Cost of Living Research Shortlisted for National Award
The National Healthwatch Impact Award recognises outstanding examples where the views of local people have been used to make positive changes to local NHS and social care services.
Our research was some of the first to show that the Cost of Living crisis was having an impact on Hertfordshire residents not just financially, but also in terms of their physical and mental health.
Hertfordshire Partnership University Foundation Trust (HPFT), which provides local mental health services, and Hertfordshire County Council’s Money Advice Unit responded by developing a joint initiative to co-locate Money Advice staff within HPFT’s Enhanced Primary Mental Health Care service.
“We’ve been thrilled to see our work having a direct impact on the assistance local people receive to help them with the Cost of Living.
“Now finding out that we’ve been shortlisted for a national award is a real pat on the back. However, none of this would be possible without local people sharing their views and organisations using this feedback to improve services.”
Eighteen projects from across England are in the running for the National Healthwatch Impact Award.
The annual Award highlights outstanding examples of work, where the views and experiences of local people has been used by their local Healthwatch to make care better. The finalist will be announced in March 2024.
“Getting shortlisted for our national impact award is no mean feat. It means that your work has made a real difference for local communities, often amid ongoing challenges facing health and care services.”
