10,000 Stories, Shining a Spotlight
It’s 2025 and we’re looking forward to another year of great community engagement. It’s been a while since we updated you on our 10,000 stories project and we now need your help to take it to the next level.
Over the last few months, the Healthwatch Herefordshire team have been out and about at a range of different events, fresher’s fairs, Christmas events and were even seen floating down the River Wye at the very popular Wye Float! All in a bid to be able to speak with you and find out your opinions about Herefordshire. They have been asking the public three simple questions:
- What works well in Herefordshire?
- What one thing would you change in Herefordshire and
- Why?
Thank you!
Firstly, we wanted to say thank you for your support so far, it’s been amazing to see so many people come and talk to us. We have really enjoyed being in a variety of places and hearing your stories… and meeting family members of the 2 and 4-legged variety!
Through your stories, we have been able to shine a spotlight on important community issues, such as community safety and river pollution. Other themes include better mental health services, activities and provision for young people, improved rural transport and the bypass has cropped up a few times. Well quite a lot actually!
A big thank you to community groups too who have been brilliant hosts and supporters, we couldn’t have done this without you!
Why 10,000 stories?
We are delighted to be working with an organisation called Citizens UK and they are helping us to build a Citizens Alliance and carry out community organising across the county. Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse, and most effective people-powered alliance. They’re bringing together everyday people and local organisations to build a better, fairer society.
We are also working in partnership with Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, community organising and action is at the very heart of what they do. Perfect partners for delivering the first Citizens Herefordshire!
These stories are going to help Citizens Herefordshire, understand what people would like to see changed and why. This will form the foundation for change and your story could make it happen.
Please keep supporting!
There are a number of ways you can tell us your story, keep an eye out for our postcards in a number of places across the county, such as Queenswood Arboretum.
Come and talk to us! We would love to see and hear from you at our Chatty Van, the first mobile Public Living Room where you can grab a brew and tell us what you would like to see change. Follow our Facebook page and find out more information on where we are going to be this year… in fact, please do tell us if you have an event and want Chatty to be there!
Last but not least! You can tell us your story online, from the comfort of your home or office… or anywhere at all!
Citizen’s Herefordshire – 10,000 stories (smartsurvey.co.uk)
If you are reading this and are part of a civil society organisation (such as schools, universities, faith institutions, charities and unions), please be part of the first local chapter for Herefordshire and help us bring about that change.
Please contact Simone Thompson to find out more, simone@healthwatchherefordshire.co.uk
Where can the public find the postcards to complete?
We have placed our 10,000 stories post boxes and cards at prominent locations across the county:
- Herefordshire Wildlife Trust shop at Queenswood Arboretum
- St Peter’s and St James’ Church, Hereford
- Ross Tourist Information Centre
- The Grange, Leominster
- Leominster Library
- Kington OAK
We do move them around, so call us for the latest locations to be sure.
When will the public find out the results of the survey?
We are hoping to have the findings of the survey in Spring 2025 and at that point, we can work with our local chapter, Citizens Herefordshire on making that change happen!
How can the public get more involved if they want to?
Would you like to help us collect the 10,000 stories? We would love you to come and volunteer with us and be part of an even bigger change!
Call the team on 01432 277044 for more information.
