A pledge to “amplify people’s voices” to improve their healthcare has been made by a former family carer who has taken over as chair of Healthwatch Redbridge.

The pledge was made at the organisation’s annual general meeting last week by its newly-elected chair Gita Malhotra.

“I am keen to amplify people’s voices and influence change to make sure everyone’s experience becomes a catalyst for better care,” she said.

“My personal experiences as a carer for my late mother gave me first-hand insight into the challenges of our healthcare systems.

“This has fuelled my passion and drive for health equity, inclusion and advocacy.”

Gita, who was brought up in Redbridge, has worked in healthcare for 35 years.

The AGM reflected on a decade of service by outgoing chair Lorraine Silver and board members Athena Daniels and Mo Dedat who have stepped down.

New board members are Afreen Jahan, Jerusan Jehanathan, Shahid Majid and Lisa Mina.

Achievements over the past 12 months included advocacy workshops, which the consumer body said had helped people to speak up for their rights and make sure their healthcare needs were being communicated in ways that were accessible to them.

Another milestone was the mental health first-aider training to support those with mental health issues.

A project was started during the year in the wake of a nationwide investigation into barriers preventing women getting cervical screenings.

The scheme aimed to understand the needs of women in reproductive health services.

Members of the Black Woman’s Kindness project spoke of their campaign to set up a wellbeing hub.

Its founder Cherrill Hutchinson said: “We were lucky to be able to create the hub. Healthwatch Redbridge has created a platform for organisations and people to collaborate."

The AGM also revealed how community groups get support from the Healthwatch Redbridge Community Fund that gives grants for projects to improve community health.

The meeting was followed by a network fair which brought 25 organisations and groups to Redbridge Town Hall and attracted 200 members of the public to get health advice and support.