Healthwatch Cambridgeshire launches Using People's Stories Guidance

Using people’s stories is integral to all we do as a local Healthwatch. It helps us to build an evidence base that we can use to help inform service improvement. 

We want to make sure that our staff and volunteers have the skills, knowledge and resources necessary to collect stories in the safest and most appropriate way. This includes an understanding of the principles of confidentiality and safeguarding; non-judgmental approaches; and a good understanding of equality and diversity.

This guidance document sets out a framework that will ensure that we collect and use stories sensitively, effectively and accurately, placing the person at the centre of all we do. 

We are sharing this document with local health and social care commissioners and providers to help them collect and use people's stories to improve services.