Turning Challenges into Change: Nikki’s Experience with Healthwatch
I chose to volunteer because I wanted to do something meaningful with my time and make a positive impact in my community. After being made redundant, I felt lost and powerless in the face of personal and wider social challenges, so I decided to channel that energy into something constructive. Volunteering with Healthwatch gave me purpose, supported my wellbeing, helped me develop new skills, build connections, and stay motivated while navigating a difficult job market.
I found the application process with Healthwatch to be very straightforward, beginning with a simple enquiry and application form, followed by a friendly and informal interview that helped match my skills and interests to the right role. My conversation with Agne made me feel welcome and gave me a deeper understanding of Healthwatch’s mission, which only strengthened my desire to get involved. I learned that there are many ways to contribute, whether through writing, digital work, community engagement, or behind the scenes support, and that every role is valued. What matters most is the time you give, which allows Healthwatch to focus on its most impactful work.
I have been supporting with ad hoc tasks in a friendly, welcoming environment where the team genuinely care about their work despite busy workloads. I have contributed both in and outside of office hours, including data entry, event support, and writing this blog post, which has helped me develop my skills. Since starting full-time work, the team have been flexible and supportive of my availability, showing that even a few hours a month can make a real difference. I have also learned that volunteering can be supported through workplace volunteering days, offering another valuable way to give
Healthwatch isn’t about criticising these services but about identifying issues and making recommendations from the ground up to improve patient experiences and support the hardworking staff in public health care.
Whatever your motivation, whether that is helping a relative navigate social care, supporting someone who relies heavily on the NHS, or simply giving back to your community, I urge you to apply and get involved. I’m fortunate to have the time to volunteer, but even if you can’t, you can still support Healthwatch by sharing what they do and directing others to the volunteering page. Volunteering has not only allowed me to give back but has also benefited me in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
