What matters most to your health?
Healthwatch North Yorkshire want to understand what really matters to you when it comes to staying healthy and getting the support you need.
We would love to hear from everyone.
It’s not just about healthcare services; it’s about everything that affects your life. Whether it’s access to green spaces, more time for physical activity, or support to manage life stresses, your answers help us understand the bigger picture.
With 1 in 5 people facing mental health challenges in North Yorkshire, nearly 67% of adults classified as overweight or obese, with issues like social isolation affecting many. We need to know what you think would make the most impact on your well-being. What do you need right now to stay healthy?
What Healthwatch want to understand
We’re asking people to think about these 10 key areas:
- Motivation and someone to help keep you on track
- Help covering the cost of healthy food or fitness activities
- Better access to apps or tools – and support using them
- Less stress about things like money or housing, so you can focus on your health
- More time in nature or safer spaces to walk and breathe
- Clear, easy-to-understand info about where to go and what to do
- Flexible appointments that fit around your life
- Support with transport so you can get to healthcare services
- Care that’s closer to where you live
- Or just a friendly face who really listens
Which are the top three that matter to you?
These are the things that could make a real difference for your health and well-being. We’re asking you to pick your top three, or tell us what else matters.
Your feedback isn’t just important—it’s essential to understanding the day-to-day challenges people face.
Healthwatch in the community
Tell Healthwatch what's important in-person:
Date: Monday 19 May 2025
Venue and address: Thirsk Library, Meadowfields 1TH, Chapel Street, Thirsk, YO7 1TH.
Time: 10:30 AM until 12:30 PM
We will be attending more libraries, hospitals and community venues. We will post them on this page as they are announced.
Why Healthwatch is asking about your health
Healthwatch North Yorkshire is committed to ensuring that the voices of local people—especially those often overlooked—are heard. By gathering your answers, we can better understand what’s needed to improve health and well-being in our communities.
In 2023, nearly 1 in 17 people lived in deprived areas, where health outcomes are often poorer. Addressing factors like social isolation and lack of access to affordable, healthy living options can make a real difference to people’s lives.
When you tell us what would improve your health, we use your answers to inform our regular “what Healthwatch heard about healthcare” reports. These reports are shared with decision-makers—such as the NHS, North Yorkshire Council, and community organisations—who use them to help shape policies, care, and services.
By hearing from you, we can advocate for real, meaningful change that reflects what people in North Yorkshire need most.
What matters to you?
It’s not just about what’s wrong. Your positive experiences and suggestions matter too. If there’s something that’s worked well for you, or a simple change that could make a huge difference, we want to know. Your voice matters in shaping the future of health and well-being in North Yorkshire.
Every answer helps create change
We know it can be frustrating to be asked again and again, but every response helps create a clearer picture of what works and what needs improvement.
The more feedback we get, the stronger our voice becomes in pushing for the change we all want to see. Together, we can make sure those in charge of health and well-being listen—and act.
How to take part
You can get in touch a number of ways:
Phone: 01423 788 128
Email: hello@hwny.co.uk
Write to us (no stamp required): Freepost HEALTHWATCHNORTHYORKSHIRE
Social media: To find out where we will be in your local area, see our events page and follow us on social media. You can also comment on our upcoming social media posts from 13 May 2025.
Want to know more or invite us to your event?
Get in contact with us.
We can post or bring free leaflets and posters about Healthwatch that tell you about how we help people speak up, find support, and make informed choices.
You can also share your wider NHS healthcare and social care experience with us – anonymously and without them affecting your care.
However you share your experience, we’re listening—and we’ll make sure others do too. Every story shared is a step toward better care for all.
