113 221 7777 or email adam.stewart1@nhs.net.

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Join our health and care involvement network - Leeds Health and Care Partnership

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Our Involving You Network gives you the opportunity to receive regular updates and information about health and care in your area, as well as offering you the chance to give your views and opinions.

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Ask a question to West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board

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Ask a question to West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board

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What and why?

You can ask a question to the public meetings of the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board who make decisions about health and care services in West Yorkshire. There will be a dedicated agenda item for public questions and comments at the start of each board meeting.

Who? Anyone can ask a question but each meeting is about a particular topic so it is helpful to check the planned agenda beforehand. They will be shared on the website a few weeks before the meeting.

Get Involved: Members of the public will be able to ask questions direct to the Board via video link or you can have them read out in the meeting.

You can ask a question or make a statement by email to Westyorkshire.ICS@nhs.net

Support: If you want support to ask your question, or have any questions, you can contact George on info@westyorkshirehealthwatch.co.uk or by calling: 0113 898 0035 or 07496 403 341

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How you can get involved and have your say

The board of the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board wants people to be involved in the decisions that it takes.

Our commitments to you:

We will publish integrated care board agenda papers on our website, five working days before the meeting

We aim to write reports in plain English

The non-executive members, voluntary, community and social enterprise sector representatives and Healthwatch will challenge anything that is not clear, accessible and in plain English

There will be a dedicated agenda item for public questions and comments at the start of each board meeting

You can ask a question or make a statement by email to Westyorkshire. or use the contact form on our website

Our board meetings will be streamed live on our website

Members of the public will be able to ask questions direct to the Board via video link.

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The board of the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board wants people to be involved in the decisions that it takes.

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Ask a question to Bradford District Health and Care Partnership Committee

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Ask a question to Bradford District Health and Care Partnership Committee

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What and why?

You can ask a question to the public meetings of the Partnership Board in Bradford District and Craven who make decisions about health and care services in the area. Questions asked by the public will be brought up in the meeting.

Who? Anyone can ask a question and all questions will be raised in the Board meetings and the answers posted publicly on this website.

Get Involved: Please add your questions here, or email catherine.smith4@bradford.nhs.uk(External link) for more information future meetings if you wish to attend.

More information: Meeting papers are published on the website bdcpartnership.co.uk(External link)

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Ask a question to Wakefield District Health and Care Partnership Committee

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Ask a question to Wakefield District Health and Care Partnership Committee

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The Wakefield District Health and Care Partnership Committee meets regularly.

Ask a question

We welcome questions from members of the public about items on the agenda. Questions will be read out at the start of the meeting by the Chair and answered by a member of the Committee. Questions must be submitted 48 hours before the start of the meeting.

Please send your question by email to wyicb-wak.wdhcp@nhs.net  or if you prefer, you can call us with your question on 01924 213050. Alternatively, you can post your question to us at: White Rose House, 1 West Parade, Wakefield, WF1 1LT

Please include your contact details so that we can provide you with a response.

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Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service Coproduction

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Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service Coproduction

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What and why: a group of people working to improve Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service for everyone in the city.

Who: We welcome anyone with an interest in making positive changes to the mental health of the people of Leeds. Many of us have experience of using, needing, or working for mental health services, or supporting others with their mental health.

Where and when: The Network doesn’t meet as one group on a regular basis. Rather, Network members are involved in different coproduction projects depending on their interests, skills and availability.

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The Co-Production Working Groups have brought together disabled people with decision makers from the council and NHS. The aim of the working groups are to look at where we can make real changes to make the lives of disabled people better.

We really want people to help with these groups. If there is something you would like to get involved with please contact Wil at the Co-Production Partnership.

Email willq@equalitytogether.org.uk

Call, text or WhatsApp 07432 264 881

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If you’re aged 14-25, live in the Leeds area and are interested in trying to make health and social care services better for children and young people, we want to hear from you.

We’re particularly interested to hear from young people with disabilities and young men. Have a read of the volunteer role description to see if this is right for you.

Youthwatch: https://healthwatchleeds.co.uk/youthwatch/volunteer-with-us/

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Volunteer with us - YouthWatch Leeds - Your Healthwatch Leeds

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Volunteer with us - Youthwatch Leeds - Your Healthwatch Leeds

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What and why?

Calderdale disability Partnership hold open membership meetings to involve and engage disabled people by working in partnership with service providers mainly in local authority and health services.

Who? People with:

physical disabilities

and/or sensory impairments

How to get involved: Meetings are held bi-monthly (every other month)

You can join online: https://disabilitypartnershipcalderdale.org/disability-partnership-calderdale/membership/

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Group: Community Voice Group – Adult Social Care

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Group: Community Voice Group – Adult Social Care

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What and why?

Community Voice is a group that meets regularly to help improve adult social care services.

This is to help Calderdale Council make sure that people across Calderdale are more involved in designing adult care and wellbeing services, based on their experiences and ideas.

Who:

Anyone with lived experience of receiving care or support from Adult Social Services in Calderdale

Or any who cares for someone accessing adult social care in Calderdale

Get involved: They meet monthly at a range of venues across Calderdale. People can join in person or online.

Please email hayley.parkes@calderdale.gov.uk or call/text: 07511 166551 for more information.

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Group: West Yorkshire Sight Loss Council

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Group: West Yorkshire Sight Loss Council

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What and why? You will work with policy makers and local service providers to improve access for blind and partially sighted people in your local community. It is also a great opportunity to come together with other blind and partially sighted people in your area.

Who? Looking for people who are blind or partially sighted to be volunteers.

Get involved:

They meet once a month to discuss work on projects across three key priority areas of Employment and Skills, Health and Well-being and Inclusive Communities.

Apply to join: https://pocklington.tfaforms.net/4843521

More Info: https://www.sightlosscouncils.org.uk/meet-the-councils/west-yorkshire-sight-loss-council/

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West Yorkshire Sight Loss Council launched in December 2021, and we're looking for new blind and partially sighted volunteers.

We meet once a month to discuss our work on projects across our three key priority areas of Employment and Skills, Health and Well-being and Inclusive Communities.
Meet the members

"Sight Loss Councils are the only platform I'm aware of, run purely by blind and partially sighted people. The councils address issues in their area and give visually impaired people a voice. That lived experience make us unique. I've seen boardrooms and forums light up when someone stands up and talks about their lived experience. It opens doors."
Iain Mitchell, Senior Engagement Manager (North)

Why should I volunteer?

If you want to make a real difference in your local area on the issues that affect blind and partially sighted people, joining our Sight loss Council could be the perfect volunteering opportunity for you.

You will work with policy makers and local service providers to improve access for blind and partially sighted people in your local community. It is also a great opportunity to come together with other blind and partially sighted people in your area.

This is your chance to develop your skills and influence positive change.
Hear from our volunteers about why you should join us
Training and development

It's really important to us that you get as much as possible out of volunteering. You'll receive relevant training and the opportunity to learn and/or enhance your skills. Whether you're interested in public speaking or honing your social media skills, there's something for everyone to get involved in.

Stay in the know

If you want to stay up to date with news from the Sight Loss Councils, sign up to our mailing list.

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Join West Yorkshire Sight Loss Council and make a real difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people in West Yorkshire.

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What and why? From Airedale to South Kirkby, Overton to Knottingley, and everywhere in between, Healthwatch Wakefield make sure NHS and Social Care leaders hear your voice and use your feedback to improve care.

How to get involved:

Use the contact us form

Leave a review in the Feedback Centre

Call on 01924 787379 or email. You can also text us on 07885 913396.

Healthwatch Wakefield: healthwatchwakefield.co.uk

Young Healthwatch: https://www.healthwatchwakefield.co.uk/get-involved/young-hw/

Adult Social Care Citizen Panel: https://www.healthwatchwakefield.co.uk/get-involved/adult-social-care-citizen-panel/

Mental Health Community Panel: https://www.healthwatchwakefield.co.uk/get-involved/mental-health-community-panel/

Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership: https://www.healthwatchwakefield.co.uk/get-involved/wakefield-district-maternity-voices-partnership/

Give feedback on a service: https://www.healthwatchwakefield.co.uk/services/

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What and why? Healthwatch Kirklees serves as an independent consumer champion for NHS and social care services. They listen to your feedback and experiences if you use these services. By sharing your insights with NHS leaders and other key decision-makers, we work to enhance the quality of care provided.

How to get involved:

Tell us your feedback and experiences via this survey

Support:

If you want to speak to Healthwatch Kirklees to give your feedback, please contact them on:

Telephone: 01924 450 379

Email: info@healthwatchkirklees.co.uk

Find out more:

About us video

Website: https://healthwatchkirkleesandcalderdale.com/

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What and why?

Yorkshire Cancer Community run a Community Panel of patients and carers with West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance.

The panel supports people to get involved with and influence the work of the Cancer Alliance.

Who? They welcome membership from people with a range of backgrounds. You need:

to live or have received cancer care or services somewhere in West Yorkshire and/or Harrogate

have a genuine interest and passion for improving cancer care or treatment, and the experiences of people affected by cancer

Get involved: Panel members can be involved through:

face-to-face sessions

online discussions

sharing views and ideas by email

one to one telephone calls

...and flexibly in other ways that work best for them.

If you would like to join the panel, or learn more, email Lauren@yorkshirecancercommunity.co.uk

More information:

Visit the website

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What and why? Healthwatch Braford and District are the independent champion for people who use health and social care services. They make sure that those running services, put people at the heart of care. Their sole purpose is to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf.

How to get involved:

Tell them your feedback and experiences via their survey

Read more about ways to get involved

Support:

If you want to speak to Healthwatch Bradford and District to give your feedback, please contact them on:

Telephone: 0300 5610 987

Find out more:

Visit their website

Contact Healthwatch Bradford and District

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What and why? The Healthy Minds Forum is a shared space to discuss issues that matter to you in mental health, to listen, collaborate, and look at what we can do to improve the wellbeing of our communities together.​

Who? Anyone with an interest in working collectively to explore and tackle issues in mental health is welcome to join.

Get involved:

You can book onto the forum meetings on eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/healthy-minds-forum-events-2414209?just_published=true

Support: To find out more and ask questions, contact Georgia: Georgia@healthymindscalderdale.co.uk

More information: https://www.healthymindscalderdale.co.uk/membership.html#forum