"This year has been challenging for many of us as we adapt to new ways of working, while maintaining our strong work ethic to empower the voice of the public in the delivery of health and social care services.

Along with the challenges of this year, there has also been the opportunity to learn new skills. We have focused on the development of our team, Executive Board and our Volunteers. We have identified strategies to ensure that the residents of Stockton-on-Tees remain central to the future plans of service delivery.

Our focus for the coming year 2021-2022 will continue to be on partnership working, ensuring as we exit restrictions that services work together and the needs of individuals remain at the forefront of the planning and design of health and social care service delivery. We will continue to build upon the robust relationships that have been developed with our partners, both in the community and with statutory bodies.

Image of Natasha Judge from Healthwatch Stockton

We look forward with determination and ambition to 2021-2022, achieving positive outcomes and change for the residents of Stockton-on-Tees both at a local and national level. Together we can make a difference.

Natasha Judge, Project Lead for Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees

"The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for an in-depth review of how mental health services are delivered, how we can improve accessibility to digital services for those that are currently digitally excluded, the future design and delivery of day care services and the redesign of care within the NHS known also as the Integrated Care System (ICS).

"It is our mission to ensure that the public are consulted throughout this transition period and remain informed of the changes that will affect them, while providing a platform to share their views on outcomes they would like to see achieved in the redesign of health and social care services."