Alex tells us what brought her to volunteer with Healthwatch Dorset
What attracted you to volunteer for Healthwatch Dorset?
Giving people an opportunity to be heard
Well, for me, it’s the mission that Healthwatch has that I’m really attracted to – I like what it’s about. I like the fact that you’re trying to make sure that people are listened to and that their voices are heard.
I know what it’s like to feel like I’m not listened to and that my voice hasn’t been heard, especially in the context of being a healthcare worker in the NHS but also being a patient in the NHS, in maternity services, and being a parent of a child who was in paediatric services and GP services. The accumulation of all those experiences just made me want to volunteer for Healthwatch Dorset.
Making a real difference
“I have used Healthwatch Dorset myself on two occasions and seen the impact; I’ve seen how you have actually changed services, in very, very profound ways.”
Independent, transparent, common sense approach
It’s that Healthwatch is independent, and the remit is not to manage a person’s complaint, it’s to manage the bigger picture. If things could be done in a different way, why wouldn’t they? So, for me, Healthwatch has got a common sense angle.
And, when you look at the Healthwatch website, it explains itself so much. It’s so very accountable and transparent. I just think it’s a good role model for other services; how corporations should behave. It’s very attractive.
Varied, flexible, and satisfying
It’s not an onerous volunteering role because it’s as and when – not every single week. I like variety too because I get bored easily and the fact that there’s something a little bit different every now and again is really useful for somebody like me. So, this is very satisfying because of its flexibility.
If it’s about feeling like you’re giving back to society and you’re making society a better place to live, then this is the perfect volunteering role.
Have you had a volunteering role before?
Yes, I’ve always enjoyed volunteering. I’ve been a playgroup leader, an advocate, a governor, a trustee, a children’s centre volunteer, and a minutes secretary.
Broadening horizons and new experiences
I do like to broaden my horizons. I’ve done one job most of my life and when you volunteer you get to have a little look into different things that are going on without necessarily having that pressure to perform like in a job and you can learn about things slowly and enjoy yourself.
It’s just about dipping your toe in – it’s been nice to dip my toe into different experiences and it informs all the other experiences that you have.
I’m just really glad that Healthwatch exists, and I mean that sincerely.
What role appeals to you as a Healthwatch volunteer?
The Enter and View position interested me very much because that is the kind of experience I think services need.
Note: One of the ways Healthwatch Dorset can meet our statutory responsibilities is by using our legal powers to Enter and View health and social care services to see them in action. During these visits we collect evidence of what works well and what could be improved to make people’s experiences better. We do this by observing the quality of service, and by talking to people using the service, including patients, residents, carers and relatives. Find out more about Enter and View.
How has your experience of volunteering with us been so far?
Well, what can I say? You gave me a shiny pink envelope full of presents. So that’s it, I’m attached to Healthwatch forever!
Well supported and part of the team
I’ve never been so looked after in a volunteering role before. So far, it has been like: “What can we do for you to make you feel part of the team and to make you feel like you understand everything that’s going on?”
Excellent opportunities for training and connection
Plus, you’ve got all these opportunities, for training especially, and the videos on the Healthwatch England website. I’ve done a couple of training sessions with Healthwatch England – it was nice to hear and talk to people all over England which gave me the sense of how big the whole the Healthwatch network is, and I felt a part of it, to compare experiences and you know everyone’s on the same mission – it’s really lovely.
The online induction training makes you feel part of it before you even get started and because of the website and all of the information on it, it felt very reassuring, and I felt prepared. For example, if you’re worried about your communication skills, there’s training to bring you up to speed.
Is there anything else about volunteering with Healthwatch Dorset that you want to comment on?
“I don’t think we should underestimate the impact of the work that Healthwatch does. I think it saves lives.”
Volunteer with us
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in our work:
- Make a difference in your local community by giving people the opportunity to speak up about their health and social care.
- Visit health and care services to see them in action and make recommendations to improve the quality of care.
- Make new friends as you become part of the Healthwatch Dorset team.
- Boost your CV as you develop new skills and confidence in the workplace.
- Use your skills to contribute to the success of Healthwatch across Dorset.
Get in touch
If you are interested and would like to find out more, get in touch with our Volunteer Officer:
lindsey.fish@healthwatchdorset.co.uk
0300 111 0102.
Find out more about our volunteering opportunities
