Volunteering with Healthwatch

Why do we need you?

The more information we gather, the more influence we have over shaping how health and social care develops to meet the needs of the community. Volunteers act as the eyes and ears of local people, raising issues of concern.

What do our volunteers do?

There are a number of opportunities available. You can be involved as much as you choose, but we do ask for an initial commitment of 3 months. Training will be provided and reasonable travel expenses paid. The roles currently being offered are:

  • Community Outreach – Talk to local people about our services and record feedback
  • Healthwatch Representative – Represent us on health and social care related boards and meetings hosted by other organisations
  • Enter and View –Visit, observe and report back on services (group work) 
  • Office Support – Administrative support

Who can volunteer?

We welcome applications from local people aged 18+. You will have a willingness to listen and talk to a range of people. A non-judgemental attitude and an understanding of issues of confidentiality are essential. We need people who can confidently represent our role in the community. You will be able to communicate clearly in feeding back any information you gather.

Safeguarding

We are committed to following safeguarding guidelines for both children and vulnerable adults and will provide training in this area where appropriate. All of our volunteers will be asked to undergo a DBS check which is at no cost to yourself as part of the application process.

Why volunteer?

It’s a chance to meet new people and become more involved in your community. You will learn new skills and gain experience that could be a stepping stone into employment or training opportunities.

Find out more

If you're interested in joining us as a volunteer and would like more information or an application form, please get in touch with Volunteer Co-ordinator Julia Senior-Smith by emailing: julia@healthwatchbnssg.co.uk or phoning: 01275 854311

Our Volunteers

Tricia Godfrey 

Enter and View authorised representative, represents Healthwatch at meetings and is a Prioritisation Panel member.

Jane Towler

Enter and View authorised representative and Prioritisation Panel member with 7 years experience as a volunteer.

John Rose

Represents Healthwatch at meetings such as the North Bristol Trust Patient Experience Group and Healthier Together Citizens Panel.

Janet White

Prioritisation Panel member, Patient Participation Group member and involved in engagement work at Weston Hospital.

Amel Moussaoui

Provides feedback on project documents such as surveys and participates in the Investors in Volunteers quality standard work.

Terry Williamson

Chairs meetings of the North Somerset Patient Participation Group and participates in the Investors in Volunteers quality standard work.

Jill Reakes

Enter and View authorised representative, represents Healthwatch at meetings, is a Prioritisation Panel member and carries out public engagement/outreach.

Andrew Rodgers

Prioritisation Panel member and Healthwatch 'Champion' sharing health and social care local news stories.