News and reports

Rotherham College Wellbeing Event: How to fight those January blues…

This week Healthwatch Rotherham had the exciting opportunity to be involved in ‘Health and Wellbeing Week 2026’ at Rotherham College.

We want to hear from people who have contacted Rotherham Council’s Adult Social Care team. This might have been by phone, email, online form, or in person.

Adult Social Care is often the first place people go when they need help, advice, or support. Your experience can help us understand what is working well and what needs to improve.

Green social prescribing is a way for people to improve their health by taking part in nature‑based activities. Instead of relying only on medical treatments, it offers gentle, enjoyable ways to feel better through time outdoors.

Activities can include walking groups, gardening, wildlife sessions, outdoor crafts, and mindfulness in nature. These are designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and suitable for all abilities.

Healthwatch England's Blog - published on 9 November 2025

Veterans face unique challenges in getting the health care they need after they leave the military. Find out how Healthwatch teams across England have been helping veterans to get the care they need.

Healthwatch England's Blog - published on 5 November 2025

Our latest research shows that while most men turn to the NHS most often for information on staying healthy, one in five are now using platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube and almost one in 10 are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots.

HWE News - 8 December 2025

One in seven patients who have been referred by their GP are stuck waiting for specialist care due to GP referrals being delayed, lost, or rejected.

HWE Response - 5 January 2026

The Government have announced the first step in delivering the new NHS online hospital, allowing nine common conditions to receive faster access to specialist care

The Rainbow Project Rotherham creates safe, inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ people across our borough. Between October 2025, Healthwatch Rotherham spent time with the project’s groups and activities, listening to people’s experiences of support, wellbeing, identity, and access to health and care.

What we heard was clear: the Rainbow Project does more than deliver services. It gives people a sense of belonging, connection and confidence. This report shares attendees’ voices, highlights what the project does well, and identifies where more understanding and support are needed.

Most men would attend testing if the government introduced a national screening programme for prostate cancer, according to our new research.

November "You said, we did" report.
We've received lots of feedback regarding NHS and Social Care services and we've also provided information and signposting to those that need it.

Our 'You said, we did' report for October 2025 is now available.

This month we were heard from 78 people who either shared their experiences of health and social care services, or asked for information and signposting help. Our report highlights some of the things we heard and some of the actions we have taken, as well as some of the feedback given to us. We had a massive response at our outreach engagements totaling 275 people seen!

During several public engagement sessions conducted by Healthwatch Rotherham, concerns were raised about hospital referral waiting times. A number of individuals reported experiencing delays of several weeks for their referrals, with some expressing that they felt abandoned by the NHS during this period of uncertainty.
In response to these concerns, Healthwatch Rotherham launched a web-based SmartSurvey to gather data on patients' experiences of "waiting well" and to explore whether this approach had been recommended or supported by their healthcare professionals.