Who We Are
Healthwatch Southwark is your independent champion for health and social care. We listen to your experiences, share your views with decision-makers, and help improve services for everyone in our borough.
We’re part of a national network of over 150 local Healthwatch organisations, created by the Health and Social Care Act 2012 to make sure patients and the public have a strong voice in shaping care.
What We Do
We carry out a range of activities to support our community, including:
- Gathering feedback from residents about NHS and social care services.
- Helping people find trusted information and make informed choices.
- Supporting involvement in local decision-making.
- Referring people to independent advocacy services when needed.
- Sharing your views with Healthwatch England and national bodies.
We also run the Community Health Ambassadors programme, which empowers local residents to lead health conversations in their communities. Over 200 Ambassadors have been recruited, reflecting Southwark’s rich diversity.
Our Impact
We’ve worked on projects that matter to Southwark residents, including:
- Mental Health for Black African and Caribbean Communities – highlighting inequalities and pushing for culturally sensitive care.
- Healthcare Access for Adults with Learning Disabilities and Autism – identifying barriers and promoting reasonable adjustments.
- Southwark Soundboard Listening Tour – engaging over 130 residents to understand local challenges.
- Latin American Access Project – advocating for migrant rights and language-inclusive healthcare.
We’ve also supported Public Health initiatives, helped shape integrated care models, and created paid roles for community members.
“Your work is incredibly important and equally as difficult. You are doing right by the most vulnerable and possibly disenfranchised people of Southwark.”
What’s Changing?
In July 2025, the Government announced plans to abolish Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch bodies. These changes are part of a wider NHS reform and would transfer our functions to:
- Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) – for NHS feedback.
- Local councils – for adult social care feedback.
- Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) – for national oversight.
Why This Matters
If these plans go ahead, there are serious risks:
- Loss of independent scrutiny and accountability.
- Reduced public trust in feedback systems.
- Exclusion of marginalised voices, especially those without digital access.
- Disruption to community-led projects and partnerships.
- Threats to volunteering and workforce development.
- Uncertainty around data continuity and legal safeguards.
“I gained skills and confidence through volunteering with Healthwatch Southwark. It’s been life-changing.”
Protect the Independent Patient Voice
The proposed closure of Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch bodies poses serious risks to patient representation, transparency, and equity in health and social care. To safeguard the public voice and ensure accountability, we urge stakeholders to take the following actions:
“Healthwatch Southwark has helped many people understand the importance of health monitoring, testing and living a healthy lifestyle.”
What can you do to help?
Contact your MP to express concerns and ask for their support.
Find your local MP here
Sign the national petition calling for a review of the decision to abolish Healthwatch.
Share your story: Tell us how Healthwatch Southwark has helped you or your community.