Wiltshire residents are being encouraged to share their experiences of health and social care to help shape future services.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has launched the ‘Share for Better Care’ campaign alongside Healthwatch England, urging people to provide feedback that could lead to real improvements in their local area.
The campaign focuses on reaching those who are often underrepresented in feedback processes—people from minority ethnic backgrounds, low-income households, autistic individuals, and those with physical or sensory impairments. By gathering insights from these groups, the CQC aims to bridge gaps in care and reduce inequalities.
Wiltshire has already been recognised for its proactive approach. The CQC found that Wiltshire Council has been actively listening to local people to reduce health disparities. One example is the creation of an autism hub that uses real-life experiences to identify gaps in specialist support. Additionally, in response to the county’s economic diversity, the council has introduced pop-up clinics at local horse fairs and a flexible pre-bookable public transport service to improve accessibility.
Chris Dzikiti, Interim Director of Mental Health at the CQC, highlighted the importance of community feedback, stating: “Hearing about people’s individual experiences of care is invaluable. It helps us and other partner organisations understand what is working well and where improvements need to be made. This ensures services evolve to meet local needs and challenges.”
Similarly, Louise Ansari, Chief Executive of Healthwatch England, emphasised the role feedback plays in improving services: “By sharing your experiences, you can directly help to improve the health and wellbeing of your family, friends, and community. It’s a vital way to ensure health services are responsive and effective.”
People can share their feedback via the CQC website or through Healthwatch England, which also offers advice and information to support individuals navigating the health and care system.
