Ensuring every voice is heard: Lynn’s volunteering story

For Lynn, who joined after retiring from a long career as a midwife, medical aesthetic practitioner and business owner, it offered a way to stay connected and continue making a difference.

A role that fits after retirement

After more than 40 years working in healthcare, Lynn was looking for a role that would allow her to contribute without the pressures of full time work.

“I was searching for a voluntary role where I could maintain accountability but without direct responsibility. Healthwatch has given me just that.”

This balance has allowed her to stay involved in a sector she cares deeply about, while contributing in a way that fits her life now.

Hearing from people across the community

Healthwatch volunteers speak to a wide range of people, helping to make sure different experiences are heard and understood.

“It is a pleasure to interact with such a variety of people, including those who are often on the margins of society, such as older people, people who are isolated, and those experiencing homelessness.”

Through community events, surveys and conversations with local people, Lynn has heard first hand about the challenges people face when accessing care, as well as examples of good practice that deserve to be recognised.

“I feel it is important that everyone has a voice.”

For Lynn, making space for these conversations is one of the most important parts of the role, helping to ensure people feel listened to and included.

Turning experiences into improvement

Volunteers gather feedback at a local level, helping Healthwatch understand what is working well and where care can be improved.

“My role helps to gather this information at a grass roots level, identifying needs and best practice and thereby helping to shape the future service within health and social care.”

By gathering feedback directly from local people, volunteers help ensure decision makers understand what matters most to communities and where improvements are needed.

Every day is different

One of the things Lynn enjoys most about volunteering is the variety that comes with the role.

“It is never boring and every interaction is different.”

Every conversation offers a new perspective and a better understanding of the experiences people have when accessing health and social care.

“It is rewarding to feel of value, and I would describe my role as joyous and sobering in equal measures.”

While some stories celebrate positive experiences, others highlight the challenges people face. Together, they provide a powerful reminder of why listening to people’s experiences matters and why volunteer involvement is so important.

Would Lynn recommend volunteering?

Volunteering has allowed Lynn to stay connected to the community, continue using her skills and experience, and help ensure local people are heard.

For anyone looking for a rewarding way to give something back, she believes volunteering offers the chance to make a genuine difference while meeting people from all walks of life and learning more about the experiences of others.

Healthwatch provides an independent place for people to share their experiences of health and social care. By listening and feeding this back, volunteers help ensure local voices are heard and contribute to improvements that benefit communities across North Yorkshire.