For Volunteers’ Week, we want to thank our incredible volunteers for ensuring people in our communities can have their say on NHS and social care services, leading to improvements for everyone. Meet some of our volunteers below and find out why they volunteer with us.
“I have been volunteering with Healthwatch Northumberland for four years as a part time Research Administration Assistant volunteer. I attend the Here to Hear drop-in event at Hexham General Hospital and also help in the Adapt (NE) Community Hub.
“I am 64 years old and an amputee of seven years. Originally, I am from Hexham, but 16 years ago I decided to move to Ovington. I have a carer, who takes me out every week. I also have two pet cats and they keep me going.
“After my leg amputation, I wanted to do something that would get me out of my house and do something worthwhile. I signed up with Northumberland Community Action Team, where they arranged my volunteer work with Healthwatch Northumberland. I really enjoy the volunteer work I do, it is interesting and the staff are absolutely incredible.
“There are many memorable moments I have had with Healthwatch Northumberland. My first Healthwatch Northumberland Annual Event at Ashington College was memorable, and when I started going out to hear from people at Hexham General Hospital, and now in the community hub.
“People who are undecided about volunteering, I would tell them to ‘go for it’. You meet so many different people, which if you are like me, not seeing anyone, it is a brilliant way to reconnect with people. It is the best decision I have ever made.”
Lorna has been a Healthwatch volunteer for around eight years. She says:
“I currently live in Ponteland but have lived in several places including Tanzania as a child and though not a strong accent I see myself as a Scot. I enjoy time with family and friends, meeting up with my gym buddies whilst keeping fit, and holidays.
“Having had a diverse career in the NHS, I felt I had a variety of transferable skills to offer and contribute towards the work of Healthwatch.
“My memorable moment was highlighting the profound changes in Health Visiting leading to meeting with parents who were able to share their experience of a service they said did not always meet their needs. While HWN was able to influence some changes there are still challenges in providing a service in a rural county like ours which is why gathering feedback is so important”
Lorna says she would encourage anyone thinking about volunteering to ‘Give it a go! Because it can make a difference.”
“I have been with Healthwatch Northumberland around six months. I also volunteer for the Salvation Army and I am an animal lover.
“I became a volunteer because of a negative experience we had with my late husband’s care in an NHS Scotland hospital. I used to volunteer for the Citizens Advice Bureau in Gosport, Hampshire. I have always strongly liked helping people. It gives me real satisfaction, helping others. Knowing I was part of a beneficial change in the NHS, is what makes me feel good.
“I joined to give my life some meaning, to know I could be of service for a great cause. This is one service that would give anyone thinking of volunteering, real satisfaction that will impact upon possibly every person living here, including, one day, the volunteer him/herself!”
We are your local health and social care champion. We’re here to make sure your views on NHS and social care services in Northumberland are heard.
