Local Updates
Staying well over Winter
“It’s our happy place” said one of the regulars at our recent visit to the Bidford Warm Hub, at Crawford Memorial Hall, Bidford-on-Avon, Warwickshire.
The VCFSE Collaborative Coventry & Warwickshire Programme Team have been out and about meeting voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations, as part of the work we do to support a more connected, resilient and inclusive region. At the Bidford Warm Hub, it was a pleasure to experience the connectivity that this voluntary led event produces and to catch up with Bill Fleming, Bidford Warm Hub organiser.
The Warm Hub, provides a free weekly friendly coffee morning to over 60 local residents, receiving visits from a wide range of organisations, including NHS prescribers. Organiser Bill Fleming and his family turn up every week, without fail to run the session, providing a friendly, social and safe space for the community to meet. There’s usually tasty dish on offer too, with apple crumble and custard on the menu the day we visited.
Bill, who has been instrumental in keeping the Hub running, said “The Hub here in Bidford has just celebrated its 4th anniversary and we’ve seen a huge boost in attendees’ confidence over the time they’ve been coming. It’s helped them feel more able to connect with other groups and take part in activities they might not have tried before. Now with winter set in, we do what we can to support people who need extra support at the challenging time of year, putting them in touch with organisations that provide community support.”
This is a good example of organisations working together to benefit the community. Keep any eye out for Bill and the Bidford Hub who will be featuring in a forthcoming Winter Pressures video, in which the VCFSE, health and care organisations across Coventry and Warwickshire have united to share advice to help people stay well and know where to go to access the right care this winter.
About us:
The VCFSE Collaborative Coventry & Warwickshire brings together organisations from the Voluntary, Community, faith and Social enterprise sector to work in partnership with public bodies, health systems and local authorities. Our mission is to strengthen the collective voice and influence of the VCFSE sector, champion collaboration and ensure communities are at the heart of decision making. By fostering strategic partnerships, sharing insight and expertise and promoting equitable relationships, the Collaborative supports a more connected, resilient and inclusive region. Together, we aim to deliver better outcomes for people and place across Coventry and Warwickshire through shared purpose, innovation and collaboration.
NHS 111, Urgent Treatment (or Care) Centre, Minor Injuries Unit Survey 2026
Healthwatch Warwickshire is currently gathering people’s experiences of using the NHS 111 service or visiting an Urgent Care Centre or Minor Injuries Unit until March 2026..png)
NHS 111 helps people to get the right physical or mental health advice and treatment when they urgently need it. Urgent Care Centres, otherwise known as Minor Injuries Units, can be used by patients over the age of five with minor injuries or illnesses. Trained nursing staff can provide an assessment and give advice and treatment which could include X-rays or pharmacy.
The survey will only take a couple of minutes to fill out. Have your say, your feedback matters.
The survey is looking at what pathways people are using to access treatment and self-care, why that option was chosen and how satisfied people were with the service. Respondants feedback will be shared with the local Place Partnership, NHS 111 and the service providers of Urgent Care Centres or Minor Injuries Units.
More information on this project and a link to the final report will be available here: NHS 111, Urgent Care Centre, Minor Injuries Unit Survey 2026 | Healthwatch Warwickshire
Complete the survey here: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/DBGTX3/
If you would like assistance to share your views you can:
-Call 01926 422823 Monday - Friday, 10am - 3pm to complete the survey over the phone
-Email: info@healthwatchwarwickshire.co.uk to request a paper copy of the survey to be sent to you
- Return a printed copy of the survey for free by writing FREEPOST HEALTHWATCH WARWICKSHIRE on the outside of your envelope.
Who are Healthwatch Warwickshire?
Healthwatch Warwickshire is an independent service for everyone who uses health and social care in Warwickshire. Together with their volunteers they make your voice heard to help improve NHS and Adult Social Care services, so the care you receive meets your needs.
The Healthwatch Warwickshire team are available as stall holders at events, to run feedback groups, to visit and speak to community groups and provide paper copies of the survey. Please contact the team to arrange via www.healthwatchwarwickshire.co.uk