News and reports

We are pleased to share an update from our latest Primary Care Patient Participation Group (PPG) Forum — an important space where PPG members from across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough come together to share experiences, strengthen relationships with GP practices, and influence improvements in primary care.

Our PPG Forums are held seven times a year: three for the North Place (Peterborough, Fenlands, Huntingdonshire), three for the South Place (Cambridge, South Cambs and Ely), and one countywide combined forum that brings everyone together. This structure ensures that local issues can be explored in depth while also creating opportunities for shared learning across the whole area.

Our most recent combined forum brought together representatives from 14 GP surgeries, alongside members of the Cambridge City Primary Care Network and the Cambridgeshire South Care Partnership team. Through a series of workshops and discussions, participants explored what has been working well within their PPGs, how to reach a broader and more diverse patient voice, and how to build stronger relationships with practice staff.

The conversations were rich and insightful. Groups shared examples of successful initiatives — from helping at vaccine clinics and running health education events, to training patients in using the NHS App and supporting practice open days. Many PPGs have been strengthening their role as a bridge between patients and practices, offering feedback, supporting communication, and getting more involved in community activities.

Participants also highlighted ongoing challenges across primary care, including concerns about practice capacity, the impact of new housing developments, the future of patient engagement, and the need for clearer communication about how Primary Care Networks operate.

These forums continue to demonstrate the real value of bringing PPG members together: sharing practical ideas, supporting one another, and ensuring patient perspectives are heard at every level of the health and care system.

We are grateful to everyone who took part and look forward to continuing these important conversations at our next North and South Place sessions.

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.

The results show that mental health services are making a real difference when young people are able to access them — but long waiting lists, inconsistent communication, and poor transitions continue to cause harm.

Chief Executive of Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Jess Slater, said:

“Behind every statistic is a young person whose life has been put on hold. Long waits, abrupt endings, and confusing transitions are leaving too many young people without the support they need. We are calling for clearer communication, faster access, and better coordination between services. Young people told us exactly what needs to change, and their voices must now be acted on.”

The report includes recommendations for NHS providers, commissioners, councils, schools, and voluntary sector organisations.

By sharing these findings with local decision-makers, Healthwatch aims to help ensure that young people’s experiences shape real improvements across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

You can read the full report and recommendations here.