News and reports

Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham welcomes the recent publication of the Baroness Amos Interim (“half-way”) Report for the National Maternity and Neonatal (newborn baby) Investigation. The report has uncovered racism, bullying, staffing and capacity issues impacting the delivery of nationwide care.

In February 2026, NHS London Cancer Alliances, in association with Heartburn Cancer UK (HCUK), are supporting a London-wide initiative to help more people recognise the signs and symptoms of oesophageal cancer.

The campaign aims to motivate others to get in touch with their GP surgery early with any concerns.

NHS England has published new national principles to guide how health services provide chaperones for patients.

I discovered Healthwatch while searching for meaningful volunteering opportunities and was previously unaware of its vital role in the community. Through its work, I learned how Healthwatch empowers people by gathering public feedback, identifying gaps and failures in services, and helping to improve access and experiences across health and care. Its impact reaches everyone who relies on the NHS and related services, turning real experiences into practical changes that benefit the wider community.

Today, men's health is increasingly discussed yet still a sensitive topic. This is not only driven by personal choice, but also by social pressure and stigma. Recently, the UK Government released the first ever national Men's Health Strategy for England.

If you have deafness, hearing loss, or support someone who does, the Sensory Team are on hand at Dagenham library every Tuesday to provide information, guidance, and advice.

LBBD is offering a NEW Free Stop Smoking Service for those with a diagnosed common mental health condition. If this is you, make positive changes to your wellbeing today!

Waiting weeks for a GP appointment is something we, as Healthwatch, hear about all too often from local people. It’s one of the most common concerns raised during our weekly engagement sessions across Barking and Dagenham.

Accessing healthcare shouldn’t be complicated. To make things easier, the government introduced Pharmacy First in January 2024 to help reduce waiting times for GP appointments and A&E visits.

National Self-Care Week aims to raise awareness of the benefits of self-care across the UK, encouraging people to be intentional about prioritising their own needs and wellbeing. This year, the campaign runs from 17–23 November with the theme “Mind and Body.” It’s a timely focus that reflects growing research into the strong link between physical and mental health — a connection that sits at the heart of effective self-care.

Three new support groups will be giving residents in Redbridge and Barking and Dagenham who may be lonely and isolated an opportunity to meet and make new friends.

Movember, also known as Men’s mental health month, is an annual worldwide campaign with a single yet profound goal, to raise awareness about men’s mental health issues. Read on to find out more about what Movember is, and what Movember 2025 is focussing on.