Do you or a loved one need help with everyday tasks, support at home, or care after illness or injury? Adult social care may be able to help.

Social care is different from the treatment you receive from the NHS. While it can include some medical support, social care focuses on practical help so people can live as independently as possible. This care is usually delivered at home, in a care home, or in the community rather than at a GP practice or hospital.

Understanding what support is available – and how to pay for it – can feel overwhelming. Here are the key things you need to know.

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Second Opinions and Martha’s Rule: What You Need to Know

Sometimes you may feel unsure about a diagnosis, have questions about a treatment plan, or simply want reassurance before making a decision about your care. In these situations, you may consider asking for a second opinion.

A second opinion is when another doctor or healthcare professional is asked to review your diagnosis or recommend a treatment plan. Many people find it gives them confidence and clarity.

Many people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are facing long waits for planned treatment or investigations. This can feel frustrating, worrying and uncertain. But you still have rights while you wait — and local services should keep you informed and involved in decisions about your care.

Healthwatch England has published new advice to help you understand what you should expect if you’re waiting for NHS treatment.

Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s latest Enter and View report highlights overwhelmingly positive experiences from patients using the new Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) in Ely and Wisbech. The visits, carried out in August 2025, found that people valued shorter waiting times, modern facilities, and kind, attentive staff. However, the report also identifies opportunities to improve accessibility and communication, particularly around appointment locations, transport, and patient information, as lessons are shared to inform the development of the forthcoming Peterborough CDC.

Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough held its Annual Summit on 8th October 2025 at the Delta Marriott Hotel in Huntingdon. The event welcomed over 200 people, bringing together members of the public, patients, and leaders across health and care. The day provided an opportunity to share experiences, celebrate local achievements, and discuss priorities for improving services across the region. Participants heard from retired Olympic Gymnast Louis Smith MBE, key speakers, took part in breakout sessions, and explored how partnership working can strengthen the voice of local people. The summit highlighted the importance of collaboration in shaping a more responsive and inclusive health and care system.

Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has published a new report highlighting the challenges young people face when trying to access mental health support and the experience of moving between services.

The survey heard from 125 young people aged 17–25, along with a small number of parents and carers responding on their behalf. Young people shared honest, first-hand experiences of trying to get help, managing long waits, receiving support from youth services, and what happened when care stopped or transitioned to adult services.

Our Annual Report for 2045-25 highlights the work of our Healthwatch over the last year and shows how your feedback has helped influence improvements in health and care services.

Your feedback is helping to improve the NHS and social care

You might think, 'What's the point? Nothing changes?' But every story shared with us matters. Thanks to millions of people, just like you, speaking up, we've been able to champion big healthcare changes.

We are looking for passionate individuals with lived experience of disability, older adults, and carers to join our Partnership Boards, commissioned by Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council.

You can speak to us to find information and advice about health and social care services available locally.

We are here to make sure that those running services, and the government, put your views at the heart of care.

NHS and social care staff are doing everything they can to keep us well during these challenging times, but there might be things that can be improved for you and your loved ones. Please take five minutes to share your story with us.

Our volunteers play a vital role in helping people have their say on health and social care. Volunteering with Healthwatch can help you develop skills, gain experience and make a difference to your community.