Healthwatch Hartlepool

26/08/2026

Which vaccines are currently recommended during pregnancy?
Flu vaccine
Women who are pregnant face a higher risk of complications from the flu, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.
Pregnancy alters the body’s response to infections like the flu, increasing the likelihood of some people who are pregnant and their babies experiencing complications including bronchitis, a potentially serious chest infection that can progress to pneumonia. If you contract the flu during pregnancy, it may lead to premature birth, low birth weight or tragically, stillbirth or infant death.

Pregnant women should have the flu jab. Find out why it’s needed, where to get it and the risks of flu. The vaccine is safe to have at any stage of pregnancy.

26/08/2026

The Healthwatch Hartlepool digital update for August is now available! Click on the link below to read!

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister announced that he would bring forward Baroness Louise Casey's review of social care. Following this, Baroness Casey launched 'The Big Conversation' - an online portal which gives patients, carers and the public the opportunity to share what they feel needs to change....

26/08/2026

30/07/2026

Workshop for carers: No Choice Caring
Nobody plans to become a carer. One day you are a partner, child or friend. The next, you are navigating hospitals, managing appointments, and trying to support someone you love whilst holding your own life together. NO CHOICE CARING™ is an inspiring workshop delivered by internationally recognised executive coach and behavioural psychologist Professor Maurice Duffy.
You are invited to attend one of the two free practical workshops for family carers and supporters, taking place at Health Innovation NENC, 1 Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4WH
The link to the workshop information is here;

30/07/2026

BARONESS CASEY LAUNCHES THE BIG CONVERSATION ON CARE WITH THE PUBLIC

Baroness Casey of Blackstock has today (29 July) launched The Big Conversation on Care, the most ambitious public conversation in a generation, handing the public a direct role in shaping the future of adult social care in England.

Between now and April 2027, The Big Conversation will give people across England the opportunity to say what they want and expect from a future National Care Service, including on the tough questions on who it should support, what families should reasonably be expected to do, and how the country should pay for care in a fair and sustainable way.
The Big Conversation will aim to engage with one million people across England. It is open to everyone through a new online platform which has launched today at;
http://caseycommission.co.uk/bigconversation/

The Big Conversation will conclude by April 2027. Baroness Casey has agreed to provide the Independent Commission’s recommendations by summer 2027.

Help shape a fairer future

29/07/2026

29/07/2026

Please Complete this form to nominate an individual or group for the Community Wellbeing Awards. Ensure the nominee lives or is based in Hartlepool and does not receive payment for the work  for which they are being nominated.

27/07/2026

Hartlepool’s Third Community Wellbeing Champion Awards

Following last year’s highly successful Community Wellbeing Champion Awards, we are delighted to open nominations for the 2026 Awards.
Hartlepool people are renowned for their community spirit, caring nature and tremendous pride in their town
The Community Wellbeing Champion Awards are a celebration of Hartlepool’s often unsung heroes who selflessly make a difference to the wellbeing and lives of others in their community. This year, we are looking for nominations for Community Wellbeing Champions in four categories –
Young Champion (aged upto18)
Adult Champion (aged over 18)
Group Champion (voluntary or community based)
Dementia Champion (dementia related care, support or activity)
Do you know individuals or groups in the categories above who regularly makes a difference by supporting or helping others in ways which promote social, emotional or physical wellbeing in Hartlepool?
If you do, please complete the attached application form and tell us –
• Who the person or group is and the area in which they live?
• Which category of award you are nominating them for?
• Why are you nominating this person or group?
• What the person or group has done to make a difference to others in their community?
• Any other details or background you feel should be considered?
• Your contact details.
• The nominated person or groups contact details and confirmation they are happy to be nominated.
The person/group must live or be based in Hartlepool and not receive payment for the work for which they are being nominated.
Nomination forms can be found by following the link below.

Please Complete this form to nominate an individual or group for the Community Wellbeing Awards. Ensure the nominee lives or is based in Hartlepool and does not receive payment for the work  for which they are being nominated.

27/07/2026

Hartlepool’s Third Community Wellbeing Champion Awards

Following last year’s highly successful Community Wellbeing Champion Awards, we are delighted to open nominations for the 2026 Awards.
Hartlepool people are renowned for their community spirit, caring nature and tremendous pride in their town
The Community Wellbeing Champion Awards are a celebration of Hartlepool’s often unsung heroes who selflessly make a difference to the wellbeing and lives of others in their community. This year, we are looking for nominations for Community Wellbeing Champions in four categories –
Young Champion (aged upto18)
Adult Champion (aged over 18)
Group Champion (voluntary or community based)
Dementia Champion (dementia related care, support or activity)
Do you know individuals or groups in the categories above who regularly makes a difference by supporting or helping others in ways which promote social, emotional or physical wellbeing in Hartlepool?
If you do, please complete the attached application form and tell us –
• Who the person or group is and the area in which they live?
• Which category of award you are nominating them for?
• Why are you nominating this person or group?
• What the person or group has done to make a difference to others in their community?
• Any other details or background you feel should be considered?
• Your contact details.
• The nominated person or groups contact details and confirmation they are happy to be nominated.
The person/group must live or be based in Hartlepool and not receive payment for the work for which they are being nominated.
Nomination forms can be found by following the link below.
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/t/ZR7XY8/
The closing date for nomination is 1pm on Friday 28th August.
Awards will be presented at the annual World Mental Health Day Celebration at 1pm on Friday 9th October at the Centre for Independent Living (CIL) on Burbank Street.
The Community Wellbeing Champion Awards are supported by the PFC Trust, Hartlepool Community Trust, Hartlepool World Mental Health Day Planning Group , Healthwatch Hartlepool and Hartlepool Borough Council .

Please Complete this form to nominate an individual or group for the Community Wellbeing Awards. Ensure the nominee lives or is based in Hartlepool and does not receive payment for the work  for which they are being nominated.

17/07/2026

🎥 Subscribe to the Hartlepool Monkeys Blind Baseball YouTube Channel! ⚾

Want to see what blind baseball is all about?

From incredible catches and big hits to behind-the-scenes moments, match highlights and player stories, our YouTube channel gives you a closer look at one of the UK’s most unique and inspiring sports.

Whether you’re a baseball fan, interested in inclusive sport, or simply want to support the team, we’d love for you to join us.

👉 Subscribe here: Hartlepool Monkeys Blind Baseball YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/?si=sm4-5beHd9iLoX3M

Don’t forget to like, subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video.

Every view, like and share helps us introduce blind baseball to more people and grow our amazing community. 💚⚾

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