Volunteer spotlight: Sally – helping local voices shape better care
When Sally joined Healthwatch North Yorkshire, she was looking for something meaningful to do with her time. She wanted to use her existing skills in a new setting and to feel that what she was doing genuinely mattered. What she found was far more than a volunteering role. She found purpose, connection and the opportunity to help improve care for people across North Yorkshire.
“I wanted to volunteer for an organisation that gave me new experiences while using my existing skills and knowledge.”
What she found was not only new experiences, but a real sense of purpose and belonging.
“It feels good to know that the time I give is helping something important.”
Listening to personal experiences
One of Sally’s main roles is speaking to people at community events and listening activities. These conversations give people the chance to share what is working well in health and social care, as well as where they are facing difficulties.
“Sometimes people just need someone to listen properly. You can see how much it means to them.”
For Sally, the value of volunteering is rooted in those one to one moments.
“You realise very quickly that everyone has a story. Being able to take that story forward is a real responsibility.”
The feedback volunteers gather is carefully recorded and fed into Healthwatch’s wider work. Those lived experiences help shape reports, inform discussions with service providers and highlight themes that need attention.
“It’s reassuring to know that what people tell us doesn’t just stay with us. It goes on to help improve services.”
Turning conversations into change
While volunteers may not always see immediate outcomes, their contribution forms part of a much larger process of improvement.
“You might not see the end result straight away, but you know you are part of the bigger picture.”
By collecting and sharing honest feedback, Sally helps ensure decision makers understand how policies and processes affect real people.
“Health and social care affect everyone at some point. If sharing experiences can help make it better, then it’s worth doing.”
Volunteers strengthen Healthwatch’s independent voice. The evidence gathered from local people adds weight and credibility when raising issues with service leaders.
“It gives people confidence to know there is an organisation that will speak up on their behalf.”
Personal growth and purpose
Volunteering has also had a positive impact on Sally herself. Through her role, she has developed a deeper understanding of how health and care services operate locally.
“I’ve learned so much about how the system works and how different services connect.”
She has also grown in confidence through speaking with a wide range of people and representing Healthwatch at different events.
“You meet people from all walks of life. It’s broadened my perspective and helped me feel more connected to the community.”
There is also a strong sense of pride in contributing to something meaningful.
“I enjoy helping people and making a difference. The health and social care sector is so important for everyone and I appreciate the opportunities that Healthwatch has given me to speak with different people and promote local voices and opinions.”
Why volunteering matters
Healthwatch’s strength lies in its connection to local communities. Volunteers bring empathy, curiosity and local insight that cannot be replicated in any other way.
“It’s about being that link between people and the services they rely on.”
Without volunteers like Sally, it would be much harder to gather the breadth of experiences needed to influence meaningful change across North Yorkshire.
“If you care about your community and want to make a difference, volunteering is a really positive way to do that.”
If you are interested in meeting new people, learning more about local services and helping improve health and social care for others, volunteering with Healthwatch North Yorkshire could be a rewarding next step.
