Volunteers Week 2021 - Celebrating our volunteers (Part 2)

Health Connector - Rachel Harrington

Rachel recently joined Healthwatch Darlington and is one of our newest volunteers. Rachel shares her interest and skills in the area of research and data, assisting us with our research projects the most recent being our 'Covid-19 vaccine' project. 

Rachel has been able to develop research questions and approaches with other members of the team helping us to find out peoples experiences. Rachel has already demonstrated a critical eye for detail which is so important when finding out patients views. Thank you very much for joining us Rachel, we can't wait to get to know you more.

What motivates you to volunteer?

"I really want to represent my community and their views. Volunteering makes me feel a part of my community and I get the chance to build social networks. Learning what most affects my community and hoping to make a positive impact from that is one of my main motivations."

What have you enjoyed about volunteering for Healthwatch Darlington so far?

"Learning about different types of health services and health conditions especially those that don’t effect me. Getting to know the other volunteers and hearing their perspectives. One of the best parts so far, was when I suggested that surveys are placed at the vaccine sites. I was listened to and this then happened, so far lots of people have been taking part in th surveys as a result."

Why do you think your volunteer role at Healthwatch Darlington is important?

"I think my role is important as I help the community make more informed decisions. Being a part of the vaccine project means we also feed into a national project which means the local voices of Darlington are heard nationally. "

How do you think your role makes a difference?

"Sharing my skills and experiences in research means I have helped ensure that surveys are reaching as many people possible and that they are structured in a way that makes them more understandable for people in Darlington."

Finally, what do you get from volunteering?

"I’ve increased my social research skills which is one of the biggest things I hoped to achieve at Healthwatch Darlington. The volunteering group is one of the most diverse groups I’ve worked with and this means I am growing my communication skills."

Health Connector - Gill Waite

Gill joined Healthwatch Darlington around 5 years ago and is one of our longest serving volunteers. Gill has a passion for volunteering and helping others, especially in the area of mental health. 

In Gill's time a volunteer she has conducted many enter & view visits within (care homes and hospitals), represented at meetings, assisted with community outreach, supported our administrative functions and listened to countless individuals share their health & care experience. Thank you very much Gill for being a committed volunteer, we appreciate all of your time over the years. 

What motivates you to volunteer?

"Volunteering helps my wellbeing and improves my mental health. I enjoy helping others which actually improves my own wellbeing. In my working life, I always thought it was important to reflect on my own working practice. I hope at Healthwatch Darlington we can ensure the same can happen within health & care services."

What have you enjoyed about volunteering for Healthwatch Darlington so far?

"Meeting different people and volunteers. I’ve especially enjoyed enter & view visits as I’ve been able to use my own skills I've grown over the years. I love interviewing patients and I am always happy to do this, so we can find out their experiences. This has expanded my horizons over the years as I’ve got to meet different people with different opinions."

Why do you think your volunteer role at Healthwatch Darlington is important?

Personally, I like volunteering so I can see things that make a difference. My role is important at Healthwatch Darlington because we are fulfilling a purpose. For example; I’ve known people who have had personal experience of difficult situations and they have not received any help from hospital. Healthwatch Darlington can help with situations like this by signposting to services.

How do you think your role makes a difference?

"Generally, if there weren't volunteers Healthwatch Darlington wouldn’t be able to do everything that it does. My role means Healthwatch Darlington can listen to more people, share more information and have a much wider reach. Our volunteer force means we have strong team of support and mix of skills which makes us a good working local Healthwatch."

Finally, what do you get from volunteering?

"Volunteering has changed my life. I have been able to learn new skills, build up my qualifications and experience, which has meant I've been able to get a much better job. This wouldn't have happened without volunteering."