Louise Ansari, National Director of Healthwatch England, visits Healthwatch North Somerset

Hosting Louise Ansari and meeting with local NHS leaders was a great opportunity for our staff, volunteers, and Board members to discuss how the feedback we collect can help local health and social care services improve.

In our role as a 'critical friend', we play a part in helping local leaders and services make the right decisions for everyone who uses health and social care services across the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area.

Sharing public feedback about local services is vital to help the NHS and social care providers understand how the health and wellbeing of the population can be supported, particularly our most vulnerable communities.

Exploring how health and care improvements based on issues spotted by the public will help save money in the long run, as co-produced solutions are far more likely to be right the first time round.

Dementia information and guidance drop-in afternoon

In the afternoon we were joined by whole host of local organisations which can offer support to people diagnosed with dementia, plus carers and loved ones:

• Alive Activities
• Alzheimer's Society
• Bristol Dementia Action Alliance
• Bristol Older People's Forum
• Brunelcare
• Chinese Community Wellbeing Society
• Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service
• The Reader

The drop-in afternoon was geared towards the public, but also provided a fantastic opportunity for local organisations to get together and share their knowledge and experience.

We're planning to hold more drop-in events in our new hub in The Galleries shopping centre, Broadmead - so keep an eye on our website and social media channels for future dates.

You can also sign up to our email newsletter to make sure stay up to date with what people are telling us about health and social care, advice and information, and our latest reports.