Social media has transformed the way health and social care organisations communicate with patients, carers, and communities. More people than ever are turning to platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for health-related information, support, and guidance.
But with so much information online—some of it misleading or inaccurate—how can organisations build a trusted and engaging social media presence?
This webinar, Social Media in Health: Reaching and Supporting Your Audience, will equip health and social care professionals with the strategies and insights needed to use social media effectively, build trust, and engage communities.
Why Social Media Matters in Healthcare
Social media has become a key channel for health organisations, helping them to:
- Share accurate health information in an accessible way
- Engage with patients, carers, and the wider public
- Tackle misinformation and establish credibility
- Provide real-time updates on health services and support
With 72% of UK adults using social media for health-related information, it is vital that health organisations and social care providers are part of the conversation.
However, using social media in healthcare comes with unique challenges.
Key Challenges of Social Media in Health and Social Care
Misinformation and trust
Health misinformation spreads rapidly online, leading to confusion and distrust. It is essential for healthcare organisations to provide reliable, evidence-based information while actively countering myths and false claims.
Privacy and compliance
Health organisations must balance transparency and patient confidentiality. Posting patient stories, sharing medical advice, or engaging in online discussions all require careful consideration of GDPR and NHS guidelines.
Public engagement and accessibility
Health and social care services cater to diverse audiences. Content must be clear, inclusive, and accessible to ensure that messages reach and resonate with different groups, including older adults, carers, and people with disabilities.
What You’ll Learn in This Webinar
This session will provide practical guidance on how to navigate these challenges while maximising the impact of social media in health and social care.
Creating engaging and reliable health content
- How to develop educational content that simplifies complex health topics
- The best content formats—videos, infographics, Q&A posts, and live sessions
- How to strike the right balance between professionalism and accessibility
Managing misinformation and building trust
- How to fact-check health information and respond to misleading claims
- Techniques for increasing credibility and transparency in online communication
- Case studies of UK healthcare organisations tackling misinformation effectively
Choosing the right social media platforms
- The pros and cons of using Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube
- How to tailor content and messaging for each platform
- Strategies for increasing reach and engagement among different audience groups
Best practices for social media engagement in healthcare
- How to interact with patients, carers, and the community while maintaining professionalism
- The importance of tone, language, and empathy in online communication
- Strategies for handling negative comments and online criticism
By the end of this webinar, you will have the tools and confidence to create a social media strategy that informs, engages, and builds trust with your audience.
Who Should Attend?
This webinar is designed for:
- NHS communications teams
- Health and social care marketing professionals
- Public health campaign managers
- Charities and nonprofits working in health and wellbeing
- Anyone responsible for digital engagement in healthcare
The Power of Social Media in Health – Real-World Examples
To understand the impact of social media in healthcare, we will explore success stories from UK-based organisations that have effectively used digital platforms to educate, engage, and provide support.
NHS Digital – Combating misinformation
During the COVID-19 pandemic, NHS Digital used Twitter and Facebook to:
- Deliver live Q&A sessions with medical experts
- Share myth-busting infographics about vaccines and treatments
- Engage directly with the public to address concerns and build confidence
Mind UK – Mental health awareness campaigns
The mental health charity Mind UK has successfully used Instagram and TikTok to:
- Provide self-care tips and crisis support information
- Share real-life stories to reduce stigma around mental health
- Encourage engagement through interactive content and live discussions
British Heart Foundation – Educational video content
The British Heart Foundation leverages YouTube and LinkedIn to:
- Publish expert-led video guides on heart health
- Share patient success stories to inspire and inform
- Provide practical tips on lifestyle changes and disease prevention
These examples highlight how well-planned social media strategies can improve public health awareness, strengthen trust, and increase engagement.
How to Get Started with Your Social Media Strategy
Whether you are launching a new social media presence or looking to improve your existing approach, this webinar will provide a step-by-step roadmap for success.
Key takeaways will include:
- How to structure a content plan that aligns with your organisation’s goals
- The role of storytelling in building connections and trust
- Tools and resources to track performance and measure impact
By implementing these strategies, your organisation can use social media to support communities, provide valuable health insights, and drive meaningful engagement.
Join Us and Strengthen Your Social Media Strategy
Social media is a powerful tool for healthcare communication – when used effectively, it can educate, engage, and empower communities.
Join us for this live webinar on Monday 31st March at 1 PM or register for the recording to discover how your organisation can harness the full potential of social media while navigating the unique challenges of the healthcare sector.
