Healthwatch Gloucestershire 8 Helping more people to have their say Find out how sharing your views with your local Healthwatch has led to positive changes to health and social care services in Gloucestershire. The work shows that when people speak up about what’s important, and services listen, care is improved for all. Take a look at some examples of how Healthwatch Gloucestershire has made a difference in the community. Food and Families Project: championing diversity and inclusion People living in Podsmead – identified as an area with few shops and poor public transport – were asked for their views on all things food-related as part of the Food and Families Project. This short-term research project was jointly led by Healthwatch Gloucestershire and Evolving Communities as part of a wider project for Gloucestershire Public Health. Around 50 people went to a free community meal at The Melting Pot Community Café in Podsmead and were asked about food options and choices on the estate. The survey revealed: + Access to affordable, fresh food is an issue for residents without a car. + Residents were in favour of a mini supermarket selling affordable fresh and good quality food on the estate. + Some residents were concerned that unhealthy food is cheap while fresh healthy food is expensive. + Busy mums said they welcome any ideas for quick, cheap and healthy meals, especially for fussy eaters. + Some residents are interested in sharing and developing skills around cooking and growing food. + The idea of a food collection/donation point for people to utilise and share surplus/waste food was popular. Julia Butler-Hunt, Manager at Healthwatch Gloucestershire, said: “People need to know they are being listened to. Feedback, follow up and action on the findings of the Podsmead Food & Families project will be important to counteract the cynicism and hopelessness expressed by some Podsmead residents.” The findings have now gone into a report for Gloucestershire Public Health – this will feed into a national piece of work led by Leeds Beckett University to help local authorities tackle obesity. Photo credit: www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk
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