Healthwatch Leeds has published a series of new reports and resources highlighting what people across the city are saying about health and care services. Covering digital healthcare, accessibility, children’s mental health and future priorities, the findings offer practical insights for organisations looking to improve people’s experiences.
Healthwatch Leeds Annual Report 2025/26
Healthwatch Leeds has published its Annual Report 2025/26, showcasing how people’s experiences have influenced health and care services across Leeds over the past year.
The report highlights the value of having an independent voice for local people, celebrates collaborative work with partners across the city and outlines Healthwatch Leeds’ priorities for the year ahead.
Read the report:
https://healthwatchleeds.co.uk/reports-recommendations/2026/annual-report-2025-26/
What people think about the NHS App
As more health services move online, Healthwatch Leeds asked people about their experiences of using the NHS App.
The report explores who is using the app, what works well and where improvements are needed to make digital healthcare more accessible, joined up and easier to use. A key finding is that people want choice, ensuring digital services complement rather than replace other ways of accessing care.
Find out more:
https://healthwatchleeds.co.uk/
Improving accessibility to reduce delays
Healthwatch Leeds has also released new case studies through its How Does It Feel For Me? programme, highlighting how better accessibility can improve people’s experiences while reducing unnecessary appointments, delays and costs.
The stories include:
- Ayad, who shares how simple adaptations could improve access to ultrasound appointments for wheelchair users.
- Diane and her daughter Gemma, who explain the importance of having British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters available during healthcare appointments.
The case studies encourage organisations to consider what practical changes they can make to improve accessibility for people with physical and sensory disabilities.
Explore the programme:
https://healthwatchleeds.co.uk/
Youth-led recommendations for mental health services
Youthwatch Leeds has also published 11 Top Tips for Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services following its Time2Talk project.
Young volunteers visited drop-in services across Leeds to identify what helps young people access support and what creates barriers. Their recommendations aim to help services become more welcoming, accessible and responsive to the needs of children and young people.
The work has already informed improvements at The Children’s Society’s Time for Young People service and provides practical guidance for organisations looking to strengthen youth voice and co-production.
Learn more:
https://healthwatchleeds.co.uk/
The State of Unpaid Caring in Leeds 2026
Healthwatch Leeds is also encouraging partners to read Carers Leeds’ latest report, The State of Unpaid Caring in Leeds 2026.
The report shares the experiences, concerns and priorities of unpaid carers across the city, helping to inform future improvements to support services.
Read the report:
https://www.carersleeds.org.uk/
Find out more
Visit the Healthwatch Leeds website to access the latest reports, recommendations and resources:
