Thanking those who are volunteering with us, have volunteered and opening the door to others!

As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week this week, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers for everything they do. Healthwatch is an organisation that amplifies the voices of local communities in health and social care, while also signposting people to relevant NHS services and support. We make sure local people’s views, experiences and concerns are heard by the decision-makers who can help improve services. None of this would be possible without our volunteers, who generously give their time, energy and skills to help us make a difference.

We are always pleased to welcome volunteers who are interested in our work and willing to give some of their time to support our projects. Volunteers take on a wide range of roles, including helping with social media, engaging with members of the public, and writing blogs or other content.

There are also opportunities to get involved more directly through our “Enter and View” visits. During these visits, we speak to people in health and care settings about their experiences before publishing our findings and recommendations in reports. Volunteering with Healthwatch offers valuable experience that can strengthen your CV and help you develop transferable skills, particularly if you are interested in a future career in health and social care.

Some volunteers also serve as board members, helping to oversee projects and shape our strategy. It is a rewarding way to support causes you care about while advocating for positive change in your community.

As a Healthwatch volunteer, you will be championing the interests of your community and helping to drive improvements in local health and social care services. It is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference while building confidence, experience and practical skills. We are looking for people who are passionate about their community, motivated to get involved and keen to learn. Qualities such as creativity, flexibility and reliability are highly valued, and we are committed to helping volunteers develop these skills further during their time with us.

If our work interests you and you would like to play a part in improving health and social care in your community, we would love to hear from you. Whether you are looking to gain experience, develop new skills or simply give back, volunteering with Healthwatch is a great way to get involved.

This Volunteers’ Week, we would once again like to say a huge thank you to every one of our volunteers for their time, commitment and passion. Your support makes a real difference, and we are incredibly grateful for all that you do. A big thank you from all of us at Healthwatch.