Volunteers Week 2021 - Celebrating our volunteers (Part 1)

"Meeting others and socialising motivates me to volunteer. I also enjoy being able to help others and talk to people who need help with health services. Another motivation for me is to improve myself and increase my confidence. Volunteering has helped me by giving me something to focus on and look forward to which helps promote good mental wellbeing."

"A couple of years I got to represent Healthwatch Darlington during the NHS 75^th anniversary. I was invited to attend York Minster for a celebration event. This stands out especially,  as the pandemic has highlighted more than ever how important it is to value our NHS. I’ve also enjoyed representing at the Youth Parliament elections night, being able to hear what young people want to do to make a difference, but also being able to tell them that we can help them and listen to their health issues as young people. Finally, I’ve enjoyed being a part of a volunteer group, meeting others which has helped me settle into life in Darlington as I’m not originally from here."

"My role is important because I believe we help the service users in Darlington. I believe my role as a disabled volunteer helps to promote that volunteering is for all and anyone can do it. My role also helps service users who might have concerns about health services, we bridge the gap and help to make the services better by sharing their views. My role is important because I’m sharing my time and want to help others. Hopefully this shows people that we really care. " 

"My role helps  make a difference to Healthwatch Darlington as we can help to share the message, that we are here to help and listen to service users. Being a disabled volunteer means people see a different side to being a volunteer which I hope gives people encouragement, that no matter who you are, you can make a difference in your community."

"Confidence in being able to speak to different types of people, everyone has a different story to tell this has enabled me to develop my understanding and feel more empathetic. Being able to help someone gives me a sense of achievement, it inspires me to want to do more. It inspires me to be a trusted member of the community."

"Helping people, I’ve been a volunteer for many other organisations such as Gay Advice Darlington (GADD) and Mind. I’ve got a lot of experience as a volunteer. The pleasure I get from helping others who need extra support or being there for people when they need help is something I really enjoy."

"Being a part of the online meetings, meeting other volunteers and sharing experiences. I've also enjoyed getting support to help me in my volunteer role to grow in confidence, when it comes to writing and IT skills. I feel my friendships with other volunteers has helped me recently."

"I think its very important because we are the voice for people who don’t have a voice. Healthwatch can help others and organisations. By working with others we can make services for patients more helpful and supportive. I really support services users with mental health conditions and from the transgender community."

"My role can make a difference as a volunteer because I can be useful and be a part of a big role in improving health & care in Darlington and making service better for people. I was able to share my views on how Healthwatch Darlington can develop their advice and information on their website ensuring that the information shared is helpful for all and is inclusive."

"Support and skills to flourish. Learning new skills for example on how to use the computer/IT skills. Increasing my English writing skills. I get a lot from volunteering because I feel my life experience means I can help society in any way that I can."

"To help make a difference in health and care. I noticed there was a lack of help and information for individuals with learning disabilities and autism."

"The friendships that I have built amongst the volunteers and staff. I’ve also enjoyed gathering information and research."

"My role is important because I can be a voice for parent/carers and the community. I can pass information onto people who might not be able to access information due to a learning disability or not being online."

"My role is making difference because I am learning more health and care organisations which then means I have then be able to share information with others to help them in the community. When health discussions take place on Facebook I signpost individuals directly to Healthwatch for further help. I’ve also represented Healthwatch Darlington during online community events, sharing the core message to share experiences." 

"Confidence, friendship and knowledge."