City conversation about health and social care launched this week with the Big Leeds Chat 2019

Local people are being encouraged to join in the conversation as the Big Leeds Chat returns for a second year.

The event, taking place throughout this week, acts as a platform for a citywide conversation about health and social care in Leeds. This year’s Big Leeds Chat will see a week-long series of local community events and a city centre event at Leeds Kirkgate Market on Thursday 7 November.

Individuals and organisations from the health and care sector will be on hand to ‘chat’ with local people and give them an opportunity to share their views on what most affects their health and wellbeing in Leeds. The Big Leeds Chat also offers the chance to look at how providers and service users can work together to bring about improvements.

Organised and hosted by Healthwatch Leeds in partnership with Leeds City Council, local NHS organisations and community groups, the aim is to give people a unique opportunity to help shape and influence the future of health and care services in Leeds.

Councillor Rebecca Charlwood, Leeds City Council executive member for health, wellbeing and adults, said:

“I’m delighted that the Big Leeds Chat is back for a second year. In Leeds, we have a bold ambition to be the best city for health and wellbeing and I’m really pleased that we actively reach out to local people to ask for their views on the services that they access.

“We want do things differently in our city and by bringing those who design and deliver health and care services together with service users I am confident that we can continue to provide high quality services and tackle inequalities – ensuring that the voices of local people are valued and placed at the heart of decision making. I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved with this year’s event.”

Hannah Davies, Chief Executive, Healthwatch Leeds, said:

“This is the second Big Leeds Chat; the 2018 event was a huge success with over 500 people taking part. This is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Leeds to see what has happened since last year and tell senior decision makers what matters to them in 2019. Without people getting involved we won’t get health and care services right.”

At last year’s event people said they loved living in Leeds, not least because the people were so friendly. Other responses included:

• People enjoy living in a big and diverse city which offers both great shopping and access to green spaces.
• They know they need to look after themselves by eating healthily and exercising, but wanted help in doing so.
• Families and communities are important sources of support.
• People want access to more free or subsidised health activities and more information about what activities are available in their local community.
• Getting the right healthcare quickly is important, especially in mental health services.
• Public transport is important and Leeds should be a safe place to use bikes.

People also talked about their concerns as well as ideas about improving health in Leeds. This year feedback will be provided on last year’s responses and how they are being addressed.

The Big Leeds Chat Kirkgate Market event will take place on Thursday 7 November, 10am-2pm.

A range of organisations will be attending with city leaders, including Cllr Rebecca Charlwood and Hannah Davies. There will be chat-makers, ‘market place’ videos, information zones and stalls designed to showcase how to stay healthy in Leeds, how to stay well if you have a long-term condition and what digital resources are on offer in the city, there will be artists there to record people’s ideas and feedback, plus activities such as Tai-Chi and table tennis for people to take part in.

Further ‘big chat’ events will be taking place throughout the week in local communities to provide invaluable insight for the development of the Local Care Partnerships.

Further information about Big Leeds Chat 2019 is available on the Healthwatch Leeds website www.bigleedschat.co.uk

ENDS

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Leeds City Council communications and marketing

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