Healthwatch Croydon Receives Commended Recognition at National Awards

Following our nomination our impactful initiatives have been honoured with a ‘Commended’ recognition at this year’s Healthwatch Network Awards in the category of ‘Empowering Black Communities.’ Our project was dedicated to amplifying the voices of communities in Croydon focusing on addressing their healthcare challenges. By engaging and seeking feedback we gained insights into their healthcare experiences, needs and aspirations. Through our efforts, we were able to make improvements in healthcare accessibility, service quality and cultural sensitivity. This ensured that the perspectives of communities were respected and valued within the healthcare system.

Each year the Healthwatch Network Awards celebrate the work of Healthwatch organisations in improving healthcare services and outcomes for communities nationwide. And we just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who partook in this project including participants and stakeholders.

Commenting on the award, Louise Ansari, Chief Executive of Healthwatch England said:

“The team should feel really proud. Our awards recognise outstanding work that makes a real difference to local people, and the competition this year from across England was very high.

“Being recognised is also a testament to all the local people who were prepared to speak up and the health professionals who listened. It just shows what can be achieved when we work together to improve care.”

Gordon Kay, Healthwatch Croydon Manager said:

“It has been great to be recognised by Healthwatch England for the impact of our work in supporting Croydon’s Black African and Black Caribbean communities. This provided us with an opportunity to showcase Croydon on a national stage. Of course, we would not have been able to do this without our close partnership working with Croydon BME Forum and wider members of the One Croydon Alliance in taking resident insight and turning it into a sustainable programme of initiatives. This shows how focus, partnership and patient determination can deliver impact for residents and communities. I hope there may be other opportunities to show the good work taking place in Croydon in years to come.”

Andrew Brown, Croydon BME Forum Chief Executive said:

“I am more than happy to have worked with Healthwatch Croydon, to help put this bid together and to achieve a recommendation from the funders is such a massive achievement.

“It is always great to be recognised for the impactful and amazing work that we do for the community, and we look forward to working with Healthwatch Croydon over the next few years.”