Between February and May 2023, Healthwatch Bexley spoke to over 1200 residents to get their feedback and views on the Bexley health and wellbeing strategic priorities and asked for potential areas on how these could be improved.
Residents were met in various community settings including care homes, youth groups, local hospitals, libraries, leisure centres, food banks, local community groups and events.
The insight that residents gave has directly shaped the strategic actions and will continue to inform the delivery of the strategy.
My household bills have got too expensive, and it’s stopping me doing the things I enjoy."
Bexley resident, June 2023
Residents feel more isolated from family, neighbours, and networks particularly post-COVID. Some have lost confidence due to falls or illness during the COVID-19 period and would like to see more peer support groups and confidence-building sessions.
Feelings of being 'too old' or 'too depressed' to exercise revealed a need to promote active aging to prevent the progression of frailty.
Source: Healthwatch Bexley, ‘Health and Wellbeing Strategy Public Engagement Report’, June 2023
To help our community address and improve their health, we need someone who can speak our language and understand our culture. Otherwise, we feel even more isolated and alone."
Bexley resident, June 2023
Residents told us that alongside the impact of COVID-19, including long-COVID, housing and financial struggles were cited as triggers of poor mental health, increasing anxiety, loneliness, and isolation particularly among older and younger people.
Source: Healthwatch Bexley, ‘Health and Wellbeing Strategy Public Engagement Report’, June 2023
I don’t know how I would get access to information to find out things I want to look at doing as I don’t own a computer."
Bexley resident, June 2023
Residents said that the cost-of-living crisis is having a negative impact on their health by limiting them to cheaper processed unhealthy foods and prohibiting access to funded activities (e.g., gym memberships or children’s sports clubs).
Some residents told us that they find it hard to maintain healthy lifestyles due to working long hours and having hectic lifestyles which also impact diet and preparation of fresh food and a lack of understanding for many about nutrition and how to cook healthily on a budget.
Source: Healthwatch Bexley, ‘Health and Wellbeing Strategy Public Engagement Report’, June 2023
Children’s activities are too expensive, especially when you have more than one child, and you don’t get any help.”
Bexley resident, June 2023
Children, young people, and families raised significant concerns over the impact of ‘lost years’ due to the pandemic and the impact on education, family life, and on mental health, increasing anxiety, concerns over body image, lack of self-esteem, and school-related stress.
Children, young people, and families told us that they were concerned that the streets are unsafe, especially at night, and that there is a lack of services for teenagers, including accessible and safe youth clubs.
Source: Healthwatch Bexley, ‘Health and Wellbeing Strategy Public Engagement Report’, June 2023