Considering Healthwatch Cornwall cost of living report
Leaders from across Cornwall’s health and care services will consider findings and recommendations made in Healthwatch Cornwall’s Cost of Living report, which align with the continued investment and support being offered to residents facing cost of living pressures.
The report comes after Healthwatch Cornwall undertook engagement with 400 people last summer (2023) to find out how the increases in the cost of living were impacting people’s access to health and social care in Cornwall.
The intention is that the findings and recommendations in the Healthwatch Cornwall report will help shape how local health and care services could address rising costs so they are not a barrier to accessing services in the future.
The findings show a higher proportion of people in Cornwall are affected compared with Healthwatch England’s national poll in March 2023.
NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly’s Director of Nursing, Aisling Crombie, on behalf of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care System said:
“This important report highlights how increases in cost of living are impacting some local people. We continue to build on the fantastic work already in place across our communities to support local people and deliver on the important recommendations that Healthwatch Cornwall have made.
“Health and care providers across the NHS, local council, voluntary and community sector work together every day to deliver joined up support to address the wider issues that residents face. This includes joint working and investment to deliver local support from a network of over 50 community hubs, the Community Gateway helpline, and funding free mobile dental checks.
“Our dedicated team of community health and wellbeing workers and staff across services regularly signpost the support available to people through visits and at health appointments, and we raise awareness of the wide range of help and support options through targeted communications to reach as many people as possible.
“We are also delivering more care in or close to people’s homes. This will reduce the travel costs associated with receiving healthcare.”
What happens now?
Healthwatch Cornwall’s Cost of Living report will be presented to the Joint Health and Wellbeing Board in October, together with an action plan highlighting work in place to support local people impacted by the cost of living and work being planned for the future.
Useful links
- View further information to help you about cost of living and community support
- See a range of NHS help with health costs on the NHS Business Services Authority website
- Learn about the range of support for residents struggling with the cost of living on Cornwall Council’s website
- Find out more about Winter wellbeing from Cornwall Council
- Explore the help available to people on a low income on the Citizens Advice website
- Read information about the winter fuel payment on Age UK’s website
- See the financial support available from South West Water if you’re struggling to pay your bill
- Discover the network of local community hubs run by Volunteer Cornwall and partners
- Get help and advice on saving energy and money from Community Energy Plus, Cornwall’s energy advice charity