Healthwatch Haringey

01/09/2026

September is Gynae Cancer Awareness Month. We all get pain from time to time but some types of unexplained pain can be a symptom of a gynaecological cancer. Find out more about The Eve Appeal Painfully Aware campaign: https://tinyurl.com/ydnfhk7a

This Gynae Cancer Awareness Month we are getting Painfully Aware.

We all get pain from time to time but some types of unexplained pain can be a symptom of a gynaecological cancer. It’s more likely to be something less serious than cancer, but it’s important to get checked as picking up any gynaecological cancers early can help offer more treatment options and gives the best possible chance of successful treatment.

The types of pain that can be a symptom of a gynaecological cancer are:
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Lower back pain
• Periods that are more painful than is normal for you
• Pain during s*x
• Vulval or vaginal pain or discomfort.

Pain is not considered normal and needs to get checked by a doctor when it is so bad it affects your daily life and stops you doing normal activities, if the pain is new and unusual for you, if it severe, or isn’t helped by medication.

If you have been having unexplained pain for three weeks or more it’s important to go and get checked by a doctor.

We know that it can sometimes be difficult to get your pain taken seriously and to get the tests and investigations you need. When speaking to a doctor about your pain, they will want to get a picture of your symptoms, and they will try pick up on any patterns.

Keeping a pain diary can help you and your doctor understand more about your pain, spot any patterns and decide what tests you might need. It will help find out what is causing your pain and the best way to manage it.

Find out more and download our pain diary at:
EveAppeal.org.uk/Pain

01/09/2026

Flu vaccinations for children and pregnant women begin today.
Vaccination is our best defence against the flu virus and can be lifesaving. Don’t risk serious illness this winter – if eligible, take up the offer.

Find out more ➡️ https://nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/

26/08/2026

Volunteering Together 4 Health (VT4H) is a partnership of volunteering experts strategically developing health volunteering in North Central London (NCL) to maximise the level, diversity and impact of volunteers.

Health decision-makers and planners are being asked to not forget the health benefits of volunteering.

Volunteering should be invested in as a strategic asset and not just seen as an add-on to support delivery of a health service.

Volunteering brings demonstrable physical and mental health benefits such as reduced loneliness, lower blood pressure, reduced stress and cortisol, sharper brain function and slower cognitive decline.

Whether you are looking for volunteering advice and guidance at a system wider or local level, free dedicated and expert support and advice tailored to your needs is offered by VT4H.

Visit their website: www.volunteeringtogether4health.org

25/08/2026

From today, women who have missed a cervical screening appointment in England are to be offered HPV self-testing kits by the NHS.

Over the next year, nearly four million eligible women will receive invites on the NHS App or via text message, email or letter to order a free kit to use at home.

Find out more on our website: https://tinyurl.com/3n2djxcn

24/08/2026

If you had your first MenB vaccination 28 days ago you can now book your second dose.

24/08/2026

Bookings for this year’s flu vaccine are now open for those who are eligible.
Flu can be serious for vulnerable people and those with long-term health conditions.
Find out if you're eligible and book here ➡️ https://nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/book-flu-vaccination/

19/08/2026

If you need to see a pharmacist during the August Bank Holiday period, Haringey Pharmacy Express, located at 214 High Road, Wood Green, will be open between 10am-2pm on 31 August.

18/08/2026

Today, the government announced that from 1 April 2027, people who hold a disabled bus pass can travel on buses for free, no matter the time of day.

This extra support will open up access to workplaces, education, training, and other opportunities.

Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/mtc59hya

18/08/2026

Haringey residents aged 55-74 with a learning disability can now get step-by-step support to book Lung Cancer Screening appointments in a new video. The video also explains the reasonable adjustments offered.

The video was developed by UCLH - University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which provides the Lung Cancer Screening service in North Central London, in collaboration with North Central London Cancer Alliance, Camden Learning Disabilities Services and Islington Learning Disabilities Partnership.

Invitations for Lung Cancer Screening are sent by post and those with a smoking history may be offered a low dose CT scan. For more information, visit www.lungchecklondon.org.

You can watch the video here: https://tinyurl.com/meaupnj4

17/08/2026

Haringey residents can access urgent mental health assessment and support at the new North London NHS Foundation Trust Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS), based at Chase Farm Hospital.

The 24/7 service offers an alternative to A&E in a calm, safe and therapeutic environment designed for mental health care.

Find out more here: https://tinyurl.com/4rd83avf