What is the purpose of the role?
To represent a group within the community and feedback their views on local health and social care services so Healthwatch can improve care locally.
What will I be doing?
As a Healthwatch Champion you are asked to:
- Be the point of contact between Healthwatch and your group
- Promote Healthwatch and its role within your group/local community
- Ask people in your group about their views and experiences of local health and social care services, like hospitals, GP surgeries, pharmacies, minor injuries units and care homes
- Impartially report the views of your group back to Healthwatch
- Feedback information from Healthwatch to your group in a way that is easily understood
- Attend Healthwatch volunteer training and group support sessions as appropriate.
Personal qualities needed for the role
- Good listening and communication skills
- Committed to helping people have a voice
- Able to encourage people from your group to speak up about their views and experiences
- Non-judgmental and respecting of others
- Able to separate own experiences from other people’s issues – and faithfully present the views of your group.
How much time and when?
The days and amount of time you give is flexible, but usually less than 3 hours a month. You can discuss and agree these with your volunteer support officer.
Why volunteer with The Care Forum and Healthwatch?
- gain skills, experience and references for future career development
- meet new people
- use your knowledge and experience to make a difference for local people
- help local people and give something back
- learn new things via on-going training and development opportunities
- gain a sense of purpose and feel you are doing something worthwhile
- improve your self-esteem and feel good about yourself.