Healthwatch England has published a report that looks at the mental health of new mothers. The report is based on  feedback from new mothers who had diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health problems as well as looking at experiences shared with eight local Healthwatch organisations across the country. The report found that although each individual's story was different there were common concerns about mental health problems being triggered, not knowing where to turn to for help and worries about how people will respond if mothers disclose their mental health problems. Read the report - Healthwatch England - Mental health and the journey to parenthood

Update 16 September Healthwatch Portsmouth has learned from feedback sent in from Portsmouth residents that appointments are not available yet at the University of Portsmouth Dental Academy.  We have also learned that the third site has said to enquirers that it is only able to provide one-off urgent care NHS dental appointments rather than NHS appointments for regular check-ups. We are trying to find out more information and will post here when we receive it. Following the closure in July of three NHS Dentists operated by Colosseum (at the John Pounds Centre, the Healthy Living Centre in Cosham and 96 Victoria Road in Southsea) the University of [...]

The 'Safe Space' at Guildhall Healthcare Centre in central of Portsmouth will be open 10pm to 3am every night through Freshers Week, 13-21 September 2019. This is in addition to its usual Friday and Saturday night opening. The service offers a health and wellbeing service for anyone who needs a short break on a night out in Portsmouth. People calling into the Safe Space can get immediate medical treatment as well as advice on subjects like sexual health, alcohol and drug use. The Safe Space team can direct visitors to other services such as minor injuries units, out of hours GP services and mental health crisis teams. Over the [...]

Papers and presentations from our Board meeting held on 10 September 2019 at the Cosham Community Centre have been published - Healthwatch Portsmouth Board meeting 10 September 2019 Agenda Healthwatch Portsmouth Board meeting 10 September 2019 Project Manager’s report Healthwatch Portsmouth Board meeting 10 September 2019 Solent NHS Trust mental health rehabilitation presentation Healthwatch Portsmouth Board meeting 10 September 2019 Solent NHS Trust travel and transport presentation The next Board meeting will take place on Tuesday 22 October 2019 2-4pm at the Civic Offices - we will send out further information nearer to the time.