1. Make May Purple for Stroke Awareness

    Advice and Information -

    Over 1 million people in England have had a stroke. For many people having a stroke is a life changing experience. May is Stroke Awareness Month so we are sharing everything you need to know.

  2. We all know someone with hearing loss, but do you know how to help them?

    Advice and Information -

    Hearing loss is really common. But many people struggle when it could be treated.

  3. 9 million people in the UK are lonely right now. Are you one of them?

    Advice and Information -

    Everyone can feel lonely at some point in their life. Loneliness affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It can cause us real emotional pain and can impact on our physical and mental health.

  4. Lack of NHS dental appointments widens health inequalities

    News -

    A new survey of public attitudes to NHS dentistry shows half of adults in the South East find dental charges unfair amid escalating costs of living. 45% of people in the South East told us they struggle to get an NHS dental appointment.

  5. 9 million people in the UK are lonely right now. Are you one of them?

    News -

    Everyone can feel lonely at some point in their life.

  6. Have you heard of Fibromyalgia?

    Advice and Information -

    Fibromyalgia is a long term condition that causes pain all over the body. It’s also known as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). It can be quite common – Lady Gaga has it!

  7. Can you claim carers support if you have recently moved to the UK?

    Advice and Information -

    The short answer is yes! But it can be complicated so we have more detail for you.

  8. Are you an adult who receives care?

    News -

    Are you the relative, or friend, of someone who does? Do you consider yourself vulnerable? Do you know someone that could be vulnerable? Then this announcement is for you.

  9. Does the NHS have to provide an interpreter?

    Advice and Information -

    Do you know about your rights to language support in NHS settings?

  10. Epilepsy is one of the oldest known medical conditions

    Advice and Information -

    It’s quite common and affects the brain causing frequent seizures.

  11. Do you need financial help? Do you live in Medway? Then this announcement is for you.

    Advice and Information -

    Medway Council have announced that they have been awarded over £2 million to assist the many people in Medway who are struggling with the cost of living.

  12. We’ve been celebrating our brilliant volunteers all week for Volunteers Week.

    News -

    Here we chat to Harrison who volunteered for Healthwatch Medway.

  13. Visible, valued and supported. We LOVE Carers!

    Advice and Information -

    A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction or who needs extra help as they grow older.

  14. Major milestone reached in fight against Covid

    News -

    A major milestone has been reached in Medway’s fight against Covid - 19 with the four millionth jab being administrated. This is a major achievement in the county’s fight against Covid - 19.

  15. Your stories about Long Covid heard at a national level

    News -

    Your voice has been heard in a new national report which details the experiences of people with Long Covid from across the country.

  16. What do you actually know about Learning Disabilities?

    Advice and Information -

    There are around 350,000 children in the UK who have a learning disability, but do you actually know what it means and what it’s like to live with?

  17. Time for your Man MOT!

    Advice and Information -

    We’ve been through a lot these past couple of years. Covid has not gone away, but we are beginning to live with it. To do this, we need to be at the top of our game both physically and mentally.

  18. Become a real life hero by giving blood today!

    Advice and Information -

    Giving blood is one of the most simple yet heroic things you can do. Giving blood saves lives. The blood you give is a lifeline in an emergency, and for people who need long term treatments.

  19. Diabetes Awareness Week – 14th – 19th June 2022

    Advice and Information -

    Diabetes is a complicated condition and there are many different types of diabetes.

  20. Helping Bill to get registered with a GP

    News -

    Every day people contact us because they can't register with a GP surgery. This month we helped Bill to get registered.

  21. Support and treatment for Long Covid

    Advice and Information -

    It’s easy to feel isolated and alone when struggling with Long Covid, but we are here to help to you find the support and treatment you need.

  22. What is Long Covid?

    Advice and Information -

    Confused about Long Covid? Find out the common symptoms and when to get support.

  23. Sittingbourne vaccine centre still open for business

    News -

    The vaccination centre in Sittingbourne which opened in April at the Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital is still open for appointments. Both adults and children can be vaccinated there and all stages of the Covid vaccination programme are offered.

  24. Have you, or your family, been in the Armed Forces?

    Advice and Information -

    If the answer is yes, then there is a new service for you.

    The Armed Forces Network for Sussex, Kent & Medway have created a new single place for you to contact if you, or your family, need advice, guidance or support.

  25. What have we achieved this year?

    Report -

    Over 17,000 people came to us us last year to seek information or to share their story with us.

    Read about what we did with your stories and how we helped people.

  26. What do inspectors say about emergency & urgent care at Medway Hospital?

    News -

    This week the Care Quality Commission has published its report on the emergency and urgent care services provided at Medway Maritime Hospital.

  27. It’s ok to not be ok

    Advice and Information -

    How are you, really? Are you ok?

    Perhaps you can't quite put your finger on it, but you're not feeling like yourself.

    Are you feeling more tired or more emotional?

    Maybe you don’t want to do the things that you usually enjoy.

  28. Are you 'in the know' about deafblindess?

    Advice and Information -

    Deafblindness is far more common than many people realise. Around 400,000 people are affected by sight and hearing loss in the UK. That's enough to fill Wembley Stadium nearly five times!

  29. Are you 'in the know' about deafblindess?

    Advice and Information -

    Deafblindness is far more common than many people realise. Around 400,000 people are affected by sight and hearing loss in the UK. That's enough to fill Wembley Stadium nearly five times!

  30. Listening to feedback about the Wellbeing Navigation service in Medway

    Report -

    In Medway, Wellbeing Navigators supports hundreds of people to get the support that they need. They are commissioned by Medway Council. We were asked to gather feedback from people about their feelings about the service.

  31. How to access mental health support if you're lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender

    Advice and Information -

    Mental health problems are more common among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) people. If you are struggling, feel alone or need a little help, then check out our guide on how you can get the support you need.

  32. Introducing the new NHS Kent & Medway

    News -

    Today marks a significant change in the way our NHS is organised. From today all Clinical Commissioning Groups are legally dissolved, with Integrated Care Systems created in their place.

  33. Did you know 15% of us have a disability?

    Advice and Information -

    This month is Disability Pride Month. Every day we hear from people who are disabled, and we wanted to help raise awareness of some of the different types of disability.

  34. NHS acts on your feedback to improve dental care

    News -

    Hundreds of you have been in touch to tell us your story about NHS dentists. We've been raising your concerns and now the NHS are making changes.

  35. Do you have an idea of how to improve the mental health of your community?

    News -

    Funding is available for projects that support the mental health of your community but you need to act quick : the deadline for applications is 9am August 1st.

  36. Are NHS waiting times pushing more people to go private?

    News -

    Record NHS waiting times appear to be increasing the number of people paying for private care, according to a new BBC analysis. Read our response.

  37. Schizophrenia is not as uncommon as you think

    Advice and Information -

    One in 100 people will experience it.

  38. What do you know about Hepatitis?

    Advice and Information -

    Did you realise Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by a viral infection?

  39. How to use 999 if you need British Sign Language

    Advice and Information -

    There’s a new service called 999 BSL. We’ve got all the details about how it works.

  40. Listening to feedback about the Reablement service in Medway

    Report -

    Every year hundreds of Medway residents receive support from the reablement service which helps them to regain skills and confidence after they have been ill. They are commissioned by Medway Council who asked us to gather feedback from people.

  41. What do you know about vaccines?

    Advice and Information -

    Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases.

  42. Psoriasis Awareness Month

    Advice and Information -

    This month is Psoriasis Month, but what do you actually know about the condition?

  43. What is monkeypox and who can get a vaccine?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out the signs and symptoms of monkeypox, what to do if you think you have it and who is eligible for a vaccine.

  44. Your thoughts will help train health professionals in Medway

    News -

    We all want the people working in the NHS to be the best they can possibly be. Share your experiences and you will be helping them to learn what matters to you.

  45. Milestone in tackling NHS longest waits - our response

    News -

    NHS England has achieved the first milestone in its plan to eliminate backlogs caused by Covid. Read our response.

  46. What is a GP referral and how can you get one?

    News -

    When you need specialist NHS support, like hospital tests or treatment, you often need a referral from your GP first. Find out what this includes and what to expect.

  47. Half of us will have a urology condition during our lifetime

    Advice and Information -

    What is Urology?

    Urology is the study of the female urinary system and male genitourinary tract. Put simply, these are parts of the body that produce, store and get rid of urine, as well as the parts involved in sexual function for men.

  48. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia in the UK

    Advice and Information -

    Alzheimer’s is one of several types of dementia. It’s also the most common.

  49. Blood Cancer Awareness Month

    Advice and Information -

    Blood cancer is a term that's used to describe many types of cancer that affect your blood, bone marrow or lymphatic system. It happens when something goes wrong with the development of your blood cells.

  50. Did you know that your blood vessels could circle the earth?

    Advice and Information -

    Vascular disease affects many of us, but do you really know what it is?