CONSUMER champions Healthwatch Dorset have been shortlisted for a national award that celebrates the difference local Healthwatch have made to health and social care in the past year.

Shortlisted from over 120 entries, Healthwatch Dorset has been recognised for its work in engaging and involving people from different backgrounds, seldom heard groups and those who experience accessibility issues.

Healthwatch Dorset chairman Joyce Guest said: “We are delighted to have our work recognised nationally in this way.

“Our innovative community investment projects are one way in which we team up with local community groups across the county, both to support the great work they do and also to enable us to hear the views and experiences of people we might otherwise not reach.

“This year we are supporting groups working with children with learning disabilities, adults with sight loss and people who are homeless, amongst many others.

“It is great to receive this kind of recognition and we’re very proud of the Healthwatch Dorset team.”

The final winner will be announced on Thursday at the annual National Healthwatch Conference in Nottingham.