A NEW forum is being launched to allow wheelchair users across North Yorkshire to share their experiences.

It follows a Healthwatch York report in 2015 looking into the issue and is aimed at keeping real people’s experiences at the heart of the services on offer.

The idea for the forum started with feedback from local wheelchair centre users, and has grown in response to their own review and the recommendations in the Healthwatch report.

And as well as regularly sharing people’s experiences it will help with the re-procurement of community equipment and wheelchair services

Healthwatch manager Siân Balsom said: “When we asked for feedback about these services, people told us they wanted a regular opportunity to get together and discuss things.

“There was a real appetite to be involved in designing, shaping and evaluating services.

“I am grateful to all local clinical commissioning groups in York and North Yorkshire and North Yorkshire County Council for responding to this call and supporting us to make this desire a reality. We can’t wait to get started.”

The deputy chief operating officer for the Vale of York CCG – and lead for innovation and improvement - Fiona Bell, said: “We’d like local service users to take this opportunity to share their experiences and views.

“I encourage as many people as possible to be part of the discussion and have their say, so we can shape services together.”

The first meeting of the forum, for people using Community Equipment and Wheelchair Services across North Yorkshire, will be at the Galtres Centre in Easingwold.

It will take place on May 23 from 10.45am to 12.45pm. Contact Healthwatch York on 01904-621133 or email healthwatch@yorkcvs.org.uk