Students at Wiltshire College & University Centre to send findings from public health campaign to the Government

Students at Wiltshire College & University Centre (@WiltsColl) are working on a report looking at various health and wellbeing issues and intend to send their findings to the Government.

The report is the result of a public health campaign run by Year 2 Health & Social Care students at the College’s Chippenham campus, which has been supported by Healthwatch.

Healthwatch was established under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf. The organisation exists on a national and local level, working towards the same goal of enabling people to have a voice about their health and social care systems.

The campaign was formulated in order to allow students to fulfil their work placement requirements as they have been unable to go out and work in the community due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Joanne Woodsford – a representative from Healthwatch – delivered an informative talk to students on the important work the organisation does and also mentored students with their campaigns.

Students then began analysing studies into a variety of health issues. One group covered the work of a partnership organisation which looked at the benefits of singing and lung health, another looked at issues resulting from alcohol abuse, and the third continued Healthwatch’s own research around access to GPs for younger people. 

The three groups then collated their findings before organising them into displays which were arranged in the reception area at the Chippenham campus for staff, fellow students and visitors to look at.

The students are now continuing to work with Healthwatch to put together a final report, with the findings to be published and submitted to the Government. The will also be published on Healthwatch’s website.

Claire Bell, Lecturer in Health & Social Care at the College’s Chippenham campus, said:

“I am so impressed with the students and what they have achieved as the have had to cope with some difficulties, a lack of resources and absences throughout the project.

“Issues surrounding health and wellbeing are becoming increasingly prevalent within society and students have explored a wide range of topics associated with this. We are now working on finalising our findings before we submit them to the Government.

“We are grateful for the support Healthwatch have given this project, which is ongoing. Their advice and guidance have been extremely beneficial to students and their studies.”