Lizzie's Volunteering Story
What made you want to become a volunteer?
As a politically aware young person, I wanted to begin volunteering for Heatchwatch West Sussex to gain a deeper understanding of the health services around us and areas of improvement needed to make them even better.
Providing patients with a voice they may not have had otherwise also pushed me to become a Healthwatch West Sussex volunteer
I began to see this avenue of communication as vital for the development of these services and continuation of good healthcare under the NHS.
What do you like about being a volunteer?
I enjoy meeting and entering into discussion with some of my fellow volunteers, listening to their knowledge of the field and developing my own ideas from theirs.
I also enjoy being a volunteer as I feel I am contributing and making a difference to a good cause which can help lots of other people, not just in our own county, but so nationally. Contributing to the wider aims of Healthwatch West Sussex is also very rewarding.
What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking of being a Healthwatch Volunteer?
My advice would be to be open minded and don’t be worried about sharing your own ideas or thoughts.
One of the best things about being a Healthwatch West Sussex volunteer is how rewarding it is, so I would say throw yourself into the role and enjoy it!
Why do you think it’s important for more young people to volunteer?
I can not stress enough how important it is for young people to volunteer and get involved in local groups and services. Young people, such as myself, aren’t always well represented and if more were to get involved in volunteering this would undoubtedly change! The services that Healthwatch West Sussex cover, from hospitals to care homes, affect everyone, young or old.
I would say that if you want to change something, the best way to do it is from the inside as an active volunteer!
Feeling inspiried by Lizzie's story?
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