Local Healthwatch is the only statutory, independent infrastructure dedicated to gathering patient, local service user and community experience across both health and social care. Independence enables people to speak openly about sensitive experiences, concerns and complaints without fear that doing so could affect the care or support they receive.

As Parliament prepares to debate the future of Healthwatch, we’re reflecting on the difference Healthwatch Kingston makes in our community.

New Dialogue is the home of Healthwatch Kingston upon Thames. In delivering the local Healthwatch service for the borough, it’s our mission to shape a health and social care system that reflects the needs of local people. For over twelve years, Healthwatch Kingston has provided an independent challenge to health and care services, commissioners and decision-makers in Kingston, placing the experiences and views of our communities at the heart of change.

We look at the system as a whole, an approach that allows us to identify the gaps that people fall through when they are most in need. We work alongside communities and have built trusted relationships that have empowered thousands of Kingston residents to speak up for better care. 

Over the last few years alone we have: 

• Shaped a better quality of life for social care residents
• Platformed the voices and needs of people with learning disabilities, their families and carers
• Broken down barriers around grief, loss and bereavement
• Championed the voices of young people
• Provided essential information to help vulnerable people keep well and stay independent
• Supported local people to play an active role in shaping the health and social care system

We’re proud of the difference local Healthwatch teams make every day. As the future of Healthwatch remains up for debate we are calling on local MPs to take a look at the impact being delivered locally. 

Read Healthwatch Kingston’s recent annual reports for a snapshot of our impact: 

Speaking up for better care: Healthwatch Kingston upon Thames annual report 2025-2026

Healthwatch Kingston Annual Report 2023-2024: The value of listening to you

Unlocking the power of people-driven care: Healthwatch Kingston annual report 2024-2025