Volunteer with Healthwatch East Sussex 

Everyone is different and we appreciate that people have varying interests, lived experiences of using health and care services and time commitments. Because of this, volunteering with Healthwatch is very flexible and is designed to fit around your life.

Why volunteer with Healthwatch East Sussex?

Volunteering with us will be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. The various roles we have on offer will give you the opportunity to:

• Make a difference to your local community by helping people to have a voice about local health and social care
• Use existing skills, knowledge and networks
• Meet new people
• Enhance your skills and knowledge
• Access training and support
• Provide you with valuable experience

Join us as a Healthwatch Volunteer Representative

One of the roles available to our volunteers is as Healthwatch Volunteer Representatives.

Our Volunteer Representatives, champion Healthwatch East Sussex and the experiences and views of the public and patients at a range of forums, groups and other meetings.

Key activities undertaken within the role include:

• Acting as an ambassador for Healthwatch East Sussex and its objectives
• Attending health and social care meetings on behalf of Healthwatch East Sussex in East Sussex and if appropriate; Sussex wide, including forums and other organisations’ board meetings
• Preparing for meetings by reading evidence, minutes and supporting papers
• Sharing the views of Healthwatch East Sussex at meetings, through liaison with staff colleagues
• Attending consultation events on service changes on behalf of Healthwatch East Sussex
• Feeding back from meetings to the Healthwatch East Sussex staff, board and volunteers with a written report (Template provided)
• Helping at Healthwatch East Sussex events, e.g. engagement events, annual meetings etc.
• Giving presentations about the role, activities and achievements of Healthwatch East Sussex and/or its projects and programmes (with appropriate support and training)

• NHS 111
• Cancer services
• Adult mental health services
• Dental services, especially community dentistry

Some of our Healthwatch Volunteer Representatives and what they do to help shape health and care in East Sussex

Alan commented: “What motivates me to volunteer is my belief in the importance of patient voice. There are legal requirements on the NHS to listen to the patient voice.  Healthwatch enables others and me to contribute to that voice in East Sussex.  We all have our private views but contributing positively to improving health care is worthwhile and rewarding.  We all have something to offer.”

A word from Jane:
“ I joined Healthwatch as I wanted to contribute some time back into the community in my retirement and use some my experience and skills in a useful way representing the local patient groups, I get a lot of satisfaction knowing what I am doing is ensuring that the patients voice is heard and represented in a constructive way. I also like working as part of a volunteer team making a difference to health and social care I have made lots of friends and met like-minded volunteers who also believe that patients need to be represented and heard to enable change in our community.”

John added:
“As I reflect on my time as a HWES volunteer over the last 10 years, I have enjoyed it immensely, meeting interesting people and trying to make an effective contribution. I am now looking forward to ‘getting out on the road’ again and, hopefully, mentoring some new volunteers.”

For more information or to apply

For more information and to apply to become a volunteer

Visit our website here

Telephone: 0333 101 4007

Email: enquiries@healthwatcheastsussex.co.uk