2025/26 Projects
Healthwatch Lancashire gathers people’s experiences about health and social care services and uses this feedback to inform NHS leaders and decision-makers, helping to influence change and shape improvements. We monitor the feedback we hear, and emerging themes inform our annual work plan.
Remember to visit our feedback centre if you want to share your views on health and social care services across Lancashire.
Women’s Health: Phase 2
Last year we ran a survey across Lancashire for women to share their views on health care services.
Over 300 women across Lancashire shared their health concerns and priorities with us recently, and we discovered 3 key topics were at the top of women’s lists for their priorities and concerns. These topics were Gynaecological Health, Mental Health and Menopause.
Now, it’s time for change. We are encouraging women to talk to us about their top priorities and share their personal stories to help us gather a deeper picture of the quality of care surrounding these topics.
If you would like to be involved in this project and share your story, please get in touch using the details below.
Email: info@healthwatchlancashire.co.uk
Tel: 01254 239100
2025/26 Projects
Project 1: Men’s Health
In 2024 we conducted a major study on Women’s Health. This project will turn attention to men. Like women, men face specific health challenges, many of which disproportionately affect them. On average, men die nearly four years earlier than women and are at higher risk for conditions such as certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Mental health is also a critical concern. Men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues and are significantly more likely to die by suicide. Additionally, health inequalities across the country are stark. Men in the most deprived areas of England have a life expectancy almost 10 years lower than those in more affluent regions.
This study will begin with a broad survey to understand men’s health concerns and priorities. Based on the findings, we will then conduct a more in-depth investigation into the key issues identified in the first phase. Engagement will take place through an online survey and regional outreach activities to ensure diverse perspectives are included.
Project 2: Disability Voices Phase 2
In the UK, research shows that people with disabilities make nearly 40% fewer trips compared to those without disabilities. This disparity is largely driven by inadequate transport options, both public and private, as well as broader accessibility barriers within buildings and infrastructure that fail to accommodate the needs of disabled people.
These mobility challenges have far-reaching socio-economic consequences. Limited access to transportation restricts employment opportunities, contributing to lower employment rates among disabled people. It can also cause social isolation, poor mental health, and poorer access to health services.
This project aims to explore the findings from phase 2 of our project, which identified transport accessibility for disabled individuals, covering areas such as wheelchair repairs, hospital and community transport, and structural accessibility barriers as key issues affecting disabled people. We will engage with disabled people across Lancashire who face various accessibility challenges, representing diverse demographic groups. Our approach includes collecting personal experience case studies and conducting focus groups.
Project 3: Ageing Well Without Children
The number of people over 65 without children is expected to rise significantly in the coming years due to various socio-economic and cultural factors, such as the increasing cost of living and a growing number of adults choosing not to have children.
This demographic shift will have profound implications for social care and healthcare systems. The demand for care homes and in-home care services is expected to surge, placing additional strain on the NHS. For instance, older adults may be deemed unfit to return home alone, as there will be no family members available to provide care. Those ageing without a support network are also at greater risk of receiving inadequate care, with no one to monitor their health and well-being.
This project aims to identify key concerns and challenges associated with ageing without children and explore strategies to mitigate the impact on future services. It will begin with broad research before focusing on critical themes in health and social care. The findings will be shared with the Integrated Care Board (ICB), NHS, and other relevant stakeholders to inform policy and service development.
Project 4: The Impact of Social Media on Young Children
Research indicates that 46% of internet users aged 13 to 17 have encountered online harassment, while 28% have experienced some form of cyberbullying. Additionally, studies link heavy social media use to lower self-esteem and negative well-being,
particularly among girls.
This project will explore the impact of social media on young people’s mental health, their online behaviour, their safety on social platforms, and how social media influences their self-perception. It will also seek to understand how the local council, schools, and parents are addressing the growing use of social media among young people and the measures they have implemented to promote safety and well-being.
Research for this project will involve an online survey, speaking to children and young people across Lancashire to hear their views and experiences, as well as collaborating with schools and colleges and LCC for professional perspectives.
