Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin contract awarded to Engaging Communities Solutions CIC

Following a recent tender process, Engaging Communities Solutions CIC has been appointed by Telford and Wrekin Council to provide Healthwatch services from April 2023.

Engaging Communities Solutions (ECS) is a not-for-profit community interest company which specialises in Healthwatch service delivery and public and stakeholder engagement with the aim of helping to drive improvements in health and social care. The company has extensive experience of delivering independent local Healthwatch services on behalf of local authorities throughout England, as well as research and advocacy services.

Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin’s role is to listen to people’s experiences of using health and social care services in the borough, to understand the issues that really matter to local people and the challenges facing the NHS and other care providers. They use this insight to help health and social care services understand how to improve care for local people and reduce health inequalities. Healthwatch can also help local people find reliable and trustworthy information and advice to help them get the care and support they need.

Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin is part of a network of over 150 Healthwatch across the country. As an independent statutory body, Healthwatch has the power to make sure that NHS leaders and other decision makers listen to public feedback and use it to improve standards of care, locally and nationally.

Elizabeth Learoyd, Managing Director of Engaging Communities said:

“At ECS, our mission is to inspire change and improve outcomes and we are delighted that we will be working with the people of Telford and Wrekin to deliver a high quality Healthwatch service. We believe that health and social care providers can best improve services and reduce health inequalities if they listen to people’s experiences, and we want everyone in Telford and Wrekin to be included in the conversation.

Simon Fogell, Chief Executive of Engaging Communities said:

“From April 2023 when we take over the contract, we will work hard to build on the great work that has already been achieved by the current provider and focus on implementing and delivering our plan for the contract to maximise the impact Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin can have. We will work with the public, voluntary and community groups, Telford and Wrekin Council and the local health and care sector, to make sure that Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin is an effective and representative champion for local people.”

For more information on ECS: www.weareecs.co.uk or email contactus@weareecs.co.uk