National Patient Participation Week, also known as Patient Participation Group (PPG) Awareness Week, returns for 2025 with a renewed focus on empowering patients across the UK to take an active role in shaping healthcare services. Taking place from Saturday 31 May to Friday 6 June 2025, this important awareness week is coordinated by the National Association for Patient Participation (N.A.P.P.). It celebrates the invaluable work of PPGs in GP practices and encourages broader public involvement in the health services they use.
What Are PPGs and Why Do They Matter?
Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) are voluntary bodies based within GP surgeries. They act as a bridge between patients and healthcare professionals, offering a platform for dialogue, feedback, and collaborative decision-making. PPGs work to:
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Improve communication between practices and patients
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Provide input on how services are delivered
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Influence local healthcare planning and policy
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Promote health and wellbeing within the community
In essence, PPGs ensure that patients are not just passive recipients of care but active partners in the way services are designed and delivered.
The Aims of National Patient Participation Week 2025
This year’s National Patient Participation Week aims to spotlight the impact of patient involvement and provide opportunities for individuals to get engaged in their local healthcare systems. Core goals include:
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Raising Awareness: Educating patients about the existence and purpose of PPGs
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Encouraging Membership: Supporting GP practices in recruiting new members to their PPGs
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Showcasing Impact: Highlighting success stories where patient feedback has led to real service improvements
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Strengthening Collaboration: Promoting partnership between patients, practices, and integrated care systems (ICSs)
Why Patient Participation Is More Important Than Ever
In a post-pandemic NHS landscape, patient input is critical. With increased pressures on GP practices, changing technology (such as online consultations), and new models of care, feedback from patients helps to ensure services remain accessible, inclusive, and effective.
PPG Awareness Week 2025 offers a timely reminder that patient voices are crucial in navigating healthcare reform, improving service equity, and creating a more responsive health system.
How You Can Get Involved
Whether you’re a long-time participant or new to the idea of a PPG, there are many ways to take part in this year’s activities:
1. Join Your Local PPG
Speak to your GP practice to find out about joining its PPG. Whether you attend meetings regularly or provide feedback occasionally, your contribution is valuable.
2. Attend Events and Webinars
Practices and regional NHS organisations may be hosting information events, webinars, and discussions to mark the week. These are great opportunities to learn, ask questions, and meet others committed to improving care.
3. Share Your Experience
Use social media or local newsletters to talk about your experiences with healthcare services. Sharing stories can help others see the benefits of participation.
4. Support the Work of N.A.P.P.
The National Association for Patient Participation provides training, resources, and guidance to PPGs and practices across the country. You can support their work through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word about their mission.
Visit: https://napp.org.uk
The Role of GP Practices
For GP practices, National Patient Participation Week is a prime opportunity to strengthen their relationship with patients. Practices are encouraged to:
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Host PPG open days or Q&A sessions
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Display posters and materials about joining the PPG
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Share testimonials and case studies on social media
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Work with ICS partners to promote integrated, patient-led care
Success Stories: The Power of Patient Voices
Across the UK, PPGs have already made a tangible difference. Examples include:
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Influencing appointment booking systems to make them more accessible
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Promoting mental health support groups for vulnerable communities
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Collaborating with pharmacists to run medication review campaigns
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Assisting practices in developing digital literacy training for older patients
These successes demonstrate that patient involvement isn’t just symbolic—it leads to practical, measurable improvements in care.
Final Thoughts
National Patient Participation Week / PPG Awareness Week 2025 is not just an awareness campaign—it’s a movement that encourages meaningful engagement, mutual respect, and shared responsibility in healthcare.
By empowering patients to voice their views and work alongside healthcare providers, the NHS can continue to evolve in a way that is compassionate, inclusive, and patient-centred.
Whether you’re a patient, a practice manager, or a healthcare professional, this week is a chance to champion a simple but transformative idea: better healthcare begins with listening.
For more information, visit: https://napp.org.uk/news-and-events/
Let’s make 2025 the most impactful year yet for patient participation in the UK.