Healthwatch is your independent health and social care champion. We would like your help to understand the health impacts of food insecurity, so we can find ways to reduce it. Please read the information bellow to find out more.
What is food insecurity?
Food insecurity is when a person lacks consistent access to enough safe and nutritious food for a healthy and active life.
Exploring the Health Impacts of Food Insecurity
We would like to invite you to take part in a research project. This leaflet explains what the project is about and what taking part would involve. Please read it carefully, and feel free to contact the research team if you have any questions.
What is this project about?
This project aims to explore the health impacts of food insecurity and identify ways to reduce its effects. Food insecurity means struggling to access enough affordable, nutritious food. We want to better understand how this affects people’s physical and mental health, especially in communities across Swindon, Wiltshire, and Bath & North East Somerset (BANES).
Your insights will help shape recommendations for health and social care services, local government, and food support initiatives.
What will taking part involve?
Taking part means completing a short survey (around 5 minutes) to talk about your experiences accessing food.
Who can take part?
This project is open to residents of Swindon, Wiltshire, or BANES and over who have experienced difficulties accessing enough or nutritious food.
What are the possible benefits of taking part?
Taking part gives you an opportunity to have your voice heard and help improve food support services in your area. You may find it valuable to share your experiences with others in a similar situation.
Are there any risks to taking part?
We do not expect any risks from participating, if at any point you wish to stop answering questions or feel like skipping one, you are free to do so.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. All information you share will be stored securely. We do not ask for any personal information but in the case you mention any name and any other identifying details we will delete them. We only ask for the first four parts of your postcode to understand the area you live in, while ensuring your exact location stays confidential.
Who is running this project?
The project is being led by a team from the Healthwatch Swindon, Healthwatch Bath and North East Sommerset and Healthwatch Wiltshire.
What if I have a question or concern?
If you have any questions about the questionnaire or your participation, please contact a member of your local Healthwatch.
Thank you for taking the time to make your opinions count.